My initial reaction to the ditching of grammar schools by the Conservatives was, I admit, one of dismay.
I have often argued in favour of a grammar-type system and I still believe selection is the best solution to finding the needs of academic and non-academic children. That said, I accept that the very strict cut-off at age eleven that grammar schools impose, is too inflexible and unfair; I put a lot of emphasis in my decisions on fairness (which is why I am against positive discrimination, homes for key workers and the principle of ‘affordable homes’).
But if the party is to focus on the largely Tory city academies then it is a step in the correct direction. Maybe it is too much to hope that flexible grammars could be supported by a major British party, but at least the Tory position is the least worst option on offer.
May 17th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Labour’s warped ideology that reduction to the lowest common denominator is the best way to achieve “equality” in education has managed to fail everybody; those who are academically inclined and those who’d be better off doing something more vocational. To see the Conservatives continue with this failed approach is worrying, but it’s even more concerning to see good parenting considered unfair!
May 17th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
True. I think you’ve made the points quite clearly on your post.
May 20th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Howcome Cameron didn’t mention this in his leadership campaign?
The guy is just like Tony Blair stands for nothing but obtaining power and a personal legacy and would sell out anything to get it.
May 21st, 2007 at 12:30 pm
I know your question is rhetorical but I do think Cameron should answer it. He said he stood for change, but that was taken to mean “change to reflect modern (and correct) attitudes to homosexuality etc.” not “change to reflect socialist ideals as advocated by Labour”.
May 25th, 2007 at 1:12 am
If anyone doubted how bad Cameron now is, take a look at this:
BBC’s Question Time:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/question_time/6681193.stm
Cameron has the Bob Crow position! Insane!