Well Lissy, although I normally agree with most of the postings here I have to say, the alternative to this is relying on all those useless, violent, bigoted, illiterate, ignorant and lazy twats I see breeding all over the place being relied upon to teach their kids even the basics (Assuming they can even be trusted to turn up for 'lessons' themselves). If my own father had been able to take enough time off his daily grind to furnish me with knowledge then it would have been pretty sparse what with the fact that he's unable to read or write. I'm incredibly grateful for the privilege* of being able to attend school as not only did I learn a lot but came into contact with other children and teachers who enriched my life and actually inspired me to question authority. Schooling for the working classes is actually a right rather than a burden and it would appear to me that many of the people who are happy to throw the baby out with the bath water on the issue have just lost perspective and any appreciation for what they were given. It obviously didn't institutionalise them to the extent that they're incapable of using the tools they were given to criticise the place. With regards to politics and totalitarianism, I honestly can't say I would have ever picked up '1984', 'Brave New World' or 'Fahrenheit 451' if it wasn't for a couple of brilliant English teachers I had. Also, for many children in remote areas school is their only opportunity to socialise with other kids and have a part of their life away from their parents and occasionally even adults. Also, although some apparently 'alternative' thinkers are down on the whole idea, the students are in a setting where they are all dressed the same, removing the trappings of their social class which can cause divisions, snobbery, envy and resentment which allows their personalities to fashion and declare their individualism whilst encouraging non-materialistic and consumerist methods (eg. hairstyles, slang etc) too. Another bonus is that those children suffering abuse and/or neglect at home are more likely to be noticed. Also the murdered ones are usually notable by their absence.
It's by no means a perfect system but for heavens sake - Just imagine all the varieties of folks you know attempting to pull off anywhere as near the same feat when it comes to range and efficiency of education. We need doctors and we need surgeons. The chavs down my road couldn't even do an elevation sling. They're more likely to be the cause of the injury.
*In this world, it still is one. Ideally we'd all have access to texts, materials, equipment and the means to get us to it but that is a long, long way off.
Well Lissy, although I normally agree with most of the postings here I have to say, the alternative to this is relying on all those useless, violent, bigoted, illiterate, ignorant and lazy twats I see breeding all over the place being relied upon to teach their kids even the basics (Assuming they can even be trusted to turn up for 'lessons' themselves). If my own father had been able to take enough time off his daily grind to furnish me with knowledge then it would have been pretty sparse what with the fact that he's unable to read or write. I'm incredibly grateful for the privilege* of being able to attend school as not only did I learn a lot but came into contact with other children and teachers who enriched my life and actually inspired me to question authority. Schooling for the working classes is actually a right rather than a burden and it would appear to me that many of the people who are happy to throw the baby out with the bath water on the issue have just lost perspective and any appreciation for what they were given. It obviously didn't institutionalise them to the extent that they're incapable of using the tools they were given to criticise the place. With regards to politics and totalitarianism, I honestly can't say I would have ever picked up '1984', 'Brave New World' or 'Fahrenheit 451' if it wasn't for a couple of brilliant English teachers I had. Also, for many children in remote areas school is their only opportunity to socialise with other kids and have a part of their life away from their parents and occasionally even adults. Also, although some apparently 'alternative' thinkers are down on the whole idea, the students are in a setting where they are all dressed the same, removing the trappings of their social class which can cause divisions, snobbery, envy and resentment which allows their personalities to fashion and declare their individualism whilst encouraging non-materialistic and consumerist methods (eg. hairstyles, slang etc) too. Another bonus is that those children suffering abuse and/or neglect at home are more likely to be noticed. Also the murdered ones are usually notable by their absence.
ReplyDeleteIt's by no means a perfect system but for heavens sake - Just imagine all the varieties of folks you know attempting to pull off anywhere as near the same feat when it comes to range and efficiency of education. We need doctors and we need surgeons. The chavs down my road couldn't even do an elevation sling. They're more likely to be the cause of the injury.
*In this world, it still is one. Ideally we'd all have access to texts, materials, equipment and the means to get us to it but that is a long, long way off.
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/advice-and-guidance/before-the-equality-act/guidance-for-students-pre-october-2010/getting-into-education/the-right-to-education/
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*non-consumerist :)
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