While driving to the major hospital for the area this afternoon, I was vaguely listening to the news on the radio. I probably need to retune my radio to a more news based station some time, because at points in the day I can find my current station frustrating as it fails to offer much detail in the report or focuses on some childish item that is of little value.
Most car journeys I enjoy the music of a radio station. On longer trips between places I enjoy the opportunity to turn the volume up and sing along. On shorter journeys the music can act s a lift or a break form one occupation to the next.
Today though was news and a reminder of the seeming childishness of politicians. This week has been full of Michael Gove, as first he fails to reappoint the Ofsted chief, then his criticisms of the English Education system, and then today the ridiculousness of his behaviour during prime minister’s questions that led to his receiving “lines” from Stephen Berkhof.
There are so many things about this man and his pattern of behaviour that make me angry.
How can someone whose pattern of behaviour is so undermining of the value of others hold this position of responsibility? There seems to be no valuing of the voice or opinion of others.
There are questions about the devaluing of education though, whether that be the Scottish or the English system. Society wants the best for children, and yet to achieve that we seem keen to dismantle confidence in any system. Stories always play on what is going wrong and what needs to be improved.
Where are the stories that tell of what is good within education? How can we encourage confidence, when all we do is throw blame and accusation?
Too late at night, and perhaps not political enough to offer valid comment. But as a parent, there are risks to be taken in trusting children within a school. We trust that they are being taught at a level appropriate to them, that they are being stretched when they show aptitude, and slowed when they are uncertain.
Education should be about more than the 6 hours within a classroom environment. We can only inspire confidence in our children and in our education system when we are willing to highlight what has been good and of value in enabling young people to engage with the world.
Beachblesser's Blog 
My personal annoyance take place in August. Pupils have bust a gut for a couple of years, which at their age is a huge percentage of their lifetime, to pass their exams. Once the results are in, there will inevitably follow some news stories where politicians will state that exams are getting easier. That it was a lot harder in their day. Etc.
I think this does a grave dis-service to the effort the pupils have put in, and to the teachers that have helped them excel. I was blessed with a great group of teachers that enjoyed their subjects, and genuinely wanted to see their pupils do the best they could.
I agree, there should be more praise for pupils and teachers. English or Scottish, our education systems are outstandingly good.