To think - how awful schools really are

[Ippimi]

I remember hating school when I went to school. But that was a long time ago now. I'd kind of forgotten about it.

I work for a training company that usually delivers training programmes to businesses. I usually teach adults. I'm not working in the UK at the moment. I'm working in a different country in Europe.

However we recently got asked to design a training programme for a local school. So for the last couple of weeks I've been going in and talking to the children in a school about a topic.

Going into the school- and looking at it as an adult - I just think it's so so awful. Why do we do this to children

The children are not allowed to move , they're not allowed to talk. The teacher yells at them to be quiet all the time.

I understand this is the school system everywhere. I remember that I hated school as a child and I felt trapped. But when I look at it from an adults eyes, it looks even worse.

when I look at it as an adult, it really seems like emotional abuse of children.

It also seems like such a waste of their young years.

They should be playing and having some fun.

They're not allowed to move or talk. And they get shouted at A lot. It just seems like they're getting indoctrinated to not think for themselves and to follow orders. The school system is just awful and needs to change in my opinion

I've worked in lots of schools and read the behaviour policies of many more and have experienced what OP is describing a LOT.

How on earth can anyone complain about the school system in general??? Schools in the UK will be very different to schools elsewhere in the world. Your post sounds more ridiculous than ever. You are now complaining about one school in one unspecified country and then saying how awful schools are generally??

Quite, also clearly explained 😄

I think that a lot of school systems in different countries are very similiar. I see threads on mumsnet complaining about how draconian the schools in the UK are.

Sounds like it.

Thank you!

It's definitely there! I've seen a lot of screaming, shouting, and really what I would call emotional abuse of children

There was nothing defensive or aggressive about @MrsBennetsPoorNerves op on the other hand lol

What do you think of the school system in Australia? Too draconian?

But you still won’t say which country this is in OP?

I find most teachers on MN defensive and aggressive.
I’m sure they’re not representative of the majority of teachers who are lovely.

My dn was homeschooled, his dm took him to nursery school for two days and he asked why she was making him stay there. He was very articulate at a young age.
Two years ago he got really good A levels despite a history teacher telling me on MN that my db couldn’t possibly teach A level history if he wasn’t a teacher.
He who laughs last op.

I’ve never been shouted at during school years. So I don’t agree to be honest..
however I do think it’s scandalous that politics isn’t compulsory from a young age and that this is a disservice and probably will result in the decline of democracy & the quality of people’s lives in countries like the UK. Already happening to be honest. I think for young children there could be more play and less tests aswell.

No I never say peraonal details on mumsnet. Including location, employer anything.

It's a good rule of thumb for online safety!

Children do need to listen in class.
It’s basic manners.
I say that as a child who was often told off for talking in primary school.

It was CRB checks prior to that. I couldn't start work without one and that was in 99. Wasn't even allowed in working and supervised. Just not allowed to be on site and working without one. It took 4 months for it to come back.

@Ippimi I volunteer at a school. I may have to leave as it is affecting my MH.

Its dreadful to see the stress on teachers faces and children with their shoulders up round their ears.

So your ranty post is just meaningless bile against a school system then?

Do you actually have any skin in the game I.e. children at this school?

Ippimi you never give any personal details but you name changed to make the post so it wouldn't identify you.

So let’s take an international perspective:

Which countries’ school systems do you like more, or less? Why?

What lessons would you like UK MNers to draw from your experiences? What about MNers in other countries?

What kind of debate would you like to see on this thread and how can we help you?

I know it's difficult for teachers aswell. It's difficult for the children aswell

I'm just talking from my experience of what I've witnessed . My opinion is valid. That's what mumsnet is for , is to share opinions.

In my opinion, the whole idea of "school" needs to be improved in general.

I don't know what every single school is like. And I'm not saying every teacher is crap, far from it, I know that it's difficult for teachers too.

Im Just saying that it would be nice for there to be a bit of change in the future/ more options

I assume you have reported the emotional abuse of children - all the screaming and shouting you have observed to your employer, the school and the safeguarding authorities in your country then OP?

Yeah exactly. It's the same thing right. People name change for good online practice/safety. People also don't give any personal details for good online safety.

Meaningless bile. Wow so aggressive! Are you a teacher?

Could you try a special school? Some of them are much, much nicer environments in my opinion / experience.

I couldn't hack it in mainstream, found it really upsetting to be honest.

It's stressful alright to work in a school.

I feel awful and upset every time that I leave the place.

No. And I don’t think you are either.