CLASS 809 of a Bolton comprehensive reckon Education Secretary David Blunkett has a few lessons to learn about growing up in 1998.

The busy youngsters decided to give the Government minister a rap across the knuckles for ordering teachers to set them hours of homework every night.

The Withins pupils did some extra homework of their own and fired off a letter of complaint to BEN editor Mark Rossiter.

The 12-year-olds had been studying a poem, The National Union of Parents, by Roy Fuller, in class and listed possible demands if children had their own union to fight for their rights.

Top of the list was less homework. The pupils say they already have difficulty squeezing in the average 90 minutes homework expected of them every night.

And they complain to the BEN that they will not have time for things like football, Guides and other activities when this is increased to two and half hours in a few years time. James Booth, who penned the protest letter on behalf of the class, concluded: "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

When told of the letter, Withins head Judith Richardson applauded the children's initiative but said she does not believe the Mr Blunkett's guidelines are too harsh.

"It is hard for pupils at this stage to understand how homework is directly related to success in their GCSEs," she said. "We do encourage pupils to take up sport and other activities but they have to realise that homework is more important to their future success than watching TV or going out.

"Many people are now expected to do training outside working hours and I think these homework guidelines will help pupils develop the skills needed for lifelong learning."

An official at Mr Blunkett's office said the Education Secretary will consider the children's complaints alongside other representations made during the consultation process.

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