Prince Charles and education comments

[ianess]

Who else agrees that Prince Charles was spot-on with his comments about our education system?

[Didwot]

Whether or not he was spot on, his remarks were in a private memo, which was purloined by a secretary. That is bad enough, but for a politician to then comment on the memo, particularly when it is in relation to ongoing legal proceedings, is unforgivable.

[saffstar]

I do, but then I seem to be hearing different words to the hysterical media, if their reaction is anything to go by.

[doublebosh]

I don`t think that charlie`s comments were solely about the education system but about society in general - and that`s why it narks me a little... well a bit, but that`s to do with being working class and him not. His opinion is as valid as mine. He can say what he likes and with most things I agree with him but to aspire to something when you come from nothing is not a thing to knock....ask anyone who has benefited from the prince`s trust for example......

[bernardo]

I agree.  Prince Charles is an experienced businessman with a lifetime of training and preparation for ruling as monarch, and Charles Clarke is a here-today-gone-tomorrow politician who is the latest in a long line of education ministers presiding over a decline in standards.

[OBonio]

I agree entirely with Big Ears on this one. I also think the comments made by Charles Clarke were unthoughtful and, quite frankly, the sort of argument a school child could up with.

[El D]

he could have phrased it better - above their station is soo aristocratic. generally I agree with him though.

[druiaghtagh]

Why should not a' commoner' aspire to ideas of improving themselves, the days of serfs and masters are gone, he is a weak chinless wonder who talks to bloody trees, maybe the education system is not perfect but its all we've got at the moment, people like him are still living in the past, we no longer tug our forelocks. People must be allowed todream and strive for greatness if they so wish, why put them off. Many great men and women have come from humble beginnings so to any youngsters on her who have heard Chalres' remarks i say dont listen , go for your dreams with all your heart and soul

[El D]

I think you may have taken his comments out of context. No doubt you are an avid reader of the tabloid press. His arguments were NOTHING TO DO WITH CLASS, you seem to have a large chip on your shoulder. The fact is that people have talent in different areas - with much hard work and committment this is an obstacle that can be overcome. However he was referring to people who 'expect' to succeed without either of these characteristics.

 

It is fairly clear you objection to the monarchy leaves you unable to make objective comments regarding such comments. Charles is actually referring to a meritocracy, something I dream of, but I doubt it will ever happen.

[newoldworld]

The world is watching, you know. It is all well and good for Prince Charles to believe in what he does. His problem is that the audience has changed, and the technology has definitely changed. In addition, the entire commonwealth and all other interested parties are watching.To whom much is given, much is expected

[elkie100]

Prince Charles is absolutely correct in his comments about the education system. Far too many youngsters are being encouraged to go to university when they should be guided in a different direction. There is a vast shortage of skilled labour in this country, try and find a craftsman carpenter, or an electrician, plummer or jobbing builder. Children and parents should start to realise that university does not guarantee a high earning job. The clever ones will try and be good at what they do and not aspire to do a job that is beyond their capabilities. Lets face it some people are brighter than others, always have been always will be. There is nothing wrong with that, its about time this government admitted it!

[ianess]

Is it not the case these days that `failure` is a dirty word and that our educational system has reached the point where qualifications seem to be handed out so long as the candidate can write his/her name [with help], and can use reference books and calculators during the exam?

Everyone has the right to aspire to great things but surely a certain amount of ability and comprehension has to come into the equation........therefore as well as ability, hopes, and dreams, reality has to come into it too.

In an ideal society the class system would be excluded but realistically we don`t as yet seem to have reached that stage. 

I look forward to HRH`s continuing comments but so far I am in agreement with him.

[eggman]

There are of course those who will villify Charles for his supposedly rather austere views and seek to exploit his uniquely privileged background in order to discredit his opinions, but I too think he was absolutely right and I'm certainly no royalist sycophant.  He has, indeed, worked very hard himself as prospective head of state and is quite right to say that simply being on TV is no substitute for ability, aptitude and just sheer talent;  there are no short cuts in real life and the sooner we understand that the better it will be for our society in general.  What Charles has apparently said has absolutely nothing to do with pecking orders or anything else which the Daily Mail might much prefer;  just simple truisms, I would have thought, but truisms which require periodically to be reiterated lest we forget.