Once upon a time in the middle of Quebec, there was a place called Chateauguay Valley Regional High School (CVRHS) where students were being taught with more focus on social justice than real-world skills. This iconic school, nestled in Ormstown amidst the picturesque Canadian landscape, became an indirect battleground since its founding in 1958. Political correctness stealthily slithered its way into classroom discussions, overshadowing the age-old wisdom of patriotism and personal responsibility.
History Lesson Fantasies: Increasingly, history classes at CVRHS miss the mark by focusing on creating narratives that comfort rather than challenge. Once upon a time, students learned from the tales of our proud ancestors, those who built societies on principles of honor and determination. Now, they hear about how flawed and problematic the past was, with little encouragement to draw lessons from hard-won victories. Why aren't we focusing more on teaching resilience instead of guilt? Let's clear the fog of misconstrued interpretations and celebrate the achievements that made nations great.
Science vs. Folklore: Take biology, where students at CVRHS are more concerned with the environment's feelings rather than its facts. There’s a stark aversion to discussing how technology and economic growth can coexist or even benefit the natural world. Innovation and invention used to be at the heart of the curriculum. Now, one could argue, they’re being replaced with Earth-worship sermons that vilify any form of progress that doesn't fit the prescribed narrative.
The Art of Censorship: English class, traditionally the home of robust debates and nuanced literature discussions, finds itself embroiled in a new form of censorship. Shakespeