Broken Society or Better Society: Is Education delivering?
The most recent of AMC’s ‘Thinking Independently’ Dine & Discuss evenings took place in a private dining room at the Royal Horseguards Hotel, London. With the title ‘Broken Society or Better Society: Is Education delivering?’, The Rt Revd Dr Gregory Cameron, Bishop of St Asaph, Trustee of the National Society and Former Director of the Bloxham Project, inspired a distinguished group of guests to respond to his thought- provoking address. The evening was chaired by Anthony Millard (Chairman of AMC).
Offered the challenge of debating how the content of the English Language informed the meta- narratives that historically have driven our society, the taste buds for conversation were easily distracted from the flavoursome offerings of the table.
The Rt. Rev. Bishop Gregory Cameron hypothesised that the fabric of our society has been eroded as a consequence of the loss of words from regular usage. As words such as ‘judgment’, ‘hell’, and “sin’’ have been largely abandoned by the Church, has society also rejected the moral values articulated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in her famous Accession speech about ‘loyalty, service, duty and sacrifice’?
A healthy exchange of views followed between our speaker and guests about the ‘Broken Society’ and what was understood by this term. Its meaning remains incomprehensible to many despite its frequent use. There is a new political imperative for the’ free market’ and ‘competition’. Yet there is no mention of the moral fabric that holds society together and encourages a sense of shared spirituality.
The interdependence of philanthropy, generosity and wellbeing was explored. The place of schools as the modern day provider of the meta- narratives of education, and the attitudes that promote respect, compassion and understanding, was interrogated.
Guests discussed the capacity within the education system to address what was referred to as individuals’ awareness of their rights without an acceptance of their responsibilities. The Bishop, as ‘wordsmith’ for the evening, focussed our thoughts on the position of schools as the providers of ‘role models’ rather than ‘standards’. Whilst improving the quality of teaching and learning was considered key to halting further erosion of ‘standards’, diners were resolute in their view that the Independent sector provided the moral compass and the wealth of experience at all levels to inform the step change necessary to halt the ‘stagnation’ of values within our communities.
The gathering was reminded that ‘Education’ extends beyond schooling and that the Independent School system has for many years successfully delivered high quality education of the whole child, extending beyond an excellent academic curriculum. Independent Schools have long offered a broad and challenging educational experience to pupils from diverse cultural backgrounds, thereby inspiring each child to learn, to take appropriate risks, and to accept challenges within a caring, respectful and multicultural environment. The Independent School community has always been committed to developing students who are resilient and adaptable, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to continue their education and become personally fulfilled, interdependent, socially responsible adults.
Karen Mort
If you would like an invitation to the next ‘Dine and Discuss’ event, please contact Karen Mort at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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