"I blame the parents"

[denny]

Interesting angle. The main thing that got me through being terminally uncool at school was knowing that I was the brightest one in my year - but then I can't see my parents having discouraged me from being as smart as possible, even by subtle omission.

http://education.independent.co.uk/schools/article1630281.ece

Comments

[belaroo.livejournal.com]

There are theories that suggest that the school system we know and look back at bemused and confused was born out of the industrial revolution and has nothing to do with intelligence and everything to do with preparing us to work, obey, consume and get on. Excellence isn't a quality that fits that if your future is to qualify as a hairdresser/solicitor/programmer/argos worker etc.
Nothing at state school (Christ's Hosptial might) prepares you to work like a bastard to start your own dream, make the world better or form a rock band. I only worked this out by doing a mad American course in Amsterdam which opened my eyes to how trapped and restricted me and most of my friends were. I immediatley stopped hanging out with dope and coke heads and decided stop making excuses and to follow some dreams.
I hope I can bring my kids up to follow their crazy dreams and be fearless enough to be bright young things.

[hythloday.livejournal.com]

Excellence isn't a quality that fits that if your future is to qualify as a hairdresser/solicitor/programmer/argos worker etc.

Not sure I understand this. Are you saying it's impossible to excel at any of these jobs?

[belaroo.livejournal.com]

Definately not! I just don't think the state school system prepares us to be brilliant at anything - that might risk alienating people less talented. It is enough that you are able to find work.
I really admire people who take pride in doing the best job they can. I just don't believe that 'the system' is really interested in that. I don't think school really prepares people to put their heart and soul into what they do, just so long as they can find a job. I suppose it's 'passion' I mean. I know at least one hairdresser who is passionate about hair and very talented. I don't think he learnt that at school though.
There's an interesting thing here I've just seen - it's something to do with confidence and self belief which must be almost impossible in the context of state schools to teach - and parents either have it or don't.
If you have it, you are more likely to go for it and admire others who do to. People like this used to really scare me - a better class of individual. Now I'm a bit more centred and able to like myself, I can happily complement others and take acknowledgement. This wasn't something my parents or school were able to teach me. When I meet teenagers who already like themselves and have pride in themselves, I well up with a mixture of jelousy and relief for them!