I have been following this thread closely as it touches on many political aspects of interest.
To enter this debate, stating that I understanding much of what has been said and why, and to give another angle on it, I will just add a few, probably yet again, contaversial points:
Our education system in the UK is NOT a meritocracy; the best most potentially talented pupils do not necessarily get to the top of the educational system and job 'pile', as what really counts is the money your family possess, their access to facalities for the child to enjoy such as a private bedroom with books unlimited, computer, etc, a good family 'environment' and the right connections, such as through a public / grammer school education.
If the UK is ever to achieve a situation whereby ALL children are given an opportunity to excell and reach their full potential, so that our country truely competes with the rest of the world, then ALL children, regardless of class backgound and culture must have full unhinderd access to a good, trouble free family environment, an unbiased educational system where just 'having money' does not count, computer facilities, and unlimited books, writing materials, along with any other needs. In addition no child with potential should 'have' to leave school because their family require them to earn money asap.
The current Government have encouraged far greater numbers to attend university, which should be applauded, but only those with families who can afford the fees and the situation of them attending, actually can, and anyway by then the damage of their "family situation" / the established "system" has already been done. This is not a meritocracy!
Issuing computers is one step towards the above goals by a so called "socialist" government, but it is a drop in the ocean compared to what is really required; fully equal opportunities for all children in our society. This initiative is a vote winning scam, will be wasted resource in so many cases because of the environmentally connected negatives already described and goes no where near achieving what should be a 'socialist' goal.
The aims I list are pie in the sky for at least the next 20 years? Maybe!! But we, the citizens of Great Britain, have to start somewhere!
