Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has asked the Government to consider how education could be better delivered following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Conservative MP requested the debate on Tuesday (March 23), where he acknowledged that it had been a difficult year for children and their educators, but said he saw an opportunity for radical change nationally.
On the Island, Mr Seely asked schools minister Nick Gibb about the possibility of developing a higher education campus to offer degree level courses and keep young people on the Isle of Wight.
He also asked Mr Gibb to consider whether a change in term times could enable more consistent learning, how the use of technology could enhance future learning and how the Government could work in a more integrated and coherent way.
As for exams, Mr Seely questioned whether the school year could start and end at different times with assessments being held in March or April, when children are less distracted by summertime activities.
Speaking after the debate he said:
“Teachers, support staff and parents have worked so hard this past year to keep children learning as best they can I can’t thank them enough for their hard work in these very challenging times.
“Now is a good time to review what works in our education system and what doesn’t. Our young people will be integral in building a better future for our country, so we need to equip them now with all the skills they are going to need.
“I am concerned about the effect long holidays can have on learning. Shorter terms with shorter, more frequent, holidays could be a better approach and result in more consistent learning.
“I also want to see the Government making faster progress on getting more technology into schools, homes and businesses. I believe every child should have a tablet or laptop for the duration of their schooling, in the same way that they would have had a pencil and notebook 50 years ago.
“I want us to think about making changes now, not in a few years’ time when the rest of the world is several steps ahead of us. These are the questions I am putting to the Government to get them thinking about how we can make improvements to our education system for the benefit of our young people.”
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty Plan Unanimously Approved
More Islanders Cross The Solent With Wightlink’s Discounted Fares For NHS Appointments
Hampshire And Isle Of Wight Air Ambulance Funds Defibrillators For The Community
Isle Of Wight Council Budget Pressures Likely To Continue Following Autumn Statement
Council Approves Support Package To Help Islanders On Low Incomes
Isle Of Wight Councillor In Mental Health Priority Motion
Bird Keepers Urged To Remain Vigilant Following Increased Avian Influenza Risk
Island Pupils Receive Lesson In Road Safety That Could Save Lives
New Shanklin Flats Given Green Light
Joe Robertson Appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary For Shadow Culture, Media And Sport
Shanklin Company Making Nuclear Waste Sorting Safer, Greener And Cheaper
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Landscape Plan Decision On Horizon
Help Sought For Isle Of Wight's Struggling Small Businesses
Primary School Admissions For September 2025 Now Open
Island Families Invited To Take Tour Of St Mary's Special Care Baby Unit
Work To Sink Three Boreholes At Leeson Road Due To Finish This Week
Emergency Works Underway To Repair Shanklin Culvert And Prevent Flooding
New Strategy For Tree Care On Isle Of Wight
Public Spaces Protection Orders To Be Reinstated Across The Island
Who Is Your Island Tourism Hero? Red Funnel's Isle Of Wight Award Nominations Open For 2025
