Missing the point on education:
Tim Worsall wonders if he’s gone insane.
Unfortunately not, its just that we’re ruled over by idiots.
The point of vocational education is that not everyone is suited to an intellectual education, so you tailor education towards the individual.
You let the nerds (like me) do our thing, study maths (or english, or history). Its what we’re good at. Let others study those things they’re good at - like my brother and his design and jewelery. Its not any lesser or greater in the grand scheme. To the individuals involved however the value of being able to pursue their own talents is huge.
Of course, forcing people to pursue vocational studies no matter what they’re good at is to be expected from a party of micromanagers with an ideological commitment against individual excellence.
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January 15th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I agree with your sentiments, although also think vocational options should be made available from a much earlier age.
However, I don’t see how it applies to the proposed laws. They seem to require impartial guidance. At present, sixth forms and college often use careers advice as an opportunity to tell students which of *their* courses is best suited to them, not what is best suited to them out of options at all institutions.
So, the point is to ensure that people get guidance that reflects whichever of the two they are better suited to, not to railroad everyone into doing some academics. Worsall just seems to be beating on they fears of middle class parents.
January 16th, 2008 at 11:42 am
I totally agree. The government is fixated by an academic perspective. It bores on about ‘choice’ in education then denies it when push comes to shove.
The school system is driven by targets for university entrance and this perverts it right down to an early age. It’s high time we had a proper high-status vocational route beyond school.