Was the British Government correct to aim to put 50% of young people thro' university?

Answer 1

No. Those capable of further academic study should be able to go University regardless of their background or family income.

Those of a more practical nature should be given access to apprentiships in order to learn a trade and put this to good use. This was the main advantage of the grammar school system and the 11+

Answer 2

I think the Government are right to up their standards. However an increasing problem is the cost. I know that universities offer grants to help cover the cost of university but people begrudge paying at least £3,000 a year to learn. It's just rediculous and even though there are some people who can afford it, all it does is widen the gap between the upper and lower classes. If the government want to ensure that 50% of young people go to university, they have to ensure that this is a fair number not all 50% being upper class. Everyone should be given more support and opportunities to learn.

Other than because they are greedy...why can't the Government follow Scotland's lead and make university education free?

Answer 3

I'm not sure. I agree with the fact that university can be a very important stage in your life but if 50% of people went, the achievement would be devalued. Some people just aren't the academic types so other qualifications are more useful to them. Even if 50% went to university there would still be unemployment problems and people wouldn't get paid more on average or anything like that. There's still the same amount of money inthe world.

Answer 4

Not if they can't get schools to get 50% of pupils passing 5 higher level GCSEs!

You need at least that amount to get to do A levels.

Try looking at the A level science papers over the last 4-5 years. The drop in standard is amazing. My daughter has been going through past papers for the last fortnight. She soon ran out of the 'easy' ones of the last few years and went on to the 'hard' ones of previous years!

A levels are great for the really academic; Vocational courses are also great and well suited to some people's learning style; on the job training is also great for those people who learn best by hands-on methods.

Answer 5

Yes - University can play a really big part in the social development of many young people as well as offering them an opportunity to study and gain qualifications at degree level.

It is often the first time many of them leave home and support themselves, it also gives lots of opportunities to travel and make a broad range of friends for life. I always encourage people to go to Uni if they have the opportunity!

Answer 6

They should concentrate on getting youngsters qualified in vocational trades etc, there just as important

Answer 7

Yes.