I don’t think one school should try to provide everything for students but, rather, having a multitude of schools may provide the best learning experience. For example: schools of creative arts and design, schools of music, schools of language, schools of mathematics and technical study, schools of philosophy, schools of the sciences, schools of history, schools of building and the trades, schools of sport science, etc. These schools wouldn’t have to all be in separate locations making travel between them difficult, but rather organised as a university is, with sections and buildings for each separate field of study and staffed both those with knowledge and passion for that speciality.
I think it’s asking too much to have one school (e.g. high school or elementary school) to do all these things well and yet I think all young (and not so young) people should have access to a wide choice of learning experiences. The best way to do this would be for each school to have a variety of introductory classes to the various specialties it teaches and then have more advanced classes for those with a sustained interest in the subject matter. In this way students could get a taste of those things that interest them and then pursue their studies further if their interest is sustained and enhanced by their introductory experience.
Choices between the various subjects on offer should be freely made by the student although there could be a stipulation that certain classes be taken by a certain age- such as introductory classes to spoken and written language, mathematics and social behaviour- where such learning is deemed essential.
As the student matures it is likely they will gravitate to a certain specialty that suits their interests and that area could become their career choice. When a change in direction is desired then once again a person could return to the process of trying out new areas of interest and making their way towards gaining greater knowledge that they could then use to further the horizons of humanity.
This style of education exists to some extent at the University or College level for older students but I believe it would be advantageous to introduce this style of learning at a much younger age when the student doesn't feel pressured into studying subjects that will result in a practical, safe career choice. At a younger age there is more freedom to explore areas of interest without feeling the weight of worrying about earning a living. Also, by introducing the child to a wider variety of learning options at a younger age it means education will prove far more exciting for the child and they can choose those things they have a real passion for rather that wasting time with subjects that bore them. This would no doubt have a positive impact on childhood and youth happiness which would be good for society as a whole. It would also mean people found their true passions earlier in life rather then later (if at all) after they have been through some kind of mid-life crises!
Sharka Todd
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