Would you agree that higher education is pointless for some kids.?

Question

I think keeping kids at school until 18, all of them not just the academics, is a cynical way of massaging the unemployment statistics by depriving them of 2 years opportunity to work and be paid rather than trying to drive them academically to the frustration of teachers and students alike and to the unnecessary expense of parents.

There is no more point in insisting that an academically mediocre child be forced to study than there is in driving a physically mediocre child to competitive sport.

I think we should recognise and respect the differences in peoples ambitions and aptitudes rather than trrying to drive all of them down a path that only some are suited for.

And if they do all leave school at 18, not 16, are the ones who would have left at 16 and leaving with inferior academic grades to the others going to have any better work opportunities. No, of course not. The same people will still be stacking supermarket shelves and cleaning the streets but now minus 2 years pay

Answer 1

Education should be structured for the individual- I'm sure some people would be better leaving formal education much earlier, and learning practical skills, like the old fashioned apprenticeships. The system would need to be carefully managed to avoid exploitation, but it would be worth the effort to help more young people reach their potential.

Answer 2

Every aspect of modern higher educational policy is flawed. The Government seem to put everyone into a melting pot so that we are all the same. We are not. We don't look the same, we don't always think the same and our academic aptitude varies from the very bright to people with learning difficulties. But, hey, we must all go to university and degrees will be dumbed down to suit the lowest common denominator. You can leave University saddled with debt and, in many cases, be utterly unable to find a job which requires your degree. There are only so many golf courses in the country that need managers! I'm not trying to be nasty because I really feel sorry for the kids that have been conned into higher education. Apprenticeships should be brought back. You can earn a bomb with a technical qualification Raising the school leaving age to 18 is ridiculous unless students are able to take some sort of technical qualification.If schools can't give student a decent education by the time they are 16 they're not going to get in another two years.

Answer 3

Everyone is good at something but I do think that schools should give kids more choice if they're going to stay on until 18.

Parents are too quick to turn their kids out into the world of work instead of educating them properly for their adult lives. If schooling to this age was compulsory, the parents would be forced to take responsibility for their children and there would probably be a lot less anti social behaviour.

They grow up too quickly these days. A little discipline in schools might help too... not necessarily the cane but just teachers being allowed to actually reprimand kids and set proper punishments for bad behaviour.

Answer 4

Your question, as stated, is the equivalent of asking me "Is there not at least one child who would be better off leaving school two years earlier?" Put that way, I have to answer 'yes.'

However, if you aksed me "On average, would it be better to let children leave two years early if they want to?" I would have to answer "No." All too frequently, teenagers are unaware of what is in their best interests. By forcing them to make a decision at an early age, they are more likely to make the wrong decision. You are right that those who end up stacking shelves would still have ended up stacking shelves. But what about those who work for a couple of years and then decide that college is right for them after all? In your world, they are stuck stacking shelves with the others -- for the rest of their lives.

Make them finish high school -- then they have options later on.

Answer 5

your question was well thought out, and well written, but unfortunately completely retarded, and we are all dumber for responding. Kids who say school is hard, are not acedemically mediocre, they are lazy. High school can be easily passed just by showing up and paying just a little attention. And there is nothing keeping them in school if they don't want to be there, drop out like the rest of the losers in this world. As far as padding the unemployment numbers....what kind of gainful employment is a 16 year old w/ no education or skills going to get?

Answer 6

Why is it that you can see this and the government can't? Stand for the next general election and I'll vote you in!
It's obvious that some students are academic and can cope with the work, and some(like me) are more practical and 'hands on' in their abilities. Both conditions are equally valid and education should be about developing student's talents to the fullest whatever they are and not forcing square pegs into round holes'.

Answer 7

This question is kinda sad . In that your partly right , but to take a kid out of school prematurely would be more vile an act than to keep him there . At least he is given the opportunity of higher learning . Also to flood the job market with these younger employees would be taking jobs from older folks who depend on menial jobs to supplement their SS checks.

Answer 8

I must admit I learnt more when I left shool as I hated school so for some yes it would be a waste of time

Answer 9

my brain is more practical than methodical so keeping me at school for 2 extra years would have wasted my time, id rather have the choice than have government decide what they want for people they dont even know.

Answer 10

Education is one of the most important thing for all human being.