More on Education
A pertinent, if rather rhetorical question from an English Teacher at Harrow:
“Can’t spell simple words and can’t punctuate a simple sentence, but can still get an A grade in GCSE English? That can’t be right, can it?”
The next quote comes from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority which oversees exams in England:
“There is a need to ensure that young people are fully equipped with the functional skills that will enable them to engage purposefully as citizens and in employment, and we are currently working with several other organisations to develop this new set of qualifications.”
“…develop this new set of qualifications”? Why? Fifty years ago, we managed to educate kids to a high enough standard. Why now should we suddenly be developing new qualifications? What is so different?
We need to unravel all of the new fangled shit teaching techniques of the last 30-40 years. We should accept the fact that they are not working and be prepared to re-learn what it was that once made the British education system the envy of the world.
Or we could always settle for the New Labour argument that League Tables are the only way to save the education system. But hey, it is only the future of our civilisation we are toying with.
God I hope I spelled everything correctly.
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By Uponnothing.co.uk, July 20, 2006 @ 12:31 pm
God I hope I spelled everything correctly.
spelt… perhaps?
But yes, ‘everything’ was spelt correctly.
By Politicalog, July 20, 2006 @ 1:02 pm
spelt
Bugger…
But yes, ‘everything’ was spelt correctly.
Very droll
By Uponnothing.co.uk, July 20, 2006 @ 2:14 pm
Apologies, I commence my teacher training in September to become an English
teacher, I am just trying to get the hang of droll humour in time to
disappoint classes with it…
By Lorna, July 20, 2006 @ 2:18 pm
According to the Collins Concise Dictionary circa 1988 it can be both spelt or spelled. It may be that since then the lexicographers have seen fit to change this. We’re maybe just showing our age!