Candid Caller

THE schools go back this week to a summer of discontent in the classroom, with teachers threatening to boycott this year's tests. This week the Candid Caller asked the people who should know - the Masters - did you enjoy school? Were you tested? And do you think pupils today should be tested?

Mrs Joanna Masters of Nottingham: 'I was very happy at school. I was there during the war and spent most of my time in air-raid shelters, which meant I missed an awful lot but I learnt about people. I think tests are a good thing. I wasn't very good at them myself but they were an important part of my education. I think tests help keep pupils on the ball.'

Mrs Gwendolin Masters of Cambridge: 'I didn't enjoy school. We did have tests when I was there, but I don't think children should have to do them today. They can get on all right without them.'

Mr Douglas Masters of Southampton: 'I was pretty average, but school was better than working. I was tested at school and thought it important. Tests are just as important today, they keep kids on their toes. I don't think school is as good today. I've got two children; if I had the money, they'd go to private schools.'

Mrs Jackie Masters of Coventry: 'I didn't particularly enjoy school, although I didn't really have any worries. I wished I'd paid more attention. We were tested when I was in school. I did well at English and history but was hopeless at maths and French (I've always regretted not doing better at French). I think education in Britain has gone downhill and more tests would improve the system. Some children leave school not even being able to spell.'

Mr John Masters of Lisburn, Northern Ireland: 'I went to two Catholic schools. I didn't enjoy the primary school, because it was run by very strict nuns, but I did enjoy secondary school, which was run by monks. The secondary was a boys' boarding school and it was great. There was so much to do outside the classroom that I just got on with it all. We had exams at the end of each term and assessments every three weeks. I agree with tests for children in secondary school, but not kids in primary school. They're too young to be put under such pressures.'

Mrs Martha Masters of Blackpool: 'I loved my schooldays. I was brought up in Hackney and had a smashing time. I never missed a day. I was tested and think children should still be tested. It must help them, surely?'