What Is The Purpose of Education?

[zanzibarmum]

What is the purpose of education at secondary level?

More complex maths, better english, basic understanding of science...

What exactly do you mean? Do you mean what is the purpose of school at secondary level, or education, or learning?

If it's learning, then clearly it's about getting a more detailed understanding of the 'basics' - English, Maths, Science - and getting more in depth in any other subjects you're interested in.

I mean education which for most of the children takes part in school

I would say it is:

to give children the skills they will need to cope with everyday life and higher education/vocational training

to stimulate their interest in the world around them through science, foreign languages, literature etc

to help them develop an idea of their own place in the world through subjects such as RE, history, geography etc

to let them enjoy using their brains in a social setting

to keep them out from under my feet

Ideally - to prepare children for adult life

?Education is the path from cocky ignorance to miserable uncertainty.?

is this for an essay?

To keep children occupied!

To teach them basic technical skills - "three Rs" - and social skills

To prepare them (hopefully) to be useful and productive members of society

To give you choices in adult life

Best title for a blog and a fundamental question that we all should think about.
I go along with cory.
But would add to two comments:
'to let them enjoy using their brains in a social setting' I would add their whole bodies not just their brains.

'to keep them out from under my feet'
Mine have not reach that age yet 8 and 10 but certainly I enjoy every minute with them... well almost anyway!

Here in France the purpose of education seems to be to brainwash the population into mass obedience...

Here in France the purpose of education seems to be to brainwash the population into mass obedience...

What is education for? Well it is not for anything. It is the act itself of extending the intellect, the imagination and the physical self.
Most of us do this from the second we are born and many of us choose to continue until the day we die. My DCs are currently educating their GM in how to play chess. .

What school is for is a very different question. A good school will provide a safe place and the resources for each individual to continue their education between 4 and 18. It will provide mentors and resources. It will support a child's main education which takes place all day every day.

A bad school will simply keep children busy for a few hours. It may even stifle their main source of education.

So they don't have to go and work before they are 16yrs old .
I agree about France, they give 5yr olds homework every night and even at the weekend!
My friend is moving back to the UK this summer and her child will love the relaxed regime in the UK.

To be able to recognise when the other person is talking tosh (intellectual independence).

There is, and has been, plenty of brainwashing in education in the UK, BonsoirAnna. We just stuff them up with information, weigh them and give them a number or letter to pacify everyone.

Then we say children have never been more successful

To learn self discipline.

thecaty, I'm writing a book. Can't have dcs under my feet every minute of the day. Not to mention that they have intimated that, much as they love me, they don't actually want to have me under the feet every minute of the day.

but I agree about the bodies- more could and should be done about that at school

Now that we have been through 18 months and our children are back in school, what is your thinking about what you hope they will gain and how will they be prepared for an uncertain future?

There is a Private Members Bill going through Parliament currently which says the purpose should be to develop the skills and attitudes to:
care for oneself
Care for others and
Care for the environment.

What do you think Mums? Do you agree?

PS Since 1870 there has been no stated purpose if education - that is why it flip flops with each new politician in charge!

@BonsoirAnna. Learning to eat elaborate and traditional meals most parents can’t realistically offer at home because they work?

Education enables a better interaction and understanding of many aspects of life. It allows you to become literate and to use this knowledge to a high standard. Maths and Science etc give understanding and basic skills
It introduces you to various subjects that can be studied as your education opportunities allow. Above all, it gives you choices in life.

Childcare

For the government it’s about work preparation so people can pay tax, develop the economy.

School should be more about life skills however and caring for the environment and people in the environment

To experience and hopefully learn a wide range of knowledge areas so they have a basic understanding of things for adult life & an awareness of where their skills interests may lie.

To gain qualifications needed to show ability for future learning / jobs.

To gain knowledge and skills needed for employment.