So,
Here we are in Northern Ireland! Our local governmental review on education at post primary level ( 11-18 yrs) is now complete and a new system to replace the current system is going to be introduced and fully operational by 2008.
What is the current system? Well it is centered on the transfer test at P8 ( 10-11year olds) who sit a test (euphemistically called the' 11+') and the results of this determine the post primary school that a child can /will be allowed to attend. Those who pass are allowed to go to Grammar...those who fail(?) go to secondary schools. The former have the best reputation, the latter schools not so good (The Prime Minister even referred to these latter schools as 'bog standard'.......). It is true that this is in fact not compulsory even now. Some parents decide not to put their children through this process...but the fact is the majority do.
The new system will remove the disparity of age and outcome. That is to be welcomed I think. My child will by the time he comes to 11 have a 'profile' containing all that he has done/learnt/ achieved over his primary education by that time.Schools will have to assess him accordingly and make judgements etc. Fair? Well it will be,fairer, I think. Perhaps equality in education is to idealistic, not practicle, stifling of some and not taxing others. Which brings me to the point about which im anxiuos about overall...if equality in education isnt realistic..in what other areas could this be the case also?