The British Education System

The wealth of a nation is dependent upon the minds of her citizens. That is why education is vital to a nation’s growth and economy. It is my belief that the education system in this country needs reform. It appears to me that when students do not perform well at subjects such as Math’s, English and Science students are told to try harder or to apply themselves. However, when they do not excel at subjects such as sports, art or music there are told they are not gifted or talented in this area.

Education in this country is designed that children and young people are told information and they are tested on their ability to recall that information in a test or exam. This is not education, but memory skills. A person is not educated based on what they know or can remember, but rather how they apply that knowledge to their lives and society. Education is all about how we use our wisdom, gifts, talents and abilities.

We are heading to intellectual bankruptcy if we do not see a radical change to how our youth are educated. I believe, it is the role of teachers to find what each student is gifted at and tailor their education around their strengths rather than trying to improve on their weaknesses. We are failing our youth. The young are the future of this country. Each year more teenagers are leaving school without key life skills. It is worth investing in the young for the benefit of all. I believe we need to invest in subjects such as English literacy and language. What makes the English language the richest and greatest language in the world is the fact English it not a pure language but a mixture of Latin, French, German and many other language groups.

Some people are academic, as others are practical. Not everyone excels academically, but every child is unique and gifted at something. Of, course academic subjects such as Maths and English are important. However, why not encourage children to pursue the areas they are interested in and offer support in subjects they need to improve in. For example, many young people today have never heard of a spitfire. Granted this is not essential, however what does this say about our education if our youth are not aware of key events of our past.

Not every subject is necessary for children to develop into young adults. For example, the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification is redundant and obsolete. English universities do not accept this as a qualification. It is a waste of time. I believe schools ought to be places of guidance, discipline and the nurture of children. I am also in disagreement with music being dropped from the school syllabus. The American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said, "Music is the universal language of mankind."

Children ought to be free to explore their gifts and express themselves freely in education. Students ought to be allowed to think for themselves, rather than being told how to think.

Let me offer some wisdom from the Holy Bible. In Proverbs 22:6 the Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Furthermore, the spiritual condition of a nation is also key to prosperity. If you want evidence of this claim read the history books. Britain has been most blessed and powerful when Evangelical Christianity was promoted, and the Bible was honored. It is due to Christianity that our education system was reformed in the past and children received an education rather than working. This country needs a spiritual awaken in Biblical truths and faith.

In closing I would like to say I have seen first-hand how schools are run. I believe our youth are missing out on fundamental knowledge and skills that will profit them in the future. Proverbs 1:5 says, “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” I call on the Welsh Assembly, UK government, teachers and all that make decisions regarding education to merely consider my proposal.