Monday 31 May 2021

Public School System

3 comments:

Neil Welton said...

Over more recent years I have become really aware of how crucial public schools are to wider society. That young people of every generation should have the opportunities and life chances it bestows. This one chance in life to reach their full potential. To fulfil themselves, their ambitions, and also their dreams. To get on in life and to enjoy it. Who could deny them that? I certainly could not and I definitely would not want anyone trying to stop me from getting on in life. As I've become older I have also begun to see the central and crucial role public schools play within education. In particular in educating the very brightest. I say this, not only as a casual observer, but as someone who has had the honour and the privilege to teach in said schools.

Neil Welton said...

In many ways public schools have largely been left untroubled by passing fads, trends and dogma. For in the 1960s and 1970s we were told public schools were going to end and make way for the new progressive beginning in education. My generation was going to be the first in which all children would be equal. No more the unfair and unjust influences of the British public school system. Yet these great schools continued and most of the boys who attended them have, not only got to the top of their generation and then assumed the positions of leadership which they were destined for, but they have also gone on to now dominate certain careers, jobs and fields. Whatever the profession you'll find them leading the way. Quite naturally they now want to send their children to these schools so they can pass on all the advantages and privileges they have had to their sons.

Neil Welton said...

The public school system will therefore continue largely unchallenged. Not only that but, quite unlike the 1960s and also 1970s, the public schools are now flourishing and thriving in their strength. Looking set to continue, not only for this next generation, but also for the future generations to come. I changed my own mind about schools like Eton, Harrow and Winchester because those who go there are simply very fortunate to do so. They are lucky. Denying them the right to go there is as daft as trying to deny someone their rightful inheritance. Though admittedly that doesn't stop some people. In the same way I actually have no right to deny the boys who go to Eton, Harrow or Winchester the great advantage and privilege these great schools bestow. Indeed in Communist or Socialist countries what do we find. The largely self-appointed ruling elite send their own sons to great schools like these. Just like some Labour MPs.