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A True Story

On social mobility, social capital, the Saviour complex and the middle-classification of young people in the name of standards

A teacher once told me about how he had 'rescued' a troublesome student.

He helped get him though his A-levels and sent him on his way and he was happy with what he had achieved.

He had transformed the young man's life chances.

A year later, he paid a visit to the former student.

In prison.

For serious knife crime.

'What went wrong?' the teacher asked.

'You prepared me for your world, sir,' came the reply. 'Not mine.'

Discuss.

About the author

Ian Gilbert

Ian Gilbert is an award-winning writer, editor, speaker, innovator and the founder of Independent Thinking. Currently based in Finland, he has lived and worked in the UK, mainland Europe, the Middle East, South America and Asia and is privileged to have such a global view of education and education systems.

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