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By jacksprat
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06 May 2008 |
This is the first piece I have put on this site and has been inspired by events at work over the last couple of weeks. Year Eleven students, with GCSE exams looming, have discovered a long-dormant community spirit. Aware of the furore over too many A* grades being awarded in previous years, and the angst this has caused among the chattering classes, they have decided to fall upon their pens this year and make no effort whatsoever. "We're doing it for the people, dude," said one, when asked about his layabout lifestyle.
Secretary of state for schools, Ed Balls, says that he is not concerned about this new trend. "It shows a remarkable sense of public-spiritedness which might surprise those who think that today's teenagers are lazy and self-centred." He went on to say, "and think of the benefits to the environment! We shan't have to print nearly so many certificates this year. Surely that counts for something." Mr Balls is 41.|
Written by Phil (6393 comments posted) 6th May 2008 | That explains my son's lack of effort this year. Mind, I don't think he was thinking of the environment, more the effort of actually doing something.
Enjoyed this. You teach?
Phil |
Written by mia_ms_kim (891 comments posted) 6th May 2008 | I thought this piece was clever and funny with plenty of teeth in it. I really liked the expression, 'fall upon their pens.' But if this reflects the reality of today's youngsters and the education system, it's depressing. I don't think we should reward underachievement and encourage mediocrity, but I don’t like engendering fierce competitiveness in young people either. It will inevitably produce a few "winners" and many "losers". If only we can motivate our young people (and ourselves) to compete against ourselves only in self-discipline and self-mastery, finding and pursuing something that we find worthy of pursuit!
Mia  |
Written by AlisonKim (10 comments posted) 19th June 2008 | | This made me smile! Those mixed messages the government gives schools, teacher and students are perfectly portrayed. Welll done. |
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