IT'S the end of an era. Bethany, the youngest of my three children, has just left Christ's Church C of E School in Harwood for pastures new, causing me to reflect on the changes in education I've seen since my eldest moved on to Canon Slade eight years ago.

Bethany left having regularly been taught using one of the three interactive white boards the school now possesses.

She is proficient at producing Powerpoint presentations and projects using a variety of computer programs (recognised in the school's recent excellent OFSTED report).

She knows all about the genres taught in the National Literacy Strategy, and her mental maths is excellent due to the introduction of the oral starter in the daily numeracy lessons. Quite significant changes since my eldest began at the school.

But some things have not changed. All three of my children achieved level 5s in their Key Stage 2 SATs at Christ's Church. The league tables won't show that.

All three have developed a sense of awe and wonder at the world around them, a respect of children from a wide variety of backgrounds, and understanding of Christian values. The league tables won't show that.

All three were taught by dedicated and kind staff (ALL lessons were assessed as "Good" or better in the OFSTED). The league tables won't show that.

This year, the league tables will show that Christ's Church did brilliantly in the 2002 SATs. That's great. But it's not really what's important to me. I want to thank Mrs Watson, the Headteacher, and her superb staff, for going that extra mile with all my children. For treating them as the individuals they undoubtedly are, and for helping them to develop academically, spiritually and morally. Thank you Christ's Church. We will all miss you.

Mrs Jane Mann

Hough Fold Way

Harwood, Bolton