11th Picture

Although this picture is of Auckley Junior School, I’ve used it to signify all educational establishments. 

I think its fare to say that I was a late bloomer. Even though I tried very hard at school, nothing ever stuck and as a result my educational qualifications are non existent.

No matter what the subject, I was hopeless. I just drifted through school and considered myself a dunce until quite late on in life.  

Having said that, I’ve always been good at quizzes, I’m not sure how that works because some of the answers are based on things I learnt at school! 

I think our educational system is much too focused on academic excellence and very little or no thought is given to other skills our children may be good at. Why aren’t we championing the athletes, Artists, Musicians or those that are destined to do manual work (builders, plumbers, painters.. etc). 

These are vital jobs so why not formally teach them at school?

I don’t think anyone has ever asked the question. What do we want our educational system to do on behalf of our children and our society?

Once that question has been answered, then and only then should we design a system of education. 

As you can see I’ve given this some thought and if I was to design a system it’d look something like this. 

Nursery aged from 4 to 6 years old. The emphasis here should be fun, and very basic philosophy to teach kids right from wrong. As well as some very simple maths and reading. 

Infants aged from 6 till 10. All students should be the age of ten be able to read, write and maths. More emphasis on philosophy. The rest of the time the child should do what they are good at. Be that games, music, reading, drawing…etc. 

Juniors aged from 10 till 15. During this stage, we should look to educate  the child fully as well as trying to hone thier skills in whatever they are good at.  

Senior aged from 15 years till 20. This should really be classed as their apprentice stage. We should utilise whatever resource it takes to get that child to the career of their choice. 

After School, those that want to pursue further educations will go to universities and the rest will go into their chosen professions. 

Could you imagine, we would have people who are doing what they are good at and enjoying it! 

How many more geniuses would we have? 

A lot more than now, I can assure you.

Ammo