EDUCATION IN BRITAIN TODAY

EDUCATION IN BRITAIN TODAY

A few years ago, I wrote an article entitled - “Trust the Teachers.”
It was full of positive proposals to reform our Educational System. No one took any notice. So, the problems rolled on.

Here are some quotes from Teachers TODAY -

" My family is suffering because I am so tired in the evenings. "

" The bureaucratic pressures are overwhelming me. "

" I used to love Teaching. Now I dread it. "

" I spend all my free time writing notes and reports."

" I am so stressed out at the end of the day. Nobody cares anymore. "

" I must leave Teaching, my health is suffering. "

" I am so depressed. "

These quotes are not minority quotes. They are majority quotes. That is why so many Teachers are leaving the Profession. What a waste !

How can we allow this situation in the Teaching profession to continue ?

I have not changed my views over the years. So, here is a Summary of my recommendations for the future. I believe in Decentralisation of Monitoring and Assessments, not Civil Service dogmatism and interference in the Teaching Profession.

1-Trust the Teachers. By this, I mean, give Teachers more freedom to teach and make sure they are not bogged down by bureaucratic Paperwork.

2-School assessments should be carried out by...

3-Parent Governors
The Head Teacher
Ofsted

4-Education Civil Servants should stay out of the School Performance statistics.

5-Teachers must be freed from writing up Class Teaching Programmes and Class Teaching Contents notes.

6-School League Tables should be abolished.

7- The 2 Years of Advanced Level studies should count as Y1 for a Degree, thereby making it only 2 further years to obtain a Degree. This will reduce Student loans by one third.

8- A 3 year Apprenticeship Level Diploma should be refined and relaunched.

9-A One year Part Time Diploma in Caring Skills should be introduced to improve Caring for the Elderly.

10-Academies should be abolished.
Replaced by Local Authorities Primary Schools and managed by Local Authorities. Parents should be appointed to Local Authority Education Boards.

11- All schools should be designated Secondary Schools.
The top 60% of Pupils over Primary School performances will qualify automatically for the old Grammar Schools ( now designated Wycombe Secondary School for example ) and 40% for old Comprehensive / Secondary Modern ). School to be designated Wycombe Secondary School, with same logo as the past Grammar School.The % rates will differ due to Local Area Demographics.

12-Thereafter, no more 11 Plus or 12 Plus examinations.

13- No more Sats Tests. Children and Teachers are free to concentrate on Holistic Development of Children. Pressure off the continuous pressure of Working towards examination results. In futures children will Develop full capability skills.
Emotional Intelligence is just as important in the real World as IQ in the Intelligence dominated World !

14-Private Education should remain. It helps reduce demands on the Public Purse. Parents must have freedom of choice.

15- Income Tax should be increased to Basic 22% and 42%.
This must be Ring Fenced 1% for Education Budget and 1% for NHS Budget. The two most key priorities to help future generations and those in the Community who need help in sickness.

16- Salaries for Head Teachers should not exceed £100,000 per anum It is ludicrous that some Head Teachers earn £200,000 Plus. Stop this glutinous greed.

17- For routine assistant work in a School, Non Degree Parents can be employed.

18- Free bus travel should continue for Pupils living more than 1 mile from the School.

19- Faith Schools should be abolished.
Schools are classified as...

Primary
Secondary.

20- Teachers must be free to use their own Teaching Skills within Broad Outlines in the Curriculum. They must to be changed from Rigid Demands and Dogma.

Conclusion ......FREE THE TEACHER....FREE THE PUPILS....
REMOVE DOGMA....CIVIL SERVANTS- LEAVE THE TEACHERS ALONE!

Or else,

1- Teacher depressions will continue at record levels.

2-Difficult to recruit Teachers.

3- Pupils emotionally disturbed as examinations and tests emerge.

4- Parents remain distressed if their children fail examinations.

5- A divided Society... Grammar Schools v Public Schools v Comprehensive School

TIME FOR REALISTIC CHANGE.

