SO WE are again in the pictorial ‘jumpy up and down season of reports of the school’s examination results.

No, I do not wish to downplay the successes and excitement for all those involved.

None the less, I pose the question: just what passes for education these days?

A while back I was involved in a ‘project’ during which I asked an 18 year old a question about England’s past hero Admiral Lord Nelson of Trafalgar fame.

The answer I got, believe it, was: “Who is Admiral Lord Nelson”?

Somewhat stunned, I explained inclusive of Nelson’s Column and Trafalgar Square in London.

In reply I got: “They didn’t teach us that stuff at my school”.

Obviously that ‘school’ does not understand our cultural heritage.

The second example was from a 16-year-old student when I said: “That’s an interim payment”.

He was obviously puzzled, the student didn’t know what interim meant!

I fully explained, his reply was: “They don’t teach that stuff at my, (sic: same) ‘school’”

Somewhat further back in talking with a 15-year-old; the lad thought that Churchill and Hitler in WWII were allied against Stalin and Russia!

Another comment is that whilst they are smart with computers, iPhones etc, they did not know why ‘phone is not spelt with an ‘F’!

I must state here that the three are intelligent young people.

The name of the “school”, if one can call it that, I will not mention for obvious reasons!

Having completed part and more of their education does anyone think that if I make a charge to the Education Authority or The Department of Education I’d get ‘my fee’?

In conclusion I simply ask - what are we paying teachers, lecturers and staff for?

Lee Prescott

Stonehouse