I was 5 in 1939 and couldn't go to school until I was 6, as the school had been taken over by the British Army as temporary barracks. My mother had only a basic education, but she was a naturally smart woman and taught me my times tables up to 12, basic reading and writing and simple outline drawing. When I went to school, I already knew what we were being taught, so I was continually moved up [as was the style in those days] and got a free scholarship to an otherwise very expensive private school when I was 10. [They are called "Public Schools" in England.]

The headmaster of the primary school was a psychotic bully, both physically and psychologically. He would not be tolerated today, but in those days he was regarded as a brilliant school principle, because of the unusually high number of scholarship achievers at his school. We were all so glad to get away from him!

My new school was supposed to be run on "Christian" lines, but was a hot-bed of bullying, snobbery and class distinction. I was the youngest and smallest boy in the class and was also a poor kid at a rich kids' school. Physical bullying was rife and was frequently done openly in front of the teachers. It was considered "good form" to accept the bullying and unacceptable to "sneak", ie report it to the teachers. Some of the teachers joined in with psychological bullying. I honestly believe that, despite their high academic qualifications, some of the teachers were too stupid to understand the implications of their actions.

Despite my small size, I was naturally strong and agile and learnt to use my feet, knees, fingers and any heavy object I could lay my hands on, so I generally got left alone. I never started a fight, so I wasn't concerned at how I finished it

[cont]

Despite my small size, I was naturally strong and agile and learnt to use my feet, knees, fingers and any heavy object I could lay my hands on, so I generally got left alone. I never started a fight, so I wasn't concerned at how I finished it.

For various reasons, I was generally popular at school and was never short of friends. But I absolutely detested school, from the day I started until the day I left. In those days, we had to stay at school in England until we were 15. At my mother's prompting, I managed to hang in until I matriculated before I was 16. Then I was happy to go to work and earn some money.

Home teaching was not an option in our family. My father was well educated, but drank, smoked and gambled too much and my mother had to work to cover his excesses. And when I was 14, he was diagnosed with [self-inflicted] lung cancer. I don't know if home education was an option in those days anyway.

I don't think any of that did me any lasting harm, maybe because I'm logical and resilient by nature. But I'm quite sure that it was far from an ideal school experience. [And thank goodness I started to grow after I was 16 and finished up quite tall!]

I don't know if I've contributed to this topic in any constructive way. I just read what others were saying and it all came flooding back.

Lyn makes an interesting point that schools have had their day.
The decline in literacy, and numeracy alone must prove that as an institution dedicated to educating our young, the school system is seriously failing.
I do not see how bringing in new laws to control Home Education will fix the falling standards in our State Schools.
It is interesting that the Bracks' Government’s attempt to fix the ailing school system is to introduce more bureaucracy at the tax payers' expense

Rex makes a good point, England has had a major problem with bullying and class and sociall segregation for a long time. They were extremly intolerent of those who are different. This is the system Australia has modelled itself upon politically and schoolarly throughout our history. Now the government is about to pass a law is nothing new- it is similar to what England passed a few years back. Tryancy officers in England have the right to stop children in the streets and question them.They have the power to come into your home,children who home educate carry an I.D card that states they do not have to answer questions.This sounds like remanants of Hitlers regime.This is the law our government is trying to force on us.Have they asked for public opinion - NO; have they openly informed us of this _ NO; Do they have the right as our elected representitives to do this _ ONLY if WE let them. Stop them eroding our country any more, let them know how you feel, write to your local member and any politician you voted for.2006 is an election year, let them know this issue will be reflected at the polling booths. They have made laws and schooled our children and then act surprised when the bullyies took over Cronulla.The government and their bad desicions for decades have affected children and this is the public result. They can't pretend anymore. It's time for us to stop them.

RE the comments about children 'running away' from bullying by home educating: when people feel loved, worthy, inherently good, they have no need to attack anyone. One purpose of home education is to build a strong self-worth. Just as some parents prefer not to give their children sugar and processed food in their first seven years while they are establishing their tastes - a child who has only experienced natural foods will naturally reject the doctored foods that our food industry is serving up because his/her taste instincts have not been perverted. Same with home education: a child who has been nurtured will naturally treat others with interest and respect.

Regarding socialisation: to be socialised means to fit in with society, i.e. a range of ages, nationalities, religions, skills, genders, etc., not a school class of 30 same-age peers. Children who are home educated play and learn in the 'classroom of life', meeting and interacting with a wide variety of people. They are noted for their ability to relate to a range of ages.

It sees a great pity to me that the overnment feels the need to control home education while they are struggling to keep their own house in order.

Quote "The sad fact is we can't stamp out bullying in our schools. No policy as good as it sounds will remove the bullying" Actually there is a simple policy that will remove bullying from schools. it goes like this.
The bully plays up once they are taken out of class & drilled as to why they did it.
Bully plays up again the parents are called in & told this is the bully's last chance.
Bully plays up a third time & they are thrown out of school!
The parents can then transfer the bully to a special school that, so to speak, puts all our bullies in one basket. End of problem.
Secondly here are a few problems with home schooling that, as much as I admire the movement haven't been addressed.
1. Antiquated jug to mug approach to education
2. Lack of diversity of views [particularly so among extreme religious groups where ONLY there own views will be taught. The child grows up thinking that either those views are the oviously correct views or that any other views are stupid].