[Kizzy]

Originally Posted by Pyramid*

Precisely my point - that standards of teaching have declined and much of that came with the 'ban the belt' stuff. No deterrents in place so kids knew they could do what the hell they liked with no real consequence.

it's a bit rich (in every sense of the word) to strike about pensions: they way the teachers are going on, you'd think they were the only ones who had cuts to their pension plans. they should think themselves lucky that they work for the state who do in fact contribute to their pension schemes. Far too many who work in the private sector don't have that luxury - but they don't go on strike at any moment it suits them.

never in a million years do the teachers get my sympathy. Not on this one, not a chance. hell would freeze over first.

I disagree, educational standards have declined, student standards have declined....not teaching.
Working for the public sector in any capacity is for the benefit of everyone. They do contribute to it , its not free money.
I can see you are not open to this, teachers , firefighters,police officers,nurses.....They deserve respect for the work they do, recently they are being dumped on from a great height.
Its not right, this country will continue to decline untill we look after those who look after us and the future generation.