OUR new feature asks a jury of Bracknell News readers to give their views on the hot topic of the week.
This week we asked: "Do you support the Prime Minister's recent committment to increase the number of grammar schools in England, if so, why?"
Have your say and cast a 'Yes' or 'No' vote HERE.
Our Jury said...
Frank-Brenchley Brown, member of St Micheal and St Mary Magdalene Church: "The proposal to increase the number of grammar schools is not the panacea to resolve the current education problems that it purports to be.
Frank Brenchley-Brown
"Rather than a reliance on a two-tier system of education where the elite are channelled into ‘good’ schools, we need to ensure that ALL schools reach a high standard so that parents can confidently send their children to a school local to where they live."
Dr Anne Brunton, criminologist, Bracknell: "No, I don't. Grammar Schools foster inequality. We can see this where they have been retained. Although there is evidence they improve grades for a minority they also depress grades for those who do not make the ‘cut’ - the majority.
"The very poorest do worst. They do not foster social mobility they ingrain social stagnation, this in turn inhibits economic growth and cohesion. They are a bad answer to a complex problem."
Anne Brunton
Mark John, 30, a video editor living in Bracknell town centre: "Education works effectively when small groups of similar kids are taught using the right method and pace for them - which could all be done in our local schools.
"The biggest threat to that has been funding cuts, and when you create a vacuum like grammar schools it takes away all the best teachers and ensures a privileged class. Worst of all, it limits the life opportunities of most kids."
Mark John
Colin Antink, 24, Denton Road, Wokingham: "Intelligence is within the child from an early age, and to be given the scope to employ hands on work, with an understanding of work compatible skills is far better than simply 'academic' learning, where there is no real knowledge of how to execute this learning.
"Grammar schools go by the book. Comprehensive schools understand the real world."
Colin Antink
Want to get involved and become a member of our Jury? Simply email news@bracknellnews.co.uk and we'll be in touch.
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