ABSTRACT
Teachers in comprehensive schools are asked to play many roles in their society. Some of ideas put forward in first part of analysis are described in greater detail. There have been and continue to be significant changes during what are sometimes called the four ages. The first age is the age of full-time education and training, the second age the period of working life, the third age the years of healthy retirement, and the fourth age represents the time of infirmity. It is difficult to say what the second age will become in future for those currently in school, as it may be that improved health in later years might lead to it lengthening once more, if people choose and have opportunities to work into their seventies. The ability to track down vital information, abstract its essence, work out how to apply what the people have learned, often without external help, is key element of independence of mind and action.
