The current system is failing to educate.Children start school as eager learners. By the end of their schoollife, too many see themselves as ‘failures’. Some have been excludedor stop attending. Many have no positive outcomes from their education,and no desire to continue formal education.
Those who do well in tests emerge into a society that has a narrow view of educationas a collection of marketable certificates. This reflects the view ofother political parties: that education is important as a means toenable Britain to compete economically.
Our Aims
TheGreen Party believes that education should provide people with theknowledge and skills they require to fully participate and contributeto society. Not just academic knowledge, but social skills, life skills and respect for other’s rights.
The Green Party's education policy would:
- Value learning for its enrichment of individual and community life.
- Value each individual and support them in lifelong learning.
- Be inclusive and enabling.
- Be co-operative rather than competitive.
- Offer a wide variety of state-funded provision.
- Respect teachers as professionals.
Addressing Your Concerns
- Do you support student grants and free tuition?
Yes. Higher education should be available to all, irrespective of financial circumstances. Until the Green Party’s Citizen’s Income scheme is introduced, students should be given grants to help them live.
- Would you abolish OFSTED?
Yes, and the system of SATs and league tables – education is not a sport. We favour a system of peer review for teachers and self-evaluation for schools, monitored by the local education authority.
- What would you do with the National Curriculum?
The National Curriculum will still be available, but not compulsory. Children have different needs and schools must to be free to offer different types of education.
- What would you do about truancy and exclusions?
Truancy and exclusions often stem from boredom and alienation caused by ‘one size fits all’ education, which does not suit everyone. Flexible education would be more relevant, attractive and worthwhile.
- Would disabled people and people with special educational needs be able to attend mainstream schools and colleges?
Yes. We would aim to make both buildings and curricula more accessible.
- What would you do about bad behaviour and vandalism in school?
Involve the school students in making and applying the rules – learning democracy by doing it. Facilities would be fully used by the community, giving a sense of belonging.
- Would you keep grammar and ‘public’ schools?
No, as they help to perpetuate an elite. We would offer state funding to such schools if they became open to children in the local area and met a requirement that all schools be run sustainably and democratically.
- How would you recruit more teachers?
By treating them as responsible professionals, not just technicians putting children through a ‘sausage machine’ to turn them into products for the labour market.
Learn More
More Information:
Education in the Manifesto for a Sustainable Society
Related Sections in the Manifesto for a Sustainable Society:
Arts
Responsibilities and Rights
Science and Technology
Social Welfare
Workers’ Rights and Employment
