Outrage as school Nativity axed so six year olds have more time to study for their SATs
A HEADTEACHER has scrapped her primary school’s Nativity play so the six and seven-year-old pupils can focus on their studies.
Christine Peden said they will perform a summer “graduation” show in May instead after finishing their SAT tests.
A parent of one child at Pear Tree Mead Academy in Harlow, Essex, said: “The children are devastated.
“It is taking away the concept of Christmas in this school, especially when they are all so young. I feel really sorry for the children.
"They feel they are being punished for something. The other year groups are doing a Nativity, it is just Year 2 which have had theirs cancelled.”
Nicki Marsh said on Facebook: “There must be some fun for children.”
Linda Hawkins added: “What happened to children being children? Are the SATs results going to change a child’s life?
“No. But memories from a Christmas concert will stay for a lifetime.”
Some also defended the head's decision, Peter Moulds said: "I'd rather my kids studied to better themselves, the head should not have to defend the decision."
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But Mrs Peden said parents were told of the decision at the beginning of the year.
She added: “Considering the notice given, I have had no parents speak to me about concerns of their child not taking part.
"We give the privilege to Year 2 to perform a graduation play in the summer term.
"This is a special occasion of them moving from the infant stage of their education to the juniors.
"The children thoroughly enjoy this occasion and make them feel ready for their onward journey to the upper school."
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