"The focus is to teach to the test". What? Speechless!

My sons' school also forbids the wearing of hats. I always thought that was to prevent them from hiding their faces from CCTV cameras. I've never heard any other explanation and, like you, scoff at the notion that in engenders respect for learning.

On the subject of homework: surprisingly, I actually support the notion. Not necessarily because the kids will learn anything specifically associated with the curriculum of the subject, but because it draws the parents in to what the children are learning at school and develops the home-school partnership.

Secondly, because the work has to be done outside of school hours, it requires that the child takes ownership of it - organising the time, space and materials required to complete the assignment. This fosters independent working. Of course, when the parent does the work for the child, none of this is achieved and all they learn is how to skive ;-)

What I do take issue with however, is that the British school day is so long (and that too much of it is spent sitting at a desk). From this vantage point, I do worry about adding to that burden with homework.

I've never understood why British children start school so young and, from the off, have school days that are almost as long as an adult's working day. I am fairly confident that there is no quantifiable benefit. I would rather see them spend more years at home, start at an older age, finish the school day earlier and spend more time doing sport and cultural activities.