Why would anyone think it’s a good idea to give corporations power over the way our kids are educated? To move more towards America’s style of education system? But that’s exactly what the Federal Government is trialling. They’ve announced a pilot of a program that will give major corporations a bigger role in schools:
…students at the Geelong pilot school will study computer programming, undertake workplace visits and internships alongside normal classes. The business partner – yet to be announced – will help write the curriculum and offer pathways to employment for graduates.” (http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/corporate-high-schools-evidence-or-inspiration-20141016-116i3i.html#ixzz3GGD8V09Q)
That might seem fine on the surface, but think about who’s likely to get involved, and what powers they’d have:
Federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne said fast food giants and mining firms could be among the corporations interested in the concept in Australia.” (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-15/geelong-to-trial-corporations-in-schools-program/5815742)
Why would McDonalds or Coke want kids learning about the value of nutrition or the deceptive nature of advertising? Why would BHP or AGL want kids to understand the true potential of renewable energy, or the real dangers associated with fossil fuels and pollution? Why would Apple want kids to learn about effective financial management, deferral of gratification or the risks of credit? Why would Fox want kids to understand how biased all mainstream news is, and how much it influences viewers and policy?
These sorts of companies already lobby governments to reduce the focus of these issues in the curriculum. By putting them directly in control, we’re simply removing the middle-man, so they don’t have to lobby at all!
If big corporations were truly interested in the future of our kids, they wouldn’t be evading their tax obligations as they are! The unfortunate truth is that corporations are answerable only to shareholders, and interested only in profits. Governments are – more or less – answerable to voters and interested in social advancement.
I know which I’d rather have teaching my kids.
Tell the government NOT to let corporations intrude into our schools
If you agree with me, please sign this petition…
This is already happening in WA Glenn. Buru Energy have been giving “science” lessons on fracking in Kimberley Schools.
Article from @abcnews dating back to March this year attached.
http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-21/buru27s-fracking-discussion-in-classrooms-criticised/5336352
Thanks Sally. I’ve Pocketed that article to read later. Much appreciated. 🙂
Just another example of Abbott’s immorality. Petition signed.
Thanks Steve. You’re a good man! 🙂
This is absolutely disgusting. Just when I was keep thinking they might introduce a course that outlines the significance of critical thinking, they do this. This government really wants to turn the coming generations into a moronic lot if they’re really doing it.
I have seen in a few American documentaries how American school kids are exposed to the commercial advertisement everyday during the lunch break. I think it was supersize me.