It is easy to subscribe to the ideals of inclusive education and inclusive schools. Though why people who use the term do not define what they mean is a bit of a worry.
My approval of inclusiveness is limited probably and maybe I need to be corrected. Please do so as I am old, and my brain is shrinking by the day.
The inclusiveness I subscribe to is a school that accepts students regardless of previous academic performance, regardless of religious belief or non belief, regardless of skin colour, and regardless of ability or willingness to pay a fee.
There are probably a score or more of others, but I wish to keep this brief.
Personally, I would exclude from my approval list, students with a history of violent behavior, verbal, physical and sexual abusiveness etc. Again I could add others.
Inclusiveness is generous, kind, and logical.
I encourage it, but it was not for my children.
Mine had an exclusive education at an exclusive school, which had fees roughly equivalent to a new, cheap model motorcar per annum.
Yes, we the parents, didn’t eat out, travel overseas or purchase houses already perfect in which to reside.
I knew I was not an academic from an early age. By the time I left school I had repeated most upper secondary levels. I doubted children inheriting my genes would behave like cream and rise to a level anywhere near the top without a bit of help.
Compared with their father they did brilliantly.
Inclusive schools for all, I say, but not for my mob.
I have grown past hate and bitterness,
I see the world as one;
But though I can no longer hate,
My son is still my son.
All men at God’s round table sit,
And all men must be fed;
But this loaf in my hand,
This loaf is my son’s bread.
-Mary Gilmore