Going to school pays...doesn't it?

I've been watching Jamie's Dream School with some fascination. When I first saw the advertisement, I was instantly intrigued at the concept of a school operating outside the normal parameters of educational rules and regulations. The basic premise is that chef Jamie Oliver establishes a school for a few weeks, where famous people gifted in particular subject areas come and teach disadvantaged and disregarded teenagers who are academic failures. It was the famous teachers which mainly interested me; what kind of teaching style would they adopt, and in fact would they be any good at forming a relationship with the supposed 'failed' youth of today? I'll admit I was also slightly cynical, as Jamie seems to be single-handedly attempting to reform all aspects of society whether it is needed or not.

To be honest, I was shocked at the sheer disregard and disrespect that the 'wronged' students consistently displayed to each other, the headmaster, and even the highly respected men and women who are at the forefront of their field, giving up their valuable time to become the school's teachers.Yes, in some way we are meant to pity these young adults who have not benefited from the educational system, who feel their skills lie outside of academia and who feel let-down and marginalised by a system which fails to include them. I understand what Jamie is attempting to highlight, that nurturing and manipulation of the current educational structure needs to support people who struggle with rules and obedience, socialisation, anger, even the basics of English and maths.

However, I felt far from sympathetic for the majority of students that he had selected to attend Dream School. Lots have severe emotional and behavioural troubles, which often manifested into angry and violent confrontations. I'm from a very distinct academic background; I've always felt completely at ease within that environment, so it would be true to argue that I wouldn't understand the feeling of alienation which I'm sure these students would proclaim to feel. But their simple lack of manners was truly astounding. I'll admit that I felt a certain level of jealousy, and that they did not deserve the opportunity that was being given to them. Being taught history by Dr David Starkey? Science by Professor Robert Winston? Shakespeare by Simon Callow? They clearly did not appreciate the level of sacrifice that was given to them. Certainly, it felt like their insolence was being rewarded by having some of this country's greatest minds teaching them in a very specialised way. I have worked hard throughout my entire education, yet I was never rewarded with anything on this scale. It begs the question really, does hard-work, mild manners and a high level of respect pay off? If Jamie's Dream School is anything to go by, then no.