by Steven Cuthill

Created on: August 02, 2008

How many people leave school without the ability to read and write. Is this a flaw of the education system or a flaw of the learner? Some blame learning difficulties or individual learning needs and the lack of ability of modern schooling to understand and identify these needs. People with special needs used to go to special schools now many are left to go it alone in mainstream schools.

Needs like dyslexia and similar learning matters to those who suffer. Teasing at school for wearing glasses or hearing aids mean that some children feel uncomfortable wearing them and their education suffers as a result.

People who have learning difficulties can be good at certain subjects and secondary education is not ideally geared up for them. Most teachers appear to be interested in the top percentile that are reaching grades and show potential to be doctors and solicitors. Many of us probably would have wanted to be doctors but once the exam results hit the mat we realised that some other vocation was probably set out for us.

So, will education be more tailored to meet an individual needs or does it have to go back to basics or sit somewhere inbetween? It probably needs to remain generalistic, touching on english, maths, science, physical education and some other subjects such as geography and history so that we can move forward as a society. How much of a foundation is created by this existing education format? Do you remember anything that you learnt from school? I think our education is most likely formed after we leave school, the school of life. This then brings into question does secondary school prepare you for life after school.

Already sexual education and foreign languages that were only taught at secondary level are now being pushed into primary school. If you do not receive the initial building blocks in education then what subjects you get taught in secondary school are likely to be affected. Is maths your strong point? No, is this because your brain does not like mathematics or because you were not taught it correctly - the standards of education are difference from estbalishment to establishment.

The level of qualifications are different from country to country also, and this makes comparisons equally difficult. How do English A levels compare with Scottish Highers for example and is one really more difficult than the other? This has a knock on effect in relation to access to further education.

What about subjects that are not taught at secondary school. In Scotland we have our own language, Gaelic, but it is not taught across all schools or levels. Is this a part of modern society or a lack of interest in our cultural history. The topics within our subjects is also a concern. How much Scottish history is taught in History, or local geography during Geography lessons.

Interference by politicians and others tinkering and reviewing our education system dilutes the qualifications gained by thousands of pupils. It is not to say that the education system is perfect but it is what we all know and helps employers, universities and others compare like with like rather than apples with pears. Some would say we need it changed others would say we need better standards of teaching, education and access to better schools with up to date facilities for our children.

The balance between ability, curriculum and social and cultural links forms a dyfunctional family made up of different parts that make up the secondary school experience.

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