| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Elephant in the Room - Toby Young's School idea | |
| Posted by: | Peter Todd | |
| Date/Time: | 21/08/09 11:19:00 |
| I feel a bit conflicted about this. On the one hand I totally agree that our local state schools, in particular Acton High, need the support and involvement of the whole community. Unfortunately the high level of middle class families in our area taking their children out of the state system and using private schools means the state system is always going to be disadvantaged. There is a strong correlation between the proportion of children attending private schools in an area and the success of the state system. The only way to combat this is for committed parents to send their kids to state schools and get involved in making the school a good place. I think there are signs of this happening at Acton High, it seems to be gradually coming up despite all the challenges it faces. I think the influence of faith based schools is very negative. I can't believe in this day and age it can be fair or right for a child to be excluded from a school on the basis of their religious belief. For example, my nearest secondary school is Twyford, but my children are excluded because we don't attend church regularly enough. Selection on faith grounds tends to coincide with other factors which mean the faith schools are seen to be "better" although this may be down to selection and other factors. Unless a family is religious (catholic or CofE) in Acton, there secondary school choices in Acton are very limited. At least girls have a choice of Ellen Wilkinson or Acton High. Boys have no choice. It would be fantastic if Toby was positive about Acton High and decided to send his kids there and get involved in workshops and literature there. Maybe he will anyway. He is very talented and funny and has a lot to offer. I really like him! I don't think however I would condemn any parent for their choices. The choices can be few and difficult. Should you be radical and go for the state sector despite the fact you know the resources will be considerably lower and inevitably your child would be somewhat disadvantaged? Some people, such as Diane Abbott have chosen that for their children they are prepared to compromise their principles and opt for private education for their children because even though the may be roundly condemned for hypocrisy, they put their own childrens' welfare as the paramount consideration. So whatever Toby does I will watch with interest. My hunch is that he will not get the school off the ground and will either go private or move again. But I would love him to take the option of sending his to Ellen Wilkinson or Acton High, and think all those parents who do are amazing. |