IT is a fact of modern life in schools that more and more emphasis is placed on benchmarking, assessments, examinations and league tables.

Talk to many teachers and they will tell you that it is a trend which is in danger of squeezing out another vital element of education - fun.

A survey published today by teaching unions and the Children's Society concludes that children are suffering from increased stress because of the pressure of taking 75 tests and assessments during their school careers.

Panic attacks, eating disorders and sleeplessness are often the result.

Cynics will suggest that the survey is another example of a society going soft on discipline. The call by Margaret Griffin, president of the Secondary Heads Association, for the reintroduction of coursework at GCSE and A-Level will be seen by some as an easier option.

But we believe it is right to highlight the potential damage an over-emphasis on examinations can cause to young minds. There is plenty of evidence - some of it tragic - to show the psychological scars that can be left behind by exam pressure.

Of course, we have to find ways to drive up standards. Of course, we want our children to reach their full potential.

But childhood should not just be a treadmill on which children strive to churn out academic success. It should also be a happy time in which the importance of play runs parallel with the importance of study.

Happy birthdays

THE nation will today pay a fitting tribute to the Queen Mother on her 100th birthday.

We are happy to join in the celebrations by reflecting on an extraordinary life which has inspired great affection throughout the world.

But we also take this opportunity to salute the many others who have also reached the age of 100 in this millennium year.

They are men and women whose lives have spanned a century of startling change - from the horse and carriage, to the splitting of the atom, to man on the moon, to the cloning of life.

Happy birthday to them all.