Michael Mosbacher - “We’re spending too much educating those who don’t want to learn”: Points of View

Michael Mosbacher in The Telegraph posed a controversial question: “Are we spending too much educating those who do not want to learn?” The question was linked to the ‘Highjacked High Streets’ study undertaken by the Centre for Social Justice, a think tank established by former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan-Smith. The study reported that a small minority of young people are demonstrating anti-social behaviour which terrorises local areas. This was then aligned with behaviour in classrooms, where learning can be repeatedly disrupted by a small handful of students. The article highlighted the high level of truancy since Covid, demonstrating that students are voting with their feet, and recognised that huge amounts of effort are being expended to return students to the classroom. However, do we need to look at the bigger picture? Is attendance against all odds really the holy grail? Where are these problems originating: a curriculum not fit for 21st century learners or a change in the approach to discipline? Should all students be forced to attend school or should we be looking at alternatives?  On the panel: JP, Ollie Bayliss, Liz Webb, Maud Waret.