IN MEMORIAM

THE NEW FLAG
For all our destinies

" The New Flag atop the tower of Saint Mary’s Church at Beaconsfield
Is not just a new flag that flutters anew each year.
The New Flag is a symbol of encouragement for everyone to see all year round –
A symbol of renewal of Faith, Hope and Life itself.
The New Flag is in memory of everyone who has passed to life eternal.
Thank you Lord for your Spirit of Renewal entwined in the New Flag
For all our destinies. "

Ray Williams
The Flagman

Written by Ray Williams ( 1998 ) as an inspiration and Beacon of Hope for the future to those who mourn bereavement in the Community.
Ray has donated a New Saint George's Flag for the past 20 Years.

IN MEMORIAM

In WW2, 58,000 Young men lost their lives serving in RAF Bomber Command, Their average age was around 22.
A wonderful new Memorial has been built at Lincoln

 THE INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE. 
It is a great fitting tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.

The IBCC still need funds to protect and maintain this wonderful Memorial.
If you would like to donate please contact -
IBCC LINCOLN direct or search their website.

THANK YOU.

CONSERVATIVE CABINET 2021 - 2016

THE FUTURE CONSERVATIVE CABINET
In order to clear the air and to stop a lot of horse trading and endless debate, here are EUREKYS predictions for the future Government of The United Kingdom from 2021- 2026.

EUREKYS has chosen the next Conservative Government Cabinet. It should include the following -

Prime Minister - Jacob Reese - Mogg

Foreign Secretary - David Davies

Health Secretary - Steve Baker

Foreign Secretary - Jeremy Hunt

Home Secretary - Amber Rudd

Trade Minister - Liam Fox

Chancellor of the Exchequer -Pitti Patel

Health Secretary - Andrea Leadson

United Nations Delegate - Boris Johnson

Other Members - TBD

Leader House of Lords - Dame Theresa May

ELECTION TIMING - 2021
EUREKYS Prediction - Conservative Win - Majority 31 Seats

CHRISTIANITY IN BRITAIN TODAY

CHRISTIANITY IN BRITAIN TODAY

I have considered myself a Christian Member of the Church of England for most of my life. I was Baptised, Confirmed in Brecon Cathedral, was a Choir Boy.
I have found Christians to be friendly, kind, helpful and inspirational people. I like their attitude towards other people who are non Christian.
I liked very much their positive attitude to Life.

One of the cornerstones of the Christian faith has been -
Jesus was the son of God. The Creed was uttered in most services -
Jesus was crucified, dead and buried. He was raised from the Dead, descended into Heaven. He returned to Earth for a short spell. He has dinner with his main followers. They saw his wound in his side where a Roman soldier has pieced him with a spear.
Yes, Jesus was back but not for long.
In the Bible there were many Witnesses to the return of Jesus.

Recently, I have asked some sensible questions...

Why is there no explanation from Jesus of how he was raised to Heaven?
How did he get back ?
What was God like ?
Why did he have to return to Heaven ?
What was Heaven like ?
What were Angels like ?
Did God explain to him how he created the Universe ?

These are basic questions I would have asked Jesus if I was at that dinner on his return to Earth.
The Bible says...In my Father’s House there are many mansions. So, what does this mean ? Did Jesus see any of these Mansions ? Did Jesus see anyone living there ?
What has happened to the Millions who have died before him ?
Did God speak to him during his stay in Heaven ? If so, what did he talk about ?
Did he asked God why he had to be crucified and made a martyr and suffered such pain ?
Couldn’t God find a better way to save the Earthlings ?
What do the Dead do all day ?

I feel that none of these basic questions were asked.
Jesus was the only man in history to come back to Earth after death. Surely, we Christians needed more information from Jesus ?

I am sure that the followers of Jesus would have kept a close watch on him when he was back on Earth. How did Jesus manage to just disappear back to Heaven ?

There are two further questions that bothers me very much.....

1-  The fact that God wanted his only son Jesus to die a horrific death on the Cross. What a terrible thing to wish for. Just to wash away our sins ? Could not God find a better way ?
This is a typical Martyrs Syndrome. In the Iraq / Iran Wars, thousands of young Iranians wanted to die on the battlefield as Martyrs because they were brainwashed into thinking that Death on the battlefield would guaranty them a place in Paradise with 72 Virgins each !!  So much for Martyrs and Realism. Mathematically, 72 Virgins per Martyr was an unlikely outcome.

