Root cause? The IQ tests, which are in large part based on mathematical/logical principles. Through the majority of the 20th Century the accepted measure of intelligence was ability to do maths well, just as during the 19th, kowledge of Latin and Greek had been the yardstick.

Maths is n longer taught in schools with the depth and rigour it once was. Mental arithmetic, done at pace under pressure, has vanished along wth learning multipilcation tables by heart. Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, logarithms - gone, or at least only taught on a basic level. This leaves the kids with problems following logical methodology and that affects their ability to complete standard IQ tests.

Other issues are attention-span, memory and general knowledge, all of which affect the perception of intelligence.

Primary schools no longer teach subjects but 'topics'. The kids are expected to acquire skills such as literacy, numeracy and research, as well as information, by exploring various aspects of the topic in groups. The result is that the two kids in any group who actually do all the work acquire a few skills and some knowledge while the rest mess about. The teacher can say the work was done and the dossers don't get called out.

A traditional, forty minute, sitting in rows facing front, no talking, work on your own, single subject lesson forces attention-span increase and puts a stop to coasting.

Memorising multiplication tables, poems and passages of text trains the memory.

Subject-centred lessons enabe the acquisition of general knowledge across a broader range not tied to a 'topic'. General knowledge quizzes should be applied regularly, as should comprehension exercises on a variety of texts.

Discipline should be strict and enforced with meaningful punishments -loss of playtime, detention, fining parents, isolation in class and firing squad. OK, maybe not the last, but the occasional teacherly tongue-lashing or even six of the best shouldn't be entirely ruled out. Not all kids are delicate little flowers - some of them are little bastards and tough as old boots.

Inteligence is an innatequality ad differs from person to person. Education exists to provide the tools needed for people to make the best of ther talents, to give people some knowledge of most subjects and to create civil and sensible citizens.