School Speech

Starting school at seven? Shameful.
L: Ladies and gentlemen, we are here today talk to you about why schooling should not start at the age of seven. Since the 19th century, children have been attending school at the age of five so why should this change now?
H: The government have pledged that children should start school later than five years old, the current age of compulsory education. They insist children need more time to develop and less time in traditional lessons. So why is this I hear you ask?
Academics warn there is a ‘too much, too soon’ culture within education.
L: I’m sure Hermes, the Greek God of Knowledge, would have a thing or two to say about this.
H: Apparently, the current system is profoundly damaging to your youngsters’ personal and social development according to ‘Save the Children Movement’. It robs children of the ability to play and enjoy their infant days.
L: I agree that children are growing up as quickly as a middle school rumour. But I don’t remember being worked to the bone at five years old and I actually really enjoyed going to school, as I’m sure all of you and millions of others would agree. After all, the earlier you start the better; it’s the same with anything you do.
H: The government would dispute this. Education systems in Scandinavia enter children into school at six or seven years old and say they ‘consistently achieve better educational results as well as higher levels of well-being’.
L: What about British children? Culturally and ethically our kiddies are worlds apart, entirely different. This legislation would disrupt and tear apart the entire education system in England. Our schools are effective, efficient and exemplary in helping your little stars achieve the best they can. Imagine a world with six and seven year olds who are unable to even read or write. Reception is the building blocks for a basic foundation of almost everything you need in life. You teachers would agree that you aren’t just feeding children academia on a spoon but are helping to sculpt them into well-rounded human beings.
H: Actually, some have said that formal learning could be likely to cause damage to self-image and learning dispositions for kids in the future. This is why the government is encouraging play based activities which include no literacy or numeracy requirements instead of schooling.
L: They have enough free time and ample of structure and consistency in their days at school. You know how long it takes before your infants become bored to death during the school holidays. Imagine another two years of your kids being trapped, confined and glued to the television. You want your children to interact. They need to interact.
H: Okay, I agree. I’ve provided a list of counter arguments but the truth is primary education is vital for development, improvement and growth. When I was younger I had the most dreadful upbringing but school allowed escapism and opportunities that I had never been exposed to before. It offered me a new life from an early age. It would be immoral to steal this chance from underprivileged children who are dependent on the support provided by the school community. An example of this is the free hot meals offered which some kids just are not used to.
L: You’d be deluded to refuse the opportunity of free schooling when there are millions of less fortunate people than you who would die for the chance to be educated. Just think for a moment. Africa is just one location in the world out of many who have a corrupted education system. African families strive and struggle to find the money to enroll their sons and daughters into basic school.
H: Therefore, you should appreciate the fact that you have all of this for free. You can go to work, without worrying about where your child is or how they are. Schools provide a safe and productive network of childcare that clearly the government take for granted.
L: We hope that we have convinced you to help us fight against these ridiculous proposals made by the childless snobs in charge of our country.
H: Education at a young age is more critical than you think. Wouldn’t you agree?