Bag's Rants

Parental control. Not of kids, because we can't do it, but of schools.

Parents given control over schools. That will work out well. How are they going to do that? It may simply differentiate class in schools. How many people are really in the position to make a decent go of this? Being involved in arranging a school fair and attending a few meetings is hardly grounds for actually making real decisions that will take years to prove themselves. Just ask our Government. They, with no experience and common sense, managed to screw it up. How are the common laymen to do any different? I know I couldn't.

Now maybe it's just me with rose tinted spectacles but what was wrong with the schools in the 60s, 70s and 80s. They handed out education and taught many skills. There was much less absence and rowdiness. Employer's knew what they were getting when the got a list of qualifications.

My kids have just come through school. They are forced to take a language so missed out of something they can actually use. Coupled with the fact they are given limited choices in their options so they end up with a miss mash of qualifications some of which are not relevant to their needs. Now they are talking about deferred success. Luckily I missed that. Poor souls are in for a big shock when they try and get a job.

Like everything else in this country education has been used at a PR exercise by politicians for years and like everything else the Government influences it does not deliver what it is supposed to either.

I did think privatising them would be a good idea and fund then by results on basics and everything. But the government could screw that up too by requiring so many conditions it will be impossible to get a decent education.

What they should do is stick them in school. In general leave the junior schools as they are. Maybe enhance some basic skills like reading and basic maths. In secondary schools start by teaching them the basics, Basic Maths, English, PE and some basic problem solving sciences and electronics. Then in the year 8, give them a more detailed mixture of sciences and other subjects. Followed by years 10 and 11 with their choices. Advanced maths, Chemistry, Physics etc. Let those that don't want to attend attend something else where they won't impact on students who are willing to learn. Perhaps flipping burgers at the local burger bar would do. In case you are wondering how we do this, it's simple. We pay the kids to go to school. No more money for the parents via social services. Kid goes to school and is being educated equals Kid earns real money for his living expenses. Suspension is without pay. Kid doesn't go to school then no money so they have to get a job. Screw them, let them screw their own lives up and not impact on those willing to learn. It'll cut down bullying as well.

Then make the exams something worth working for. No deferred success. I want to be an aircraft designer. I need Maths, English, Physics and Electronics. Yippee. I got a pass in English and deferred successes in the others. I'm clearly qualified. Nope!. Let them learn the realities of life while they can do something about it before they leave school.

posted by Bag @ 2:51 am