What's going on with education in this country? I've just finished year 12 at $10,000 a year private school. I left my public school after year 4. It l was built for 300 students but was overflowing with more than double that, as a result temporary transportable class rooms had become permanent features dotted around the grounds. So full was our school that in year 3 I remember being in a 30 student class with mixed year levels.
My parents were forced to send me to a private school in order to get the education they thought I deserved. I asked them what they would have done if they could not afford to send me (and my two siblings) to a private school. They didn't know. But luckily they could, both are specialist doctors.
They came from underprivileged backgrounds were educated in the public system, which, including university, was free of fees and HECS. I asked them if they would have become specialist doctors if they attended one of today's 'underprivileged' public schools and then had to consider fees and HECS for a seven year medical course. Probably not.
If we are to believe what out leaders are constantly telling us, we've never been better off. Interest rates are low, unemployment is low and prices are low - so why do I get the feeling that education standards are also falling a bit low.
Education is investment in the future and at the moment we can afford to make the investment. After 8 years in the private system, why do I get the feeling that I wouldn't be where I am now if I'd spent that time in the public system? Education is a privilege, but in a country like Australia it should also be a right.
Your education level should never depend on your income level.
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© 2008. First published on actnow.com.au
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