Education, training, skills and careers
What makes a good teacher?
For girls aged 7 to 11 the most important feature of a good
teacher is that they respect students, listen and are fair (chosen
by 55%), followed by being well trained (51%), knowing their
subject (45%) and having a lively personality (45%). Of least
importance is that they are young (28%). Older children in this age
range are more likely to say that a good teacher respects and
listens to students (74% of 9- to 10-year-olds compared to 39% of
7- to 8-year-olds) and gets good exam results (41% of 9- to
10-year-olds compared to 29% of 7- to 8-year-olds).
Which of these things worry you about
school?
The worries of girls aged 7 to 11 centre around the social
aspects of school, with over half mentioning being bullied (54%) or
falling out with friends (51%). These are followed by having to sit
exams (39%) and going to secondary school (38%). A third of girls
are worried about teachers who are unfair (30%).
What could make school less boring?
Last year, more than a third of girls aged 7
to 16 said that they didn’t like school because it was repetitive
and boring. This year we asked what they thought could be done to
change this. For 7- to 11-year-old-girls 33% wanted school to be
more enjoyable and exciting, 13% wanted more activities, games and
clubs, 9% wanted more or longer breaks, 5% wanted better playground
equipment or a bigger playground, 5% wanted to go outside more, and
5% to make it more interesting and relevant. But 11% said they
liked school as it was.