At his recent book launch in the House of Commons, Professor Mick Waters posed this question – one he feels we must revisit. The politicians, union leaders, head teachers and wider observers all offered both
optimism and pessimism for the future in roughly equal measures, but none answered directly the question.

At Osiris, we have always felt that the purpose of education is fourfold. The best schools have always known this and it is the reason they are the best schools.

Academic

Pupils need both basic standards in core subjects and the motivation of qualified outcomes. They form the base of further study and access to what is to come.

Social/emotional

Essential to play a full part in a dynamic society and to uphold trust in relationships.

Employability

whether we are destined to be employed, self-employed, entrepreneurs or investors, or increasingly, more likely a combination, we need to be prepared to support ourselves. The increasing burden of public debt must not be ignored.

Spirit

whether collectively or individually, through doctrine or altruism, we must learn to know ourselves and seek happiness in who we are and what we can be.

The galvanising agent in this heady mix is teachers. They are able to hold balance across the four. The way we achieve the balance is all-important. Our children learn as much outside school as they do through formal
process. Merely importing flavours of the month from cultures very different from our own will not be enough.

So let’s add one wish: that we give students time and space to explore what they are meant to do with their lives, not ask them what job or career path they wish to follow, but instead, to challenge them to understand themselves.

What is your purpose of education? SR