Self-Licking Lollipops
Describing how many international schools are self-serving systems designed to perpetuate the privilege of the elites
“It sounds like a big self-licking lollipop”
“What?”
“A self-licking lollipop”
“What on earth are you talking about?”
I talked to my brother over the Christmas break about my work and the world of international education.
After patiently listening for some time, his paraphrasing went something like this:
“So…rich folk pay to send their children to international schools because they have a reputation for churning out high exam results and getting kids into the top universities. The high fees pay for the best teachers, the best facilities, the best curriculum (International Baccalaureate), the best support services and the best opportunities to achieve those desired grades and university placements.
In turn, their reputation is enhanced and they can then attract more rich folk to pay the high fees needed to secure the best teachers, facilities, support, opportunities….leading to the best results and university placements…leading to more rich folk prepared to pay high fees…
Wow! It sounds like a self-serving…
