Elite schools established to keep the status quo

12.SEPT.08
Editor: “Girls on a high”, Outstanding!”, “GHS tops CXC exams”. these were the headlines of our national newspapers. I, therefore, take this opportunity to congratulate these young ladies on a job well done. Let me also highlight the achievement of Ezron John, of the SVGS, the top male performer this year.{{more}} congratulations!

I do not wish to take anything away from these individuals, but to whom much is given a lot is expected. Therefore, it is no surprise when these individuals achieve. after all, they are given the best teachers, materials and support. As a matter of fact they were already labeled as the “Cream of the Crop” 5 years ago.

The Headmaster of the SVGS stated that some of the students who entered the school in 2003 were weak academically, due to the fact that they had to accommodate more students than usual. If these students are categorized as weak, what category will he place those who entered the Barrouallie Secondary School and the North Union Secondary School?

I am of the opinion that elite schools were established to keep the status quo, where the rich and the poor are left to struggle.

Let us, therefore, start exploring the issue of “Zonal Education”, and who knows, there may just be several school mentioned as “Outstanding!”, as is the norm in the Common Entrance Exam.

Minty

Editor’s note: We are not aware that the Headmaster of the SVGS made that statement.