To think primary school children are smarter than we were in the 1980's?

[Littleideasbigbook]

After observing zoom lessons for two weeks and supporting my DD with her school work, I am pretty impressed with the cognitive abilities of 9 year olds in this country tbh.

There is definitely a spectrum of children in DD's class, of both demographics and ability, (Yorkshire village but next to a big industrial town that has a high index of social deprivation) so not all of them are super performers but the baseline level of applied knowledge, problem solving, analysis, socialisation, literacy, speech, presentation and grasp of technology is not that far off what I see at work if I am honest.

The way they are introduced to a new concept and then build their knowledge in stages, contextualise it then relate it to other subjects is amazing. They did a geography lesson on climate and biomes (they all knew what a bloody Tundra was!) and had a class discussion on different biomes in relation to the equator. One boy said 'Oh Miss C, is that an arid climate because of the angle of the sun?' and the teacher (cleverly) linked in with previous learning in science and maths. Don't get me started on their literacy either...they are amazing! When I was 9 I remember being bamboozled by Jesus feeding 5k people with 2 loaves and a few fish (catholic school) but it didn't occur to me to question it and say hang on, the maths doesn't add up here. I hear loads of people slag off the curriculum (and I don't doubt it is a pain to work with btw) but whatever schools are doing to translate it into practice, they are doing bloody well. The collaboration between the children is much better than I remember from my peers too - lots of feedback and peer marking, respectful. I wonder if better nutrition has helped? The internet? Parental involvement? Better quality teaching? Children's rights? I remember being leathered with a wooden spoon by the nuns and disliking school for that because I was a timid, tiny little girl. Maybe learning is helped by a lack of fear?

YABU - the primary aged kids I am in contact with are rubbish in comparison to my generation

YANBU - I have noticed that primary children seem much more able than in my day.

I think that I could regurgitate facts and basics far better than my dc (times tables, spelling, grammar) but with a lot less of the practical and critical thinking skills. I do think that's come at a cost though and many dc are behind in literacy and numeracy as a result.

I don't think so. Looking at what my children were being taught in a "naice" primary, and what I was learning (started school in 1969, and I kept some exercise book!), I'd say they were somewhat behind, although both of them are high-achievers now.

The curriculum is far more prescriptive now, but that doesn't mean that it is always well-delivered, or that children really grasp it before they move on to the next step.

Education standards have fluctuated a lot over the decades. I went to a Welsh Comp, and did Latin, Shakespeare, poetry, grammar, 2 languages etc. I am always surprised at the number of posters who missed out on that...- perhaps they are younger, and had different exam boards.

I did all O'Levels, and they were certainly a lot harder than the GCSE's which replaced them, particularly the earlier modular ones. I still have the texts books, and DD (who is doing Further Maths at A Level, and got a 9 at GCSE) showed them to her teacher - let's just say he was surprised! It's really a consequence of having one exam for all (aside from the higher tiers in some subjects). Schools also ran CSE's alongside O Levels, which were less academically challenging (multiple choice etc).

As always, so much depends on personal circumstances and the quality of teaching. Primary teachers are expected to cover a lot, but not necessarily in depth. I don't think children now have developed better brains (or lesser ones) but most certainly have easier access to information. Whether they choose to use it, learn it, or even understand it is another matter.

@Takemebackto98

Yes, I totally agree. My DS1 (17) struggled at primary school and now I see why after having a glimpse into todays curriculum. He is a musician and very kinaesthetic. He is much nore academic now but was a late bloomer in regards to school, its a shame that education is a one size fits all. I can see why they went down the technical/vocational/academic strands to try meet this need but not sure if it worked?

I have been thinking about this since I posted and reflecting on my early education. Whilst the physical punishment was awful, I must have had a good baseline level of early education as I progressed through to Level 8. I think we did a lot more hands on work - clay, maths cubes, singing, PE was involving lots of touch too (the big gym frame), baking, lots of crafting. That element is certainly missing from my DD's school education and she seeks it out at home (makes slime, paints, goes horse riding, likes planting etc).

I think the academic in me has a lens that 'technical and academic' is good BUT actually to be an all round learner you need not only the knowledge, you need the application too.

I think my grandchildren are getting a better education than my children did in the 80s/90s but their education was much worse than mine in the 60s.

I was at school during 70s and 80s and now a teacher so I'm always comparing. I agree with previous poster that although there is more academic expectation, there is far too much in the primary curriculum, particularly in KS1. Nowhere near enough time for creativity; many KS1 teachers struggle to find time to read a story to the class. I remember long, warm afternoons at school completely absorbed in a book the teacher was reading aloud.
I also believe that the level of accountability that all schools and teachers face is (along with other external factors) causing mental health issues in too many of our children.

@Krook my DD's teacher reads the class story on Zoom from 2.45-3.20pm and it has been a delight. We sit on the sofa (usually at a table) and the very act of someone reading to you whilst you sit and listen has been such a privilege. It has been years for me. Both me and DD get sleepy and it is so lovely. I wish it could carry on at work

Yanbu
However your child’s teacher sounds exceptional.

Absolutely agree. Thank god my teens know what they are doing and get on with it, I'd have no idea how to do their work.

I think a bit of both. When I was doing past papers with my kids they were definitely easier than the exams I had done in the 80s. However, I am constantly amazed at their general knowledge (they are all in their 20s now). The things they talk about between themselves are way over my head - they have access to a lot more resources than we had - I had to go to the library for a book. Now they listen to podcasts and look things up online. I think this generation is definitely smarter than we were but maybe not just in a book sense IYSWIM