Education is now dystopic, as it is difficult for those on the receiving end to understand where it is going or what the end result will be. "I am doing a course" is a favoured refrain of generation X and Millennials, but it misses the point that not doing the course doesn't mean you shouldn't know or don't know, or are not recognised as having knowledge.
I have a few things to rant about. The first one is the shortening of the school day, and everyones know that scholars are on the streets any time after 2pm. Whilst it may be true at school that there must be equality and diversity, in the real world competition and peer group selection are and always will be prevalent (without affirmative action, which is often an own goal). School kids need to get real, and realise that when they are seeking anything of value be it a job or a partner or home, it is a jungle out there and the better able will always win. Numeracy and literacy are a taught gift that will benefit you for the rest of your life. Saying that you are no good at maths, almost as a boast, cuts no ice. When you have been short changed and you don't even realise it, who is the winner? Literate letters of complaint are far more convincing than scrawled rubbish.
The list can go on for ever. I was talking to a friend this morning, and he has 40 years of experience of teaching maths. He said that whilst it was a good thing that every child now counts as a teacher pupil experience, dumbing down does no one any favours. We should aim high, and aspirational environments that encourage skills will eventually win over get rich quick mentalities or short termism.
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