Mountain.Dew said:
agree with VCB. many apprenticeships and trades appeal more to males, since it is a lot of 'hands on', pnysical work, where stereotypically and generally, girls would rather read or write and sit in the class room.
i agree that we do need to have both english and maths, and the belief is that high school will cater for these necessary skills. my argument is that we need to change the advanced english course. wheres the good old grammar or comprehension questions? its pretty much only taught in primary school and perhaps in year 7-8, but not a shred of what real "English". Its all nice and good to talk and discuss about concepts and issues, but if we dont have the basic foundations of english literacy and grammar, then the standard of english essays and extended responses will drop. pretty much every year, in the comments released by the BOS markers commenting upon the standard of candidate responses, many complain about the lack of proper grammar and spelling. SPELLING!
we need to change the hsc syllabus, so that we are more prepared for later life, BEYOND obtaining one number.
The emphasis on 'higher' understanding of English, such as analysing texts and preparing in depth reponses that reflect a degree of mature thinking maybe a relic from the history of the HSC. Originally most people who stayed on to complete the final two years of high school were aiming for a university position, hence the focus on developing skills that may assist during tertiary study. The essence of this has remained unchanged for a long time.
To reintroduce basic spelling and grammar is all well and good, but perhaps overkill. I have never incorrectly spelled a word during a test or an assignment since about year seven or eight (Please do not refer to my BOS spelling because I do not read over that and thus any slip of the keyboard stays). I was not the only person in my year at school who had basic spelling and grammar within my grasp, most of the advanced English class and a fair few people from both standard english.
However, amongst some there was a myriad of poor spelling and grammatical errors. But to reintroduce basic spelling and grammar at a HSC level would be a disservice and a waste of time to those who have already mastered it. Perhaps a remedial class is the best option? Perhaps there should be Advanced English, Standard English and a class for those who cant spell yet (not necessarily a dumber class because some of the brilliant maths students I know couldn't spell).
Though this is not a perfect solution because one of the mid range students from Advanced English (top of maths, physics etc) could not spell all that well.
Finally, if the standards of HSC level English are lowered and the focus removed from higher, more intellectual exercises and returned to the basics, how would anyone gain the necessary analytical, etc, abilities to competently study an arts (for example) degree at university?
BTW: When it comes to the problem of people not having any basic mathematical skills a reflection of our reliance upon calculators. How many people voluntarily do basic problems in their head, or use a pen and paper over a calculator?