Quote:
Originally Posted by Toy Soldier
It's that time of year again Livia! When we agree on something  .
The most academically able students should be identified and allowed to enter an environment where they can thrive and reach that potential... And the ability to have that happened shouldn't be limited by family income. This seems like pretty basic common sense when it comes to creating a thriving economy.
There are many state schools that are excellent and get it right... In an ideal world this would be true of all schools but in reality... It's just not the case.
I also agree with rewarding ability and am constantly irritated by my daughter's school even at primary school level on that front. She is ahead in everything... But fairly effortlessly. She's inherited my unfortunate laziness. But they don't reward attainment... They reward "effort"... Even if that effort gets bog standard results  .
I'd go further and make it more than academic in terms of opportunities... For example, a guy in my woodworking class at school was creating things that were seriously quality, aged 14. I would say genuinely gifted. It came to him effortlessly. Of course he fell through the net dramatically because he wasn't excelling at English / Maths and now I'm pretty sure he's either completely down and out, or dead.
If someone had picked up on that early and allowed him to pursue it his life could have gone in a completely different direction. |
You hit the nail on the head with the woodworking guy. There should also be an element of selection in schools where those with non academic abilities are encouraged and the mapping of career paths and apprenticeships worked toward with regard those abilities. Gifts come in all forms and should all be nurtured and valued. I think education could be more tailored and partnerships that could lead to apprenticeships developed.
The other thing desperately needed in secondary schools is rabble control. There is an element who disrupt. They should be removed from the class so others can learn. Take them on a cross country run and get rid some of the excess energy. My own son got his gcse's apart from maths. Maths was the only class he wasnt in an advanced class for and in the average class he couldnt learn because the rabble were too disruptive and the teacher couldn't control them. Six months after he left he achieved a comfortable C in maths at 6th form college because the class had no disruptive element. If kids are acting up or the teacher can't cope they need to come out of the group so the rest can learn. Harsh but true.