Quango cuts: full list of bodies under review

blueboy43

Generali wrote: »

I'm a very keen cyclist and I have never heard of these people:

Cycling England

Funds bikeability - the modern day equivalent of the cycling proficiency test.

Should this be state funded ?

A yes from me.

bendix

Radiantsoul wrote: »

Victorian?

Indeed. From where we are now, that represents progress.

The alternative, of course, is to tell everyone they're special, let them learn what they want and dumb down the exams so that everyone passes.

Perfect.

Radiantsoul

bendix wrote: »

Indeed. From where we are now, that represents progress.

The alternative, of course, is to tell everyone they're special, let them learn what they want and dumb down the exams so that everyone passes.

Perfect.

There are multiple alternatives and that is why strategy is important. Different areas if nothing else will demand different strategies. So a school in rural North Wales will have very different aims to one in central London or one in the commuter belt.

bendix

Radiantsoul wrote: »

So a school in rural North Wales will have very different aims to one in central London or one in the commuter belt.

Please explain

Radiantsoul

bendix wrote: »

Please explain

A school in North Wales would probably need to teach Welsh. It would likely be drawing its catchment from a single ethnic group.

In inner cities schools face different challenges around crime and so might need to focus more on discipline. There are likely to be more immigrants and so a greater focus will need to be made on English language and their are likely to be more issues around racial tensions.

The commter belts probably cater more for aspirational middle classes who want better academic results but are also likely to focus on activities like music and sports.

bendix

Radiantsoul wrote: »

A school in North Wales would probably need to teach Welsh. It would likely be drawing its catchment from a single ethnic group.

In inner cities schools face different challenges around crime and so might need to focus more on discipline. There are likely to be more immigrants and so a greater focus will need to be made on English language and their are likely to be more issues around racial tensions.

The commter belts probably cater more for aspirational middle classes who want better academic results but are also likely to focus on activities like music and sports.

Cool. So we're talking about some kind of educational apartheid then, where Welsh kids are taught a language noone ever uses and - probably - how to shear sheep, and where kids in inner cities are taught how to conceal knives and where to locate the nearest BNP recruiting office, while suburban schools churn out pampered pianists and golf pros?

I like that. There is a natural justice to it.

But - how about a different approach? Just to be radical, like.

How about teaching kids the basics, and giving that a go? You know . . . minimum standards, level playing field and all that sort of stuff?

Bonia77

Radiantsoul wrote: »

A school in North Wales would probably need to teach Welsh. It would likely be drawing its catchment from a single ethnic group.

In inner cities schools face different challenges around crime and so might need to focus more on discipline. There are likely to be more immigrants and so a greater focus will need to be made on English language and their are likely to be more issues around racial tensions.

The commter belts probably cater more for aspirational middle classes who want better academic results but are also likely to focus on activities like music and sports.

I do not get it....
So you are saying that the school in inner city won't bother with preparing my (future) children to study at the uniersity as they will concentrate on racial issues and violence??? :rotfl:I have to agree with Bendix that the 'strategy' concept sound completely naff....

Radiantsoul

Bonia77 wrote: »

I do not get it....
So you are saying that the school in inner city won't bother with preparing my (future) children to study at the uniersity as they will concentrate on racial issues and violence??? :rotfl:I have to agree with Bendix that the 'strategy' concept sound completely naff....

No, but they may have to concentrate more on discipline as a direct result of a more challenged environment and presumably something will be squeezed out.

bendix

With the greatest of respect, radiansoul, I strongly suspect - and rather hope - you're talking out of your a**e.

Why on earth would discipline be less important in a Llandudno school than in Brixton?

Seriously, I'd quit while you're ahead, if I were you.

silvercar

Radiantsoul wrote: »

The commter belts probably cater more for aspirational middle classes who want better academic results but are also likely to focus on activities like music and sports.

It is well known that state schools in middle class areas try to compete with private school to stop "the cream" being siphoned off to the private sector. You only need to go to some open evenings to see the different focus.