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'Problem Solved' Sorry, I was being facetious.
You are right Bern, some are academic and some are not, not better or worse; which is unfortunately the very clear message given to 11 year olds by a selective system. But then 'academic' and 'practical' are not mutually exclusive, so it IS the system that is flawed, unable to offer diversity. If there is one thing that social comentators and economists will agree on is the necessity 'teach' adaptabilty. My good friend who is a carpenter (and a very good one at that) has a degree in botanical science. I'm not sure why people have to be so one-dimensionally pigeon holed?
Offering young people opportunities which are approriate and equally promoted is what Comprehensive schools do for 90% of the children in this country. Statistically they perform as well as counties with the old fashioned grammar system.
At some point my son and daughter will have to make a choice (with my help) of secondary school. If they pass the test it would be nothing short of obstinate to insist on sending them to a secondary modern, however they could learn a lot from the true and real diversity offered and I'd like to think they could also offer something to their peers. In fairness I could teach them to pass the exams at home, but then that's not the only reason for children to go to school.
Keith, well done, you were absolutely right to do so! Labour have let us down. Ed Balls is currently making it hard for schools in selective areas, using the discriptors I have outlined in my earlier post, anyone would think they need some results showing progress for an eminant general election!?!?