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Are schools having the opposite effect than we'd hope?

  • Writer: Daisy
    Daisy
  • Dec 15, 2025
  • 1 min read

Do you agree with this list of things that parents are generally aiming for their children to be? 


Happy

Fulfilled

Successful

Productive

Ethical & Decent

Independent & Self-Reliant

Caring & Compassionate

Confident

Curious

Creative

Critical Thinkers

Good Communicators

Tolerant & Embracing differences in others


The list comes from the incredible book 'The Schools Our Children Deserve', by Alfie Kohn. 


After a detailed analysis of the conventional school system, he concludes that school may be mostly no impact, or a negative impact on ALL of the above list. 


Lots of topics - leads to a shallow understanding

Learning a "Bunch of facts" - negative impact on critical thinking

Over-reliance on phonics - kills the love of reading and learning

Grades / standardised tests - focus on the 'right answer' over deep understanding

Uniforms - send the message that differences aren't to be celebrated

Limited time for play and carts - squashes creativity


What other ways can you see that school operates to the detriment of our aspirations for our children?

 
 
 

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