09-14-2016, 09:31 PM
Selection on the basis of ability is not fundamentally bad. The problem with the old grammar school system was that it was a single point selection on a single test of ability. There are academically selected streamed school systems that work well. The Dutch system is an example. However, these do allow for transfer from the 'lower' level schools to the 'higher' level school if the attainment of the student is sufficient to warrant it. It also has provision for a student to drop down from a higher to a lower level school.
A big problem with the old Grammar school system was it was seen as the 'Gateway' school to university. If you did not go to grammar school or public school, even if you got the required A levels it was difficult to get into university, you went to polytechnic. Any change to the school system must ensure that there are routes to university from any school in the system.
A big problem with the old Grammar school system was it was seen as the 'Gateway' school to university. If you did not go to grammar school or public school, even if you got the required A levels it was difficult to get into university, you went to polytechnic. Any change to the school system must ensure that there are routes to university from any school in the system.