Post by NewsmanPost by geopeliaPost by NewsmanOn Fri, 11 Feb 2005 12:47:33 +1300, "Roger Dewhurst"
Post by Roger DewhurstPost by AxlePost by NewsmanBut do you also hate them for their centuries of philanthropic and
nurturing patronage that has resulted in some of the finest and most
glorious examples of the works of humankind, and our ability and
freedom to see, hear, exploit and enjoy them?
Where abouts in our fair country would we find such works to enjoy ?
But for the British monarchial system you would not have the benefit of
habeas corpus and juries to judge your guilt or innocence.
Nor, indeed, public schooling (grammar schools), orginally established
to educate the hoi-polloi 600 years or so ago.
They did a great job. Very sad that so many have had to become
"comprehensive" recently.
Long may the great Public Schools flourish!
I must declare a certain personal interest. My father taught at a UK
state grammar school, founded in the 16th century, from the late
1920's. In the early 60's it was obliged to change to the
comprehensive system. OK, so he was approaching retirement when such
change was perhaps a little more difficult to cope with, but even
allowing for that, the light went out in his eyes.
"Most of my working life I've been teaching children almost all of
whom have at least shown they cared. Now I get all and sundry, more
than half of whom *don't* care and are almost unteachable, distracted
and incorrigible. I am now expected to be a nanny and pastor to them".
He retired in the nick of time and then privately tutored the brighter
students for a number of years. Demand was heavy and his life remained
fulfilling and rewarding 'til near the end.
The church was packed to overflowing with his former grammar school
students.
A relative of mine took early retirement too, when his grammar school became
comprehensive. He also did private tutoring. I think the British education
system lost many good teachers over it.
My father taught for many years in a Secondary Modern, for children who did
not pass the 11 plus. He was greatly respected by his students, and taught
them at a level suitable for their abilities and interests. That school too
became comprehensive and combined with the local Grammar School, but after
his retirement. I wonder how the students coped with a more academic
education. Streaming would have worked, but would not be politically
correct.
In the grammar schools, we wanted to learn. School was not just a waste of
time until we could leave and go to work.
Everything was geared to passing School Certificate (before O levels came
in). The cost of the uniform etc was a burden to our parents, but they paid
and were proud of our abilities. Academically, we had much the same
education as in the Public Schools, though without all the extras and
optional subjects of course, and most grammar school pupils were day
scholars who did not get the advantages of boarders.
Did you watch the TV program "Teachers"? Who on earth would want to teach
in those conditions? I hope teachers today are not like those portrayed by
the actors!
Geopelia