Oh, and in case I hadn't said enough already, the major factor in making education socially acceptable, in my view, is making it relevant. Having options for those people who are more vocationally and practically motivated, options for those people who are artistic and creative, options for those people who are motivated by academics or entrepreneurialism. Accepting that the job of a plumber is just as valid as being a teacher, oil executive wink , etc.

Hoagies linked to a great presentation today, by Sir Ken Robinson. It's on changing educational paradigms - you've probably already seen it as I think I saw it some time ago, but it is great. Maybe not so many ideas on how to fix it - but a good summary on what isn't working. I'm typing on my iPad and couldn't get the you tube URL to work, so this is the TED link: http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_changing_education_paradigms.html

I'll stop now!

"If children have interest, then education will follow" - Arthur C Clarke