2 - Jesus was stupid to call himself The King of the Jews during a Roman occupation that feared a Jewish uprising. He was just begging to be sentenced to death. Surely, he could have spent many more years on Earth and did a lot more good ? If he could perform miracles for the few, why could he not perform many more miracles than he did.

We now know in the 21st Century how the Universe was created. A massive Big Bang of gases.
We know there are Billions of Galaxies and Billions of stars and planets in the Universe that we know. There may be more separate Universes. Whow ! Do you really think God did this ?

I am sorry that I find the whole story unrealistic. The Followers of Jesus must have been dumb not to have probed deeper into what happened to Jesus and how did it happen.
We Christians are just left in the air.
Now, I find this very hard to believe.

If God was so powerful and Jesus had the ability to escape death, why has he not returned to Earth, many years ago ? If God was the God of love, surely he could have influenced the Leaders of the World to resist Wars.
Why has Jesus allowed so many people to die defending Christianity ?
Perhaps those who have died horrible deaths over the centuries would have preferred not to have “ Free Will” but to live longer in Peace. One could say, that Jesus and God have let down Millions of decent people.
What a pity that Jesus had not returned to Earth a second and third time to confirm that all the stories in the Bible are authentic. His return would have settled many scores and confusion today between different Beliefs.
We the people have been left with many unanswered questions.

I do not doubt that Jesus was a very good man and sincere in his beliefs.  However, there are too many questions and answers to come to the conclusion that he was made in the image of his Father God.

“ Have Faith you will hear. “ You could apply this philosophy to many things. It is a step into obscurity. It is a phrase that is a " Catch all " conviction that God exists and what happened to Jesus is true.  " Follow me said many Dictators over History. I am the way. Have faith in me ." Millions died having faith in Dictators... Hitler for example.

In spite of my reservations about the Jesus story, I think that The Church today in its many forms plays an important role in Society. For example, my local church, Holy Trinity holds coffee mornings weekly, engages with the Bereaved, organises concerts, sponsors Christmas lunches , helps the sick and acts as a Beacon of Hope for many people. Long may it flourish. The Church is a driving force for Goodness in the Community. It provides Hope. It encourages kindness amongst citizens of all races.  I like the atmosphere within the Church fraternity. However, I have a BUT.......

So, am I a Christian today ? I would like to be. But, I think that I have too many doubts.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ?

ANTI SEMITISM IN BRIITAIN TODAY

ANTI SEMITISM IN BRITAIN TODAY

There are 1,650, 000 Arabs living in Israel today - 21% of the population of Israel.
Yes, is that not an amazing statistic ?
2.1 Million Arabs live in the West Bank and 1.79 Million live in Gaza.
These estimates for the West Bank and Gaza are in dispute.
Nevertheless, the statistics about Israel population makes a ridicule of the claim that....”Israel is a racist State.”

Historical facts - An eminent Israeli Dr Michael Bliss says:

“ 3000 years ago, Jerusalem was the capital of Israel. It was called King David’s City. No other country has had Jerusalem as its capital city.”
“ Today in Israel, the Arab minority have full voting rights. They have their own Party in the Knesset, sit as Supreme Court Judges, staff hospitals as Doctors, Nurses and other jobs.”

No, many Arabs live peacefully in Israel. I have visited Israel twice. I have been for example to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jericho amongst others.
I have spoken to many Arabs living there. They are happy to live within the Israeli State whilst maintaining their Arab heritage.
In Jerusalem, I saw how the Israeli Government secures Free Movement of Arabs to the Golden Dome Mosque in Jerusalem.
In Bethlehem, I saw how the Arab tour guides hugged our Jewish coach driver. I did not witness signs of an Arab revolt in all the places I visited.
OK, you might say, “ You were blind. “ I do not think so.
During my contacts with most sides of the Israel and Arab people, I have found them to be nice, peaceful, decent people.

I know many Jews. I attended the wedding of a Jewish friend many years ago. I have witnessed how decent, honourable and entrepreneur they all were. We cannot blame the Jews because they thrive to work hard, protect their rightful heritage, make money and they are protective of their faith -
like Christians, Moslems, Hindus, Budas and other religions in the World.

