The Appeal of Public Education
- My role
- Article author
- Period
- During the Youth Voice programme in 2021
During my year studying Sharia, I joined Misk’s Youth Voice programme. I chose education for an opinion piece and asked why school appeals to some students more than others. I proposed nine changes based on differences in their interests and how they learn.
Choose document · 2
The work in detail
- My workshop outline lists education as my topic. I chose to explore assessment by specialism, repetition in the curriculum and opportunities for practical work.Writing workshop · p. 7
- I closed the article with classroom participation and subjects that develop critical thinking and life skills. I saw them as a starting point for schools to build on.Article · p. 4
- I cited three sources, including a research review of school start times, when discussing education systems outside Saudi Arabia.Article · p. 5
What did I propose?
These are the nine proposals I made in 2021. Open one to read the idea, or follow its group to the original article page.
Two ways to teach a class
I proposed offering both participatory classes and teacher-led classes within the same school to accommodate different preferences.
A place for talent at school
I pictured a school unit for interests such as drawing, poetry, programming and football. It would give students a reason of their own to spend time at school.
More choice as students grow
I proposed a common foundation in primary school, followed by increasing choice in middle and secondary school as students work towards a university specialism.
Less repetition between grades
I questioned the value of repeating the same basics with minor changes across school stages. I suggested reducing repetition so students would encounter something new.
Electives that build on students’ interests
My examples included photography and digital design alongside art, and game development alongside computing.
More familiar language
I suggested using more local dialect in curriculum materials. I drew on advertising to explain how familiar expressions can catch a listener’s attention.
A term for training and volunteering
I proposed devoting the final secondary-school term to volunteering and training, giving students practice in communication, teamwork and problem-solving outside the usual syllabus.
A subject on career pathways
I proposed a secondary-school subject that would connect students’ interests with study and career options before they chose a specialism.
Speaking in front of the class
I suggested assigning part of a mark to presenting a paper or assignment aloud, giving students practice explaining ideas to their classmates.
Youth Voice — Communication and Persuasion
Youth Voice — Dialogue Stage