Private Schools vs State Schools

Nowadays there is a lot of discussion among people about which type of school offers the best educational system: private or state schools? Because there's not a correct answer (it's a matter of opinion), I interviewed some people to know what they think.

It's obvious who answered what. Rich, naive and ignorant people answered private - maybe because they couldn't attend a state school; maybe they think they are superior and too rich to do it. These people told me all about the great facilities, the outrageous teachers and the quality of the students. This is all true indeed, but what people didn't tell me was the amount of money they pay for having their kids attending private schools or the coldness and antipathy of teachers and staff. Even though, I have to agree that the teaching is much more strict and rigid, there is much more discipline and order.

Not so rich people answered state schools - maybe because they couldn't afford attending a private one. They told me that the environment is very different, the teachers are sensitive to students because they are aware of money and family issues. They often help kids, not only by giving them a good education, but also by talking to them and giving them support. However, the teaching there is messy and sloppy.

I talked to Eva, a girl that has been through both: public and state schools. She believes that in private schools you have a minor vision of real life, they protect the students too much; in their world everyone is wealthy enough to have brand-clothing and new IT equipment, while in state schools there is more sense of reality and a global vision of life. She also agrees that in state schools the teachers are often better and nicer, very helpful to everything the students need.

There is not a true or false answer but I'm sure we all agree that people who put their kids in private schools are wealthy enough and ignorant enough to do it!

Joana Almeida Flor, nº 15, 10º L