ABSTRACT

Based on structured research and interviews with pupils in years 10 and 11 (15 ^DDS 16 years old) about their views of the purpose of school and their own future employment and the way the two connect, this book offers a blistering critique of the purpose of education and its ability to prepare children for the world of work. The issues raised include: the purpose of school, the nature and quality of the curriculum, whether their time was well spent, whether what they learned was relevant, who influenced them, their views of industry and the world outside. Out of the mouths of babes, the truth comes tumbling and the result is a shocking indictment of an educational system that fails to deliver what it sets out to achieve.

chapter |13 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|22 pages

Research methods: hearing what pupils say

chapter 2|12 pages

Submission? Pupils’ attitudes to school

chapter 5|9 pages

The subject of the curriculum

chapter 8|19 pages

Pupils’ relationship with teachers

chapter 9|19 pages

The learning styles of pupils

chapter 10|15 pages

School and life beyond

chapter 11|20 pages

The social context of school