We need to remember that 6,000,000, let me repeat, Six Millions Jewish people were murdered by the Nazi regime in Germany in WW2 .the biggest crime ever. Whole families were wiped out. We must never forget. The survivors deserved to return to their historical home. The home centuries ago of the Jewish tribes. Their home conquered by the Romans. The land of Jesus.
Israel has a just cause to create The State of Israel.
If not, what about the Danes claiming North England back and the lands of “ DaneGold ?”
How about the Vikings wanting their land back ? What about France claiming back the lands that William 1 of England , The Duke of Normandy conquered ? I could go on and on with examples of historical claims.

So, this bring me right up to date with 2018 during which parts of The Labour Party are accused of Anti Semitism.
There is absolutely NO justification of this in the UK or anywhere else in the World. Apart from the fact that Anti Semitism is wrong and unfounded, it is step towards hate, division, strife and injustice. There is no excuse. No evidence.
No basis for truth. It must be stopped in its tracks.

There is so much untruths about the Jews and the State of Israel. Israel have every right to live in peace. “Some Arabs” cannot claim back what they never owned.
It is a great pity that “ The Palestinians “ cannot accept a Palestinian State “ within the boundaries defined by most of the Free World ?? Is it because in Gaza , Hamas are driven by hatred ? Is it because they do not want Israel to exist, like Iran ? Would they prefer to wreck millions of lives in warfare and terrorism ?

I respect the Jewish people. Israel is a thriving country. Is this what makes Hamas so jealous ?

I condemn anyone promoting Anti Semitism.
I hope that our younger generations learn the facts about history in the Middle East. If not, the future might create more murders of innocent people.

For the future, “ Learn the facts “ children of the World.”

HISTORICAL BLUDERS

HISTORICAL BLUNDERS BY THE UK GOVERNMENT AND OTHERS

“ To understand the Present, you need to know the Past. “

I believe that this statement is true. Our Children and Grandchildren need to know History to learn from mistakes.
Here are some of my example about British Government Blunders that have proved to be very costly.
Let me start in 1936, the Years of my birth.....

1936 - King Edward VIIII was the uncrowned King of England.
He wanted to marry an American Divorcee Wallis Simpson.
The Government felt that this was a Constitutional crisis.
Edward had to resign. This was a petty mistake.
Can you imagine today, if the Government told Prince Harry, “ You must resign your Princedom and HRH before you can marry Megan, an American Divorcee? “

1939 - Britain declared War on Germany after Hitler invaded Poland. Britain had a Treaty with Poland at the time.
Britain was totally unprepared for War. The British Government should have waited until they were better prepared.
Britain just about won The Battle of Britain in 1940. It was a cliff hanger. All because Britain was ill prepared.

1940 - Dunkirk was a tragedy and a defeat. The British Army was outnumbered and outflanked. Once again, Britain was ill prepared and had poor leadership.

1950 - The Korean War. Britain joined the UN forces to fight the Communism of the North.
Today, Korea is still divided. Can you call this a success? Was it worth so many lives ?
Was it worth Millions of lives ?

Vietnam War. A similar situation to the Korean War.
Millions died fighting Communism. The Americans feared “ The Domino Effect.” They thought Communism would spread to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore.
It did not. Today, under Communism, Vietnam is a peaceful, happy prosperous country. A Number 1 Holiday hotspot for Western Tourists.
What then was it all about ?

1975 - Britain joined the EEC - The European Economic Community after a Referendum.
Britain never voted for a European Union with a President, Foreign Secretary, Parliament, Civil Service Commission, Council of Ministers.

21st Century
So, we move into the current Century.
Iraq War - most people by now understand the false information that caused the War in Iraq. President Sadam might have been evil but at least he kept the country under control. The War cost many lives and the aftermath is still with us today.
War cannot solve all problems.

The Referendum about the future of the U.K. and EU.
This is the latest debacle. Where it will end, we have to see.

THE BIG LESSONS

WAR is the worst solution to disputes between Nations.
It is a very last resort.

If you do go to War, make sure you have the resources and Allies to Win.

Citizens - Beware of what you read in the Media. They tend to stoke up the worse attitudes. They seem to thrive on making you hate Nations, Political Parties, Politicians and in particular Communism such as China and Russia.
Be careful you do not fall for misinformation or False News.
Keep an open mind.

I hope my Grandchildren will Study History with a very critical eye. The Future is theirs.