There is a focus at the moment on Big Data. Information analysis to reveal patterns, trends and associations, especially related to human behaviour and interactions.
It has its place but not when Young People are being constantly measured, assessed and labelled, in my opinion.
There is pressure on Schools to achieve fantastic results in order to get higher places on performance league tables. Therefore attracting more students and hence more funding, which all puts undue pressure on Everyone involved; Teachers and Students.
It all is affected by ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ syndrome; the collusion to believe that the new ‘norm’ is the norm.
Well, it doesn’t have to be. There doesn’t have to be the answer that ‘this is how things are now’.
Our Young People are saying that things have got to change. They are telling us by their behaviour. It’s not the Young People who need to change what they are doing and adapt.
THE POWERS THAT BE, NEED TO ADAPT AND CHANGE POLICY.
NOT AFTER A WORKING GROUP HAS BEEN SET UP AND TAKES YEARS TO COME TO A CONCLUSION, BUT NOW.
Things can change and policies and procedures that have been introduced can be reversed.
Then instances of Young People enduring Depression, Anxiety and Stress will reduce.
INSTANCES OF SELF-HARM AND SUICIDE WILL BE REDUCED.
It will also result in teachers not leaving the profession. Countless numbers are leaving every year because of the undue pressure through increased paperwork and constant assessment of their students.
This really is complete lunacy. A lunacy that lots of people recognise within the highest echelons in the Ministry of Education but yet nothing is done to change it.
Sometimes people become complicit within systems. Often not wanting to rock the boat or damage their future prospects by speaking out. I understand that and have been affected by that too.
It does though eventually, eat away either consciously or sub-consciously. The truth is known within us.
Things have got to change. Fact.
The pressure on our Young People must be reduced. Fact.
The pressure on our teachers must be reduced too. Fact.
(I’ll say here, that I have a vested interested in that because my eldest daughter is a Newly Qualified Teacher, who loves her job and I know I am obviously biased, but from her describing her work, I can hear the passion and drive she has to teach her classes).
Our Young People, the Future of our Nation will be happier and at the end of the day, that is what is important.
WHAT IS SUCCESS? Success and what it is, needs to be re-calibrated in people’s minds. Success is not just about getting the most GCSEs or A-Levels. It is about being kind, caring, happy human beings.
ACCESS TO SUBJECTS THAT NURTURE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE
Children and Young People need access to subjects at school that allow them to process their emotions, such as drama. Too often the pressure on schools to increase revenue results in a focus on core subjects
.
REMAINING OPTIMISTIC THAT CHANGE WILL HAPPEN
It would be very easy to think that things will not change for the better but that attitude gets us nowhere. So, with collective will and people standing up for change, it does happen.
History has taught us that. Inspired by the bravery, fresh thinking, passion and drive of people who don’t accept the status quo and think it will remain forever.
Thanks for reading
John
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