Industry news
There was a fascinating article in the Guardian in July that children are to be given extra pen lessons this year: 'When children return in September, many will spend extra time with the specialists, and also occupational therapists who will be employed specifically to help children who have fallen behind.' Apparently the latest KS2 SATs results showed a drop in the percentage of students gaining 'expected' in writing, maths, grammar, punctuation. Handwriting was down by 10%.
The reason is clear as the article explains: ' Lockdowns compelled millions of children to do schoolwork at home on laptops and tablets, typing instead of writing.' this is the future. These children will be doing their university work, their study for apprenticeships, their day to day work in offices, factories, retail etc. 'on laptops and tablets, typing instead of writing.'
Lockdown may have killed handwriting so perhaps schools should give in and accept the inevitable. Even our traditional exams may soon become digital, in line with other countries around the world and some existing vocational exams in the UK. So, isn't it time our children learned to type?
Handwriting will be paid for out of the 'Covid catch-up premium which will cover 75% of the cost of tuition, with schools having to find the other 25.' Wouldn't this money be better spent on learning to type?
Looking for a qualification in touch typing
Due to numerous requests from teachers asking for a recognised qualification in touch typing to validate their learners’ digital skills, KAZ has partnered with Open Awards to produce the only National Ofqual regulated touch typing qualification which will soon be widely available. Schools are already showing interest in entering their KS3 and SEN pupils for the exam, and colleges plan to offer the qualifications to their learners to prepare them for the workplace.