Why not concentrate on...

[bazwillrun]

raising the level of education for primary kids here at home in the UK ?!

Pfffft, nah I want to get me a ride on that Grand ole Gravy Train

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-18836618

It was only a matter of time...still, better late than never, eh Gordon

[jno]

so why's this thread about someone taking an unpaid job abroad? Instead of about Michael Gove? Could it be you're more interested in party politics than education yourself?

[anotheoldgit]

Is this the kind of thing they should be teaching our children?

http://www.dailymail....-words-worksheet.html

Judging by this 12 year old's handwriting, they should be concentrating on more important matters.

[jno]

aog, doesn't that actually amount to teaching them which words not to use? I would have thought you'd approve of teaching children to be civil. I do, anyway.

[bazwillrun]

here we go the usual expected "lets twist it all and turn it around, instead of sticking to the main points".

its very simple why doesnt GB concentrate on this country and its problems first ?

some days its just not worth chewing through the restraints

[anotheoldgit]

bazwillrun

/// here we go the usual expected "lets twist it all and turn it around, instead of sticking to the main points". ///

Oh dear is it I who has done something wrong once again, or was you referring to jno?

If it was me, wasn't these your words?

/// i recall a short while ago the government released a report on the number of kids who dont even have english their a first language, and there were various other figures on what they were unable to do at the age of seven. ///

/// when all the kids over here that come out of primary school can read and write etc to a certain standard then worry about other countries. ///

I was simply addressing them, sorry.

[bazwillrun]

sorry AOG no it was to jno i forgot the @ sign

[sandyRoe]

Is it OK to write 'ok' in lower case letters?

[Gromit]

He did when he was in Government for 13 years. Whether he was successful or not is another discussion.

Is the UN representative a salaried pisition? How much gravey is he actually getting Baz?

[Gromit]

/// here we go the usual expected "lets twist it all and turn it around, instead of sticking to the main points". ///

The main point being that you accused him of getting on the gravy train. Is it twisting it around to point out the job is unpaid and there is no gravy train?

Why not fess up baz and admit you cocked up the question by doing no research?

[Kromovaracun]

AOG:

What exactly is wrong with addressing swearing to kids? Schools are supposed to help equip them with the tools to interact with others when they go out into the world. Swearing is a part of the world - why shouldn't kids recieve some guidance about when it is and isn't appropriate to swear?

[Kromovaracun]

"its very simple why doesnt GB concentrate on this country and its problems first ? "

Because he wants to work with the UN on global education - in an unpaid capacity, as others have pointed out. I don't understand why that's a problem. He's still an MP (presumably) to the satisfaction of his constituents, seeing as he was re-elected there. He is no longer a member of the British government which for obvious reasons has an obligation to prioritise UK education. What's your problem? Would you rather he went and got a job with the IMF or something?

[bazwillrun]

"Why not fess up baz and admit you cocked up the question by doing no research? "

I cocked nothing up, somebody else explained where the "unpaid" part was and it seems that myself and another had the same issue wherby it wasnt showing in our browsers.

Ok, lets put the gravy train bit aside then shall we and stick to the main point which is why doesnt he put his efforts into improving the lot of kids here in the UK rather these thirld world places.

[Kromovaracun]

I wonder if baz has a problem with the large numbers of young people from the UK who go and do voluntary work abroad every. After all, why aren't they volunteering here?

[Kromovaracun]

* every year. Argh.

[anotheoldgit]

Kromovaracun

/// What exactly is wrong with addressing swearing to kids? Schools are supposed to help equip them with the tools to interact with others ///

Perhaps they could teach them that swearing proves one's limited knowledge of English, a person should be able to get their point over without the use of expletives.

[Kromovaracun]

You never swear then? Ever? In your life?

Swearing is a part of adult life, which schools are meant to equip children for. It's perfectly acceptable in some circumstances and not in others - I see no reason why kids shouldn't be taught about it honestly.

[Gromit]

// swearing proves one's limited knowledge of English //

No it doesn't. You would have a limited knowledge of English if you did not understand swear words. You would also be at a disadvantage if you did not know which swear words are acceptable in conversation and which are very taboo.

[anotheoldgit]

They say that one has lost the argument, when one retorts to swearing.

[sandyRoe]

[i] what the *@** do they know? [i]

[emmie]

sometimes, that is all one is left with.. *t8t8t8** computer..