having been discussing the topic of A Level subjects with my daughter yesterday we came to the conclusion that for many people the 'academic' subjects were the only one which had any worth or value. We reckoned that for many, the educational system existed with a few subclasses, namely:
Proper Subjects
Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology (AKA The 'Academic' subjects)
Moderately Proper Subjects
English (Language and Literature), French, German, Law.
Fluffy Subjects
Art, Music, Geography, History, Religious education, Physchology, Physical Education, Drama, General Studies (AKA the 'Easy Option ' or dossing subjects)
Defunct Subjects
Citizenship
Today on Radio Four's episode of 'The Archers' we were entertained by the missing of an examination by one of the cast. But, not to worry for it was only 'RE' and there wasn't a problem as the missing pupil had promised to be present at the proper subjects, Maths and English!
It was once held that theology was the Queen of all the sciences and the foundation upon which all academic excellence stands was English. But it seems that we now see education as merely being the means by which we train our children to maximise their earning potential rather than develop their skills and extend their abilities.
Where is enjoyment and creativity in our education system? The answer us that there is little or none!
Why? Because we've lost the plot and are seeking to produce cloned drones rather than intelligent and creative, free-thinking individuals.
Sad isn't it?
Pax
7 comments:
As a teacher I second your thoughts. Here in South Africa teachers are expected to cram the learners heads full of facts and turn them into productive workers. English (only as far as communication goes)science, and maths are "useful" subjects, art, history, literature, etc., are not.
Absolutely spot on.
Look at the combinations offered at A level and you will find them geared to those in your first category )proper subjects). Where I teach we 'encourage' the boys to do the 'proper' subjects with Art, Music or English thrown is as a makeweight/furry subject to fill their timetables.
After all English literature is just watching plays and reading books; Music is what you do in your spare time and and Art is just doodling, scribbling and playing with watercolours like your maiden aunt does (badly) down at her women's group).
Very astute post.
AH, yes. Where DID liberal education go?
Sadly all too true.
What hope is there for the human race without writers, poets, composers, painters etc.
How will the great theologians and philosophers emerge from the dull grey tunnel-visioned massrs churned out by our "education" system.
What place does imagination play in all this?
mmm, as an artist this always used to bug me! when I went to my head of sixth form (and careers advisor) about further education and told him I wanted to do art he said he didn't have anything to offer me and to go and find out about it myself!
I think in this current climate with scores of young people coming out of uni with good academic degrees finding themselves unable to get a job, perhaps we should be encourgaing them to do subjects they enjoy rather than those they think will get them a job...
red :)
Funny thing is that although I went for Maths & Physics and the electrical/electronic engineering route I find that looking back I would have loved to have done some of the humanities stuff that I sneered at as an undergrad (not a 'proper' degree type stuff).
This was the line we were strung by school - science and academic subjects were the proper way to go!
What a load of tosh!
Thanks for the comments,
V
As one who excelled in all subjects, I was sold the lie that one only studied arts or humanities if one was not good at the sciences. These were the measure of intellect and the route to security of employment and a good salary. I followed the O level, A level, Degree route and ended up studying Applied Chemistry, only to drop out after three years (of a four year thick sandwich). Looking back, I would have been better following my heart into English, modern languages and art. My advice to my own children has been to follow the subjects they enjoy: a career will make itself known and at least they will enjoy the journey!
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