Friday 18 February 2011

Free Schools. A good or bad idea?

Is it time for pupil power along the lines of a junior version of the rebellion in the Arab countries, namely a grass roots uprising? Alternatively as with the schisms that happen within all religions, will individualised mission statements lead to élitism? And if so is the whole process in danger of becoming fundamentalist? So far a "one-size-fits-all" system is failing to nurture uniqueness and encourage specialisation. Can the ideal education system ever be achieved by politicians allowing more personal freedoms?

All creative comments welcomed.



2 comments:

Unknown said...

Free schools.
All the time schools are used as factories to churn out obedient producers and consumers, they cannot be allowed to nurture uniqueness. The mantra of "personal responsibility" is used, but not intended to connect with true personal freedom or meaningful choice.
Diane

roger peck said...

Regarding schools are used to churn out producers and consumers, it is debatable whether they even achieve that. Recent statistics released, indicated that in the boom period, when millions of jobs were created, a greater percentage of jobs went to EU nationals, rather than to locally educated British nationals.

As far as consumers are concerned, education appears to do a poor job as it stands. Our consumers are ill prepared for adult responsibility. Two quick examples come to mind - the first is the lack of financial prudence and basic budgeting, secondly simple knowledge of what constitutes a good diet.

I agree that buzz words are used in a mantric manner. However, it would be worthwhile if personal discipline was encouraged along with an understanding of the balance between rights and responsibilities.
I am all for personal freedom, as long as it does not impinge on another's freedom and rights. "One persons rights stop where anothers begins".