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The basic problem of British education lies in the fact that there is no common, but a
dual system of education, which sustains inequality. In the 1970s the antagonism between
supporters of the Grammar Schools and of the Comprehensive Schools split the country.
After the almost complete abolition of the tripartite system in favour of an egalitarian
system, the more profound dualism between publicly maintained state schools and fee-paying
private schools continues to exist in the 90s:
Comprehensive Schools:
For:
provide social mixture
provide a greater equality
give more chances to more children;
forge young people capable of dealing with all social
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Against:
lower accademic standard;
bad reputation because of truancy and vandalism;
education in spending by
authorities on state
schools;
too big, but current demographic trends are making schools smaller.
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The root of the educational problem in England is the social importance
of the private schools, constituting only 6% of all schools. More and more middle-class
parents doubt the effeciency of the Comprehensive Schools and try all costs to enrol their
children at one of the Public Schools.
Public Schools:
For:
- high academic standards;
- house system (groups
of 50 under
the care of
a housemaster);
- carefully selected teachers who studied at
"Oxbridge"
- a high staff ratio (i.e.
small classes);
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Against:
- favour an educational elite;
- are only available to the few whose families (predominantly upper and
middle class) can afford it.
- are old-fashioned in clinging to traditions (uniforms
- favour social isolation from other classes which will be
a handicap for the school-boys` later careers;
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Private education is generally deemed superior.
Traditionally, the ruling classes were recruited from former Public School students.
Although the conditions have changed and more emphasis is placed on merit today, Public
School boys still have a big advantage over students from Comprehensive Schools.
Educational privilege, social prestige and the "old-boy-network" may help the
Public leavers to achieve high positions in all fields of life. The "old school
tie", especially that of a Public School, guarantees professional success. Therefore
the existence of a seperate system of education for the wealthy is an important factor in
preserving and perpetuating class distinction in Britain. The educational ideal of equal
opportunities for all is not provided by the present educational system.
New problems for the British education system arose through the existence of ethnic groups
concentrated in special ares. However, today most ethnic minority children were born in
Britain and have the same interests and aspirations as any other child in Britain. The
English language is a priority but bilingual support is given in early primary years. In
secondary schools the main ethnic minority language is also often taught. The schools have
been encouraged to take into account the ethnic and cultural background of their pupils.
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