So, What's the Purpose of Education?

'What's it all about, Alfie?'

Cilla Black

It's taken a while but I think we've finally nailed why we're all doing what we're doing in education.

Yes, it's about exam results and keeping the inspectors off our backs and making sure the parents are happy and keeping young people from frightening the horses.

But there is something more fundamental at play here. 

And simpler.

Ultimately, education has one job.

To make things better.

That's it.

Better individuals.

Better communities.

Better societies.

Better relationships.

Better opportunities.

Better thinking.

Better health.

Better wealth.

Better happiness.

Better environment.

Better planet.

Just better.

If the education our children are receiving is designed to keep things the same, then perhaps it's not an education in the true sense of the word.

After all, we know from evolutionary science that what doesn't change dies.

However, if the education they are receiving helps young people understand the part they can play in improving things – and supports them as they do just that – then count us in.

For better or for worse.