I'm unable to publish my answer as a comment on the above site so I'm publishing it here!
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Good to hear from you Robin.
Are you a lone voice there trying to make some impact?
Here are some responses from an observer from Ulverston who is glad to see a debate going on about Education.
True I could be labeled middle class though son of a foreman paint sprayer for a large company. Worked for Glaxo, then Shell in the USA as a Chemical Engineer, then self catering just outside Ulverston followed by teaching in the secondary school sector in London.
I'm always keen for people to get involved with political issues though always reluctant to agree with any political party.
To answer your points: -
1. I don't see OSANFS as a political party but rather as people expressing their views through democracy. If there is good support for the OSANFS candidates then the political decision makers at County and Parliament level will take note.
They don't even have to win. They just have to demonstrate substantial support so every vote for them will count. They are in a win/win situation!
2. Agreed - see above.
3. I don't agree that 'sabotage' is the aim just being heard in Carlisle is the aim. Agree that decisions ultimately made by CCC but see answer to 1.
4. OSANFS bases its arguments, as I see it, on the clear evidence that is available to all on the failure of Academies to improve education where they have been built.
You would be more convincing if you could provide links to reports on the Internet were Academies had improved the education of all the children in their Local Education Authority and not just the better students that get siphoned off, leaving the rest with little hope of a good education.
5. Your argument here misses the points made my response to 1.
As for the point you make that the Academy will provide better teachers. There is no evidence for this from other Academies. Good teaching comes from good leadership supported by a government that encourages good teaching.
At present really good teachers have left education because they are hampered at every turn from teaching in such a way as to inspire their pupils.
At present pupils are getting turned off school because the good teachers that are left are worked too hard to conform with SATS tests, exam results and OFSTED inspections.
Head teachers who have the courage to stand up to the government of the day whether Labour or Conservative are extremely rare.
The atmosphere within education at the moment is dispiriting and yes the lack of funds to maintain buildings is a big problem.
For a solution, look for a government that is willing to stand up for quality education and not overly concerned with the standard of living. Materialism is not the answer.
We need the responsibility for education to be handed back to teachers who know how to inspire kids and to Heads that can inspire their staff.
The answer is a people thing and not based on buildings.
Thanks Robin for giving people a chance to express their opinions!
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1 comment:
Is it not just possible that much of what is being said by the OSANFS is scare mongering. They even admitted thatthey do not have the correct pupil roll information, thus making a mockery of the figures they use and the assumptions they make.
Very well they won some seats on the local council and will now collect a fair amout of money in expenses etc. But they have NEVER answered anyone as to other policies that they hold and they CANNOT effect ANYTHING about the academy.
Perhaps they should try to work with the council instead of against it.
The academy WILL happen and you can't stop it. It might actually turn out to be a good thing!!!!!!
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