This year group is no longer tested in creative writing: it is too difficult to mark as there are no 'rights' and 'wrongs'.
A test of grammar was probably introduced because of one of those generalised cocktail party conversations to the effect that 'children no longer know how to speak properly' or 'no one can write a proper sentence any more'.
As an apostrophe (and occasional grammar) pedant, I have some sympathy but before we get all high and mighty, just have a look at the test paper. Turn to page 28 and work backwards, asking yourself honestly how many you can confidently get right. And no, I am not going to tell you the answers.
Lynn Truss has much to answer for but can you think of a better way of making English Language the Most Boring Subject at School?
Which would you rather have: perfect grammar as approved by the Ministry or Jane Austen's wonderful prose complete with its myriad 'spelling errors'?
