Do fecking teenagers actually go to school these days? Seems to be they spend more than half of their time on one break/half-term or another and, even when they do go, what are they learning? (Note I am not referring to what they are taught) Feck all as far as I can see. Most cannot add nor speak or spell properly. They appear to rely solely on their mobiles for everything and human interaction is via text or some social networking bollo**s like What's Oop or Faceache. Those feckers probably envy Stephen Hawking's set-up!
Ermm...rant over
There is no doubt in my mind that educational standards in this country are falling. There are a number of reasons, not least of which is government interference: league tables, constantly 'improving' the curriculum, etc. Another is society itself: the number of families who choose the 'benefits option' and, consequently, have no interest in, nor need of education.
Yet another problem is disruption in the classroom. Teachers have little real control of pupils these days, thanks to the do-gooders and their banning of the cane, and the pupils know it.
There will always be some children and young people who DO want to learn (thanks mainly to being brought up properly), and their chances in life are often being ruined by those children and young people who DO NOT want to learn. Unfortunately, successive governments and their appointed 'experts' are in favour of inclusivity, where the good are forced to mix with the bad.
I've said it before, but here goes. If I were the emperor of the world, I'd make education optional. Yes, you heard me correctly. Only those who want an education would go to school. Unhindered, they would learn and develop to the best of their ability (I realise that not everyone is going to be a brain surgeon or a rocket scientist) and have a real chance in life.
Those who don't want an education could do what they want and suffer the consequences when adults.
Of course, there are a couple of conditions under which this hypothetical system would work: no benefits unless physically or mentally unable to work (must accept any job offered); immediate imprisonment for anti-social behaviour, crimes and other misdemeanours.
(Incidentally, this forum seems not to recognise the correct spelling of 'inclusivity' and 'misdemeanours'!
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