This was a while coming. Going back 55 years to when I was in the ‘Accelerated Class’ at West Vancouver High School, there were no enrichment programs- only a compression of 4 years into three. I had already skipped a grade in elementary school, so the net result was I graduated while still 15 years old. I was not allowed to take typing, music or art, but did do four years of Latin (which actually has been beneficial, and allows me to wince at the misuse of words such as penultimate, quintessential, and understand that ‘data’ are plural, etc.)
Recognizing that accelerated streaming was not entirely beneficial, IB (https://www.ibo.org) and other enrichment programs were later introduced and indeed created inequities- the smarter, more dedicated students got an academic advantage, were accepted into universities more readily, faring better into adult life. But it was also an egalitarian effort, inasmuch that these were public school undertakings, and not limited to those privileged enough to attend expensive private schools.
It is also correct that teachers were mercilessly abused, like Doctor Chi. We had a Dr. Mervyn for Physics, and mostly ignored his teachings until we found out his brother ran a new ski area, and he took the whole class up there for an extended weekend. Mr. Burton, who liked to demonstrate the power of the accusative case in Latin by jumping off his desk onto the floor, was mimicked by nearly the entire class doing the same before or as he entered the room.
But others knew exactly how to handle unruly self-aggrandizing adolescents. Miss Barr, who taught English literature, but actually taught us how to compose coherent thoughts, would countenance no obstruction, and used cowbells, flying chalk, heaving bosoms lofted over her podium, and sermons delivered glaringly at an offending student who might have failed to turn in a paper.
By contrast, Mr. Locke, closet gay but a giveaway through voice and mannerism, would buy up cheap tickets to cultural events at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, take us there on occasion, and weave the themes into his classes.
In retrospect, there is no doubt we did receive a superior education, and in our periodic class get togethers every decade or so, the ‘accelerated group’ tends to hang out together and linger longer. Those teachers still provide fodder for laughter and some rueful regrets.
In a decision that can only be described as ’the triumph of mediocrity', the Vancouver School Board has announced they are dropping ‘Honour Programs’:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-school-board-cuts-honours-program-1.6068578
This was a while coming. Going back 55 years to when I was in the ‘Accelerated Class’ at West Vancouver High School, there were no enrichment programs- only a compression of 4 years into three. I had already skipped a grade in elementary school, so the net result was I graduated while still 15 years old. I was not allowed to take typing, music or art, but did do four years of Latin (which actually has been beneficial, and allows me to wince at the misuse of words such as penultimate, quintessential, and understand that ‘data’ are plural, etc.)
Recognizing that accelerated streaming was not entirely beneficial, IB (https://www.ibo.org) and other enrichment programs were later introduced and indeed created inequities- the smarter, more dedicated students got an academic advantage, were accepted into universities more readily, faring better into adult life. But it was also an egalitarian effort, inasmuch that these were public school undertakings, and not limited to those privileged enough to attend expensive private schools.
It is also correct that teachers were mercilessly abused, like Doctor Chi. We had a Dr. Mervyn for Physics, and mostly ignored his teachings until we found out his brother ran a new ski area, and he took the whole class up there for an extended weekend. Mr. Burton, who liked to demonstrate the power of the accusative case in Latin by jumping off his desk onto the floor, was mimicked by nearly the entire class doing the same before or as he entered the room.
But others knew exactly how to handle unruly self-aggrandizing adolescents. Miss Barr, who taught English literature, but actually taught us how to compose coherent thoughts, would countenance no obstruction, and used cowbells, flying chalk, heaving bosoms lofted over her podium, and sermons delivered glaringly at an offending student who might have failed to turn in a paper.
By contrast, Mr. Locke, closet gay but a giveaway through voice and mannerism, would buy up cheap tickets to cultural events at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, take us there on occasion, and weave the themes into his classes.
In retrospect, there is no doubt we did receive a superior education, and in our periodic class get togethers every decade or so, the ‘accelerated group’ tends to hang out together and linger longer. Those teachers still provide fodder for laughter and some rueful regrets.
Brilliant. And accurate. Thanks for bringing me right back to that room. - Dana
Thanks so much, Dana!