I have always suggested an alternative curriculum for people like myself who instinctively knew they must look after themselves after not being understood by the teachers then consequently being bullied for not being the same as the majority.
In this blog, I have suggested a school leaving age of 14, which could even be too old. I was ready to leave at the age of 10, as I had realised that school from the age of 5 to 10 hadn’t got me anywhere, so going from 10 to 15, I had no chance.
Mass education for children began to take shape during the late 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in Europe. The primary reasons behind this shift were tied to the societal changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution.
As economies transitioned from farming to industrial, there was a growing need for a workforce that could read, write, and perform basic maths. Schools became a way to prepare children for factory jobs and other roles in the emerging industrial economy.
In other words, they were conscripted to attend the same place every day, sit still, and do as they were told, brainwashed to go into a factory. To keep them amused, they threw in some made-up history, and of course, it was the start of depriving the family of their freedom, which continues today.
Introducing compulsory education laws further institutionalised mass schooling, making it a universal experience for children. A mix of economic, political, and cultural motivations often drove these laws.
So why is the government still using such an outdated teaching method and a curriculum that’s not in tune with today’s events in 2025? (probably to enforce the compliance of rules)
I know this will challenge traditional norms, as I advocate the alternative curriculum of a practical, hands-on approach to learning up to the age of 14. After all, technology should have pushed the leaving age down to 14, not up to 18 and beyond, because at that age, children, or shall I say adults, have been brainwashed to follow in lockstep, minimising individuality.
I think the children then develop a fear of making the wrong choice, which can be paralysing. However, avoiding decisions doesn’t mean avoiding mistakes; it just means delaying their growth and earning potential, which will affect their whole lives.
Just think about it: Over the years, more technology has left children even more confused than ever. They are afraid to make mistakes, which can affect their mental state, as they are being made to stay in a system that doesn’t work for them.
At 18 most are confused of which way to go, yet just four years earlier, they could have been ready and able to leave the state education system, get a job, and become useful citizens of the country that they live in, freeing themselves up for a life of real education designed specifically for them to enhance their lives and fulfil their hopes, wants, needs, and dreams.
I am not saying everyone should leave, just the ones that need to, leaving the others to get the education that they need without the disturbance of the ones like me that didn’t fit in to the box.
The education system is broken, and the powers that be do not know what to do with so many surplus and uneducated children. The answer has been to raise the leaving age, yet at the same time, bring in migrants to do what 14-year-olds did for the country 100 years ago, so why not now?
Just my thoughts are that the schools have got to bursting point, and they can’t do another raise in age, so the next thing is to create an artificial fear so they can bring in conscription.
The curriculum lacks so many lessons such as survival skills like managing finances, growing food, or critical thinking. It also lacks education on understanding nature, self-sustainability, and resilience, plus much more like business.
Teachers are often victims of the same system, working within rigid structures that discourage innovation. Many may not even realise they’re perpetuating cycles of outdated teaching methods simply because they’ve never been exposed to alternatives, with many teachers never leaving the education system from cradle to retierment.
Learning through nature children can understand ecosystems, weather, and agriculture by working outdoors. hands-on skills: Introduce woodworking, mechanics, or cooking to the curriculum for a grounded sense of independence. Community Projects: Get kids involved in local initiatives that foster teamwork and practical problem-solving.
A balanced approach that combines intellectual growth with real-world understanding. Collaboration is vital to success in any part of life, but they have never let collaboration in on exams but in business it’s normal.
Lifelong learning is the answer, always has been and always will be. Momentum builds clarity: Once you start moving, your vision gets sharper and you realise what excites and drains you.
Action over perfection: Taking imperfect action gets you further than waiting for the perfect answer. The myth of the perfect choice: There’s often no “right” option—just the one that teaches you the most at that moment.
The more experiences you rack up, the more refined your instincts become. I had 18 jobs before going into business to look after ourselves now 50 years later all of our children are self employed.
The fear of regret vs. the power of learning: Regret isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign that you’re evolving.
Fail fast, learn fast: Every choice teaches you something. The sooner you try, the sooner you grow.
There was only so much that I could learn in school ; the rest was lifelong learning.
I believe people in business could be incorporated into teaching, then real-life examples and experiences could be taught as personal stories, which always make motivational content more relatable and engaging can help.