It has long been recognised that poetry is a valuable device for introducing new words in isolation - such as 'contrary' in 'Mary Mary' but it is the 'garden of silver bells and cockle shells' that will fire the creative imagination and inspired teachers no doubt take the form further by looking at the enthralling stories borne out of the context from which many such rhymes originated.

While some of the latest suggestions from the Department of Education which seem to be rolling out at the same rate as spam emails are interesting, not to mention surprising, what seems to be overlooked is an appreciation of the impact that the e-age is having on the way we learn, the way we communicate, the way we function and the way we live.