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The author comments on the intended aims of education in Great Britain. He questions the focus on students' performance on national examinations instead of on development of the whole child. He states that the British education system is based on the belief that mental ability is the only validator of a child's worth. He calls on schools to develop children's multiple abilities, including linguistic, social, and moral skills, toward supporting their well being and preparing them for life.

The author comments on Secretary for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls announcement that the social and emotional aspects of learning (Seal) program will be introduced in Great Britain's secondary schools based on its success in primaries. He supports the move as adding to quality education and student nurturing. He responds to critics' claims that education is for learning facts, school is not the place for well-being classes, and teachers are not equipped to support the program.

A letter to Ed Balls, Great Britain's Secretary to the Department for Children, Schools and Families, is presented. The author praises Balls for the work he has completed early in his term and his alignment with Prime Minister Gordon Brown's thoughts on education. He describes several successful international programs for emotional and physical well being and asks the secretary to include similar effective teaching in the curriculum in order to protect the nation's children.