Let parents be the tsars
Fraser Nelson 1:09pm
Slip some truth serum into Lord Adonis and, yes, I suspect he will admit the flaw in proposing new combined primary and secondary schools. Not that they won't work, but because the idea that the politicians know how best to educate children has been tested to destruction. The Tory proposal would let new schools set up in the most poular formats - if there was a demand for new sprawling school, aged 5 to 18, it would be met. More likely the demand will be for small, manageable boutique schools of around 300 pupils, a third of today's average size. For as long as poliicians are pontificating on exam structure, school size or teaching methods nothing will improve.
Adonis will also realise the absurdity in Ed Balls saying he wants local authorities to come up with a plan to turn around failing schools. It is precisely these local authorities that have made a mess of the schools in the first place: what makes him think there is a reserve of hitherto undiscoverd good ideas in them? Only in politics would this happen.
I found it interesting this morning how Radio Four went to a failing school in Clackton on Sea and commented how stunning the building looked after its facelift. That's this government all over: desperate to spend money, while failing to get results. Its not the infrastructure that bedevils British state secondaries, it's what happens (or doesn't happen) inside. In Sweden, the new breed of independent schools, which Gove would introduce to Britain, are usually in a few floors of an office block. Parents couldn't care less if they have a long drive or a snazzy science lab, as long as the quality of teaching is up to scratch. The lesson is clear: education is too important to be left to the hands of (local or national) politicians. Let parents be the tsars, and all else will follow.
Previous
Ian C
June 10th, 2008 1:48pm Report this commentAgree with your conclusion but some help in getting over the 'what can you do about it?' feeling that holds everyone back in this centrally planned and socialy engineered State, is necessary.
The first thing that should be 'encouraged' is that Primary schools should run to the age of 13, so that proper streaming into vocational/trades oriented and academic courses can be assessed properly on entry into the secondary stage. To be a good public education facility most schools will need to offer both.
300 is thus too few if a school is to get a good cross section of abiltiies, although is a perfect size for a proper pastoral care ethos to take hold.
THX1138
June 10th, 2008 2:40pm Report this commentFraser- Do you know I 100% agree with you on this. I thought your article on Swedish schools was brilliant we absolutely need to stop the education of children becoming an ideological battleground. We should do what works whether the ideas come from right or left it matters not a bit, surely only the outcome counts. Now I'm off for a lie down.
John Page
June 10th, 2008 2:58pm Report this commentYes I suspect most fee-paying schools have pretty tacky premises. You're right to say it's the teaching that matters. Small classes in sets with demanding goals and fun.
Craig Strachan
June 10th, 2008 3:31pm Report this commentThere's a very large combined elementary, middle and high school near me. The elementary school has separate facilities on the same site, and is popular with parents. The middle school and high school share facilities. The high school is well regarded and popular with parents. The middle school is not - it's regarded as totally overshadowed, and the rap is that kids there "grow up too fast" because of exposure to the high schoolers and their wicked ways.
Kevyn Bodman
June 10th, 2008 3:50pm Report this commentFraser,
I agree completely.
And I think this subject is so important you should return to it regularly.
Education really is the most important thing in modern life, for individuals, for society and for the country.
And it's failing in Britain.
Your suggested solution is the best yet.
Keep at it.
Craig Strachan
June 10th, 2008 7:43pm Report this commentIt's not always the case that big schools have a cross section of abilities. For instance, there's a very large private school in darkest Clackmannanshire with over 1,200 students, and it still can't field a decent first fifteen.
Back to top