WHat do schools value?

Hello Everyone


Al Gore likes to share this quote and I thought you might like to read it too. It comes from eminent environmentalist Dr. James "Gus" Speth :

I used to think that if we threw enough good science at the environmental problems, we could solve them. I was wrong. The main threats to the environment are not biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change as I once thought. They are selfishness and greed and pride. And for that we need a spiritual and cultural transformation, something we scientists don't know much about.
I must admit to being a bit disheartened by that even though I felt it was true. I wondered how on earth we can get people to change their values. And then, not long after I came across some interesting information about North Sydney Girls High School. This school no longer awards prizes for first in English or maths. The girls from years 7-10 are rewarded for demonstrating perseverance, resilience, organisation and problem solving skills.
The move away from recognising academic achievement until the senior years is aimed at combating the stress of competition. The award categories are designed to promote a healthy balance in the emotional life of students: resilience, connectedness and innovation. It is no surprise that these categories are also indicators of a long happy life.
An educational transformation is on the way. The values that are required for sustainability , social justice and spiritual fulfilment are being acknowledged in schools. Young people are starting to make informed decisions about how their actions and beliefs can influence the planet.

What do you think about this?

Roz