August 22

Conversation with an ex-teacher from the French School; She feels that standards need to be raised, lowering standards to accommodate all serves no-one. She pointed out that English in this country is predominately taught as a second language. Second languages lack the rich depth of first language, resulting in a flat blandness in [non]comprehension and expression. Rich, subtle experiences become unseen and discarded. This too is a prevailing feature in the rest of what is being taught, a generic superficial gleaning over knowledge. There is no tilling of the soil for roots to take place.

A Conversation with someone working in Advertising; Education is necessary, something that we all have to do; it is a sausage machine! It is what makes us [or breaks us]. This standardised system of preparing young people to function within the status quo forms our characters remaining with us for the rest of our lives. It is up to the individual to make the most of it, use it to develop themselves. Each person has their own unique way of dealing with the challenge.

Education/learning continues our entire lives.

Education is very important and necessary. Even though one may have many years of experience, without qualifications appearing on the CV, the job will not be awarded.

Comments from a student (and parent) who attends a school using the IBO exam; because of the small numbers of students, they receive rich, nurturing attention. He loves attending school and learning does not feel like it’s a chore, its something he welcomes. Teachers are apparently ‘handpicked’ for their high level of expertise. The parent expressed much gratitude and appreciation for their blessing and privilege. Their entire attitude toward the education experience was appreciative and grateful, a very rare attitude I have come across in the conversations.