SCHOOL NEWS: Children can’t tell the time using an analogue clock

A SOUTH Somerset headteacher has asked parents to help their children learn how to tell the time using an analogue clock.

While people of an older generation might find it a disturbing fact that children are unable to use an “old-fashioned” clock to tell the time – it probably is not that surprising if all they have known is the digital age.

Whereas in the photo (above right) children will be able to use the digital clock of 8.45 – many of them would not be able to say it was 8.45 by using the analogue clock with the hour and minute hands.

Mark Walker, headteacher at Swanmead School in Ilminster which caters for just over 260 children aged from nine to 13, said: “Over recent months we have become quite aware of the large numbers of children that find it difficult to tell the time using an analogue clock.

“This is obviously a very important life skill for all young people to understand and we wish to ask for the help of parents, where necessary, in addressing this.

“If this is an area their child or children finds more complex, please support them by asking them the time regularly and by questioning them on aspects such as ‘how many minutes have gont past the hour’ and ‘how many minutes there are until the next hour’ for example.”

Mr Walker, who was writing in the school's latest newsletter, added: “We will, of course, do our bit in the classrooms, but reaffirming this knowledge at home will be crucial towards the learning becoming ingrained.”

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