Failing Furness Academy and BAE Systems

[imnotafeministbut]

BAE Systems has applied to sponsor this school. Anyone else find this disturbing?

[TeenAndTween]

I guess it depends on context, and what is planned.

Naively, I guess they can provide some fantastic links to industry, maybe provide technical equipment, inspire engineers of tomorrow, make education 'real' to the pupils. Presumably they will still have proper teachers teaching, and maybe bring some business knowledge to the background running of the school.

What are your concerns?

[Lilymaid]

They are, presumably, a major employer in the area so would be keen to develop STEM subjects in particular.

[imnotafeministbut]

My concerns are that Europe's biggest bloody arms company will be running a school! It still seems like something out of an Orwellian nightmare. Schools are meant to be safe places for learning. They shouldn't be allowed to become training grounds for arms companies and those that profit from war.

BAE has a shameful history of corruption as well and deals with all sorts of vile dictators. Do we want those people having an influence over school curriculum?

[woodlands01]

Do you live in the Furness area or know anything about the community?

[redbinneo]

"Do we want those people having an influence over school curriculum?"

No, they will want people who can do maths, write coherently and think for themselves. We should all avoid this type of employer.

[AugustRose]

It is concerning but with Nicky Morgan's recent announcement that even more schools will become academies if they are not improving - in the governments opinion - then this will happen more and more. Schools will be run by the highest bidder no matter what they company's/organisations history.

It will be seen as a positive in the area however as it is an area of low income with very little in the way of job opportunities.