Has anyone heard the news that a new study has shown that “Rocket Scientists and brain surgeons are no smarter than the general population”?
Well, where do I even begin with that? Other than I have been saying for years anyone can do and be anything they want if they are given the encouragement, support and opportunity.
The research shows that these “perceived more highly intelligent people”, were placed on a pedestal. Therefore opportunity, thought processes and self-belief systems allowed them to be even more successful. Everyone has unique gifts, talents and skills and we just need to know what they are and polish them!
The issue!
The current school curriculum focuses on purely academic studies. It doesn’t allow children to discover, explore and nurture their gifts. It only measures academic attainment and what a person can remember under pressure. This begins with SATS at 11 years old. We all know that intelligence cannot be measured in a 90-minute exam. Intelligence is so many things; Critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, coping under pressure to mention a few. The curriculum or legislation around education also doesn’t allow for neurodiverse profiles to be properly identified and supported in a way that allows them to thrive. These people are doubly disadvantaged.
I live for the day the curriculum changes and allows children to discover and embrace their individual skills rather than break them. A day when it assists in creating a belief system that rewards effort, determination, humanity, and grit. The day when we value the whole person rather than a tiny part of it.
Intelligence and rocket scientists and brain surgeons are absolutely essential to our world. So are social workers, nurses, artists, teachers, shop assistants, refuge collectors, delivery drives and carers in care homes. We need them all to function properly and all roles should be equally valued – they just use a different skill set.
Read the full article here.