In Northern Ireland, children begin primary school at the age of four - younger than anywhere else in the world. Across the water, in Finland, they start three years later. So who has got it right? Should children be allowed to determine their own futures? In this episode Stephen and Mhairi debate the benefits of homework, learning through play and what happens when you force a child to do maths.
Featuring:
[04:17] Wendy Ellyatt, Save Childhood Movement
[10:03] Petteri Elo, Finnish education specialist
[15:47] Stephen McCord, Ulster Teachers’ Union
[18:57] Thomas Cornilessen, Co-author of report: ‘Benefits of starting school early’