Quote Originally Posted by abbobrom View Post
I was a teacher for thirty years, mainly teaching Woodwork, Metalwork, Technical Drawing and PE. In year nine the pupils chose options for their studies for their GCSE. The options were put into three blocks with a science in each block. I taught in a Coal Mining area and the main employers apart from the pit were the Power Station and some small local engineering firms making components for the automotive industry.

I asked the Head why the need for Science in each group. His reply was "In case someone want's to train to be a Doctor." Very commendable, we had one girl train to be a Vet in twenty years. However, I often used to get boys asking if they could borrow books on Metalwork, as they were going for an Engineering Interview. They had not done the subject since the age of thirt e e n but new about Biology.

University is great for some, and very necessary for some professions. But there are many who may be wasting their time with a degree that will do little for their career prospects.

For lots of youngsters a trade would be far more use. Try and get hold of a Plasterer or Plumber. My son is an Electrician, has his own business and can put his hand to most building and construction skills. I have been helping him recently in the renovation and rewiring of a Farmhouse that was built in 1880. We have replaced two staircases, removed all the lath and plaster ceilings, discovered three fire places behind walls, and removed all the old rubber wires. He can plaster but because of the amount required to do, he decided to save time and get a plasterer in. That has proved a real problem. The plastering has now been done, but that is one example of a trade that appears to be short of skilled workers.
Back in the 70’s we had to do our subject choices from blocks like you explain Abbo.

This forced me to choose doing German which was absolutely pointless to me along with choosing a science which was utterly pointless.

What I actually needed was double the amount of Commerce and Business Studies lessons and more Maths lessons.

My eldest daughter was very artistic and she would’ve gained greatly from more focus on that area of her education.

With a lot of kids it’s very obvious by 11 years of age as to where their strengths are and the direction they should head but they are forced into doing pointless learning.

Metalwork, woodwork, sciences etc were completely wasted on me.

History and Geography were subjects I enjoyed but weren’t particularly talented at but have been useful in general life terms.

My syllabus should’ve been,

English Language

English Literature

Mathematics

Commerce

Business

Computer Studies

PE ( lots of additional PE )

Glad to hear your son is doing so well Abbo and you’re so right about plasterers, this is a £100k to £150k a year trade now for anyone willing to get their hands dirty and work hard.