Public Schools.

[Theland]

What makes Public Schools so successful, that they provide the movers and shakers of our society?
What is the secret?
What is the difference between, say, a geography lesson in Eton, and a geography lesson in Bash Street Comprehensive?
I never understand the garble from educational, "experts," when they appear on T.V.

[pixie374]

I did all of them- a state primary school, a private junior school and a state grammar school. The most obvious difference with private, was class sizes. Usually 8-12 per class.

[Peter Pedant]

the boys at Eton wanna learn
Bash St they dont
The boys are different too

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/public-school-expels-the-boy-plucked-from-poverty-for-tv-103747.html

Cambridge has decided to offer a pre uni transition year to get the kids from Bash St into a condition where they can understand the lectures.
why not improve the schools ?
( step 4 for maff has 'always' been around )

The sink comprehensives have always been sink comprehensives and the better schools have had that reputation as well. - first noticed by economic historians ( the muslim provinces of Nigeria have always been better governed than the christian ones - far longer than the life of a governor or civil service cadre)

[Peter Pedant]

// I did all of them//

good I am glad that s/o has stepped forward to say what it is like ....

[Samuraisan]

With all due respect Theland, maybe your daughter shouldn't have had 6 children, then maybe she could have concentrated on giving 1 a good education.

[gness]

As long as they are well brought up, Theland...they'll be fine....x

[Theland]

Samuraisan - No offence taken. They are all good kids and don't lack character, but are easily distracted, (I think), but not always somebody there to motivate / encourage.

[EDDIE51]

Smaller class sizes means the children get a LOT more individual attention. In a top public school there will be FAR fewer pupils per teacher. Probably 10 or less to a class. I know it is a lot better now, but when I was at school in the 50s 60s there were at least 30 in a class. Some of my classes had 46 pupils to 1 teacher. We were two at a desk made for 1. We had to share books as the school did not have enough for 1 each.

[Peter Pedant]

yeah but Eddie - you made it to uni - didnt you ?

[EDDIE51]

No, I left school, got a job that offered day release. Then did 7 years day release and 2 evenings a week .

[DTCwordfan]

A day-release prison by the sounds of it, Eddie....well done you, you've done good.

[Canary42]

In places like Eton it's who you know, not what you know. That's why fossilised dinosaurs like Rees-Mogg get to the top.

[EDDIE51]

There were 46 in my class , we had to sit 2 at a desk made for 1. There were class rooms in corridors and the school hall (after assembly) For 2 years my class room was the school dining room. We had to move out and sit in the entrance hall for an hour before lunch so that the dining room could be used for lunch.

[AuntLydia]

woofgang not all pupils at private school have parents that are 'worth a bob or two. Some just sacrifice foreign holidays , new cars and state of the art electronics to provide a solid education for their children. many get bursaries and private assisted places.

Oh and children aren't dogs. You don't determine their discipline on their ability to come to call or not s$it on the kitchen floor

[EDDIE51]

I attended technical collage and then The Hatfield Polytechnic on day release and 2 evenings a week . No University .But 7 years of study. Ended up with an LRIC . Licentiate of the Royal Institute of Chemistry . Rated as above a Pass Degree but lower than an Honours Degree .BUT with 7 years industrial experience in addition .

[AuntLydia]

Canary -you been to Eton then have you? There is a factory near to where I live. They employ thousands of people, you can't get a job there unless you have family already working there - not what you know who you know works on every level. Its naive not to understand that.

[Tilly2]

Hurrah for the Ragged Schools, I say!

[DTCwordfan]

actually from what I have seen and experienced, it's the 3-10 year old education that really dictates the learning experience - and confidence/individuality....and not necessarily teaching but sports excellence as well.

[Theland]

Auntlydia - Tate & Lyle in Liverpool used to be like that.
Long gone. 1981.

[AuntLydia]

DTC all my 4 went to state school until at least year 7. I honestly think its a waste of money paying private prep . fees as state schools are quite capable of teaching the basics. It's the tutoring for exams that is the important part.

[pastafreak]

My daughter went to a private prep from year 5(if I remember correctly)...for the reasons stated earlier. If she hadn't she would have stayed in the state system, and I doubt very much she'd have done as well as she has...