Why quality arts education should be the norm for all schools
The unequal provision of cultural education gives the alumni of independent schools a substantial advantage throughout life, writes Sir Anthony Seldon, Master of Wellington College.
Do we truly understand the purpose of education? Do we really think that going to school is only about achieving good exam results? Ministers – and the education establishment – can give the impression that exam results are the Holy Grail, the only way to judge the accomplishment of schools and students.
Of course, we recognise the vital role exam results play in evaluating the effectiveness of funds and policy. There should be measures of accountability and goals to aspire to. But in pushing education to new heights we must not lose its breadth.
For years, many thoughtful and brave voices have been saying that a focus on exam passes misunderstands the mission of education. Perhaps this is because those who decide education policy have rarely worked in schools, and lack first-hand understanding of the extraordinary complexity of education... Keep reading on TES Connect
Do we truly understand the purpose of education? Do we really think that going to school is only about achieving good exam results? Ministers – and the education establishment – can give the impression that exam results are the Holy Grail, the only way to judge the accomplishment of schools and students.
Of course, we recognise the vital role exam results play in evaluating the effectiveness of funds and policy. There should be measures of accountability and goals to aspire to. But in pushing education to new heights we must not lose its breadth.
For years, many thoughtful and brave voices have been saying that a focus on exam passes misunderstands the mission of education. Perhaps this is because those who decide education policy have rarely worked in schools, and lack first-hand understanding of the extraordinary complexity of education... Keep reading on TES Connect