To Raniji et al_ Schooling, politics and a smattering of history_
Why can't Brits teach children how to spell and punctuate? A teacher of our elder son said, after I'd pointed out his spelling and punctuations errors, in work she'd given him a B+ "As long as he has the gist" was her reply. We warned our boys, "You can't pause or record teachers", so listen and absorb.
If either of our sons were absent, (due to an illness), I'd write a note, asking for info on the missed work, in order he'd catch up over the weekend. I mentioned it at all the parents evenings. Incidentally, we never went on holiday during term time. We never received any catch up info - ever. Is it any different today?
Back to the rules; who threw away punctuation and spelling rules? Is because there is insufficient time in class? Our local school children aged between 13-16 exit at 2.50pm. Why so early?
I believe Michael Gove had the right ideas; mainly to persuade teachers to adopt methods and behaviour codes in use in private schools.
And yes, I've a foot in both camps.
Any ex teachers reading this? Why are teachers swamped? Could it be similar to when a barrister wants to impede another, he/she bombards an opponent with paperwork. Ringing any warning bells? Cameron's successful, calculated strategies are working well. We're told teachers are "leaving in droves." Cameron and Co don't want an educated proletariat. Hence Gove's exit.
As an example of their behaviour when a cabinet member was called an "oik." (Apologies, I've no idea how to spell that word.) The unfortunate cabinet member only went to a London public school. Food for thought yet?
If Cameron really wanted all our schools to succeed, he'd introduce then enforce, a Brit equivalent of Japanese school hours and discipline.
Discuss