School Experiences survey
initial results

Follow the link below to complete the survey

http://www.anythingleft-handed.co.uk/school-survey.html

Nearly 1,000 Club Members have completed the survey on left-handers' school experiences so far and we want to thank you all for taking the time to share your stories. Our early analysis supports the evidence we were seeing in emails and in talking with members and customers that left-handers are still getting a far from equal service from their schools. Some of the statistics are quite worrying and we will definitely be on the campaigning trail soon to raise awareness among teachers on how to help their left-handed pupils.

Of the responses we have received so far, an interesting picture is already emerging of left-handed students with an overwhelming 85% of you having trouble with smudging writing. The introduction of white boards into the classroom has done nothing to alleviate this problem, as one respondent highlights

"...white boards are very hard to use when you are left-handed, as you wipe it all off as you go along."

Aching hands are also a problem for 65% of you, yet only 10% of students have received any specific advice on left-handed writing techniques from their teacher. Worryingly, some teachers even try to "uncorrect" children who have been taught the correct left-handed techniques at home, because this does not conform to school policy!

"Before I started school my mum taught me to tilt my paper, but when I went to school the teachers wouldn't let me tilt my paper. (they would paperclip it to the table so I couldn't move it!). I now write with a hook and smudge my writing."

The problems of sharing a desk with a right-hander sitting at your left were mentioned by 87% of you - both students will knock elbows when writing or have to adopt an awkward posture to avoid each other if not re-seated. This problem is easily fixed if the students swap seats, yet only 42% of you reported being allowed to do so by your teacher.

It is heartening to know that 89% of children are aware that left-handers should use their own scissors to make cutting easier, yet it seems that only 37% have had access to left-handed scissors in the classroom. Many of you have had to purchase scissors to take to school to overcome this problem.

It is particularly gratifying to see so many teachers completing the survey. The comments made show that many of you have used the information from our website and Handwriting Factsheet to improve writing posture and technique for your left-handed students. The challenge, however, would seem to be getting the message across to the rest of teachers who are
not members of the Left-Handers Club!

Remember, these are just our early findings, and we are keen to highlight areas of improvement as well, so if your school or teacher deserves an accollade for their awareness of left-handers needs, complete the survey and let us know about it!

If you have not yet completed the survey and are (or have a child who is) at school, please add your views and experiences.
Every response is important to help us create a balanced view of education today and, as a member of the world's largest organised group of left-handers, you are in a unique position to contribute to real changes and improvements.

Follow the link below to complete the survey

http://www.anythingleft-handed.co.uk/school-survey.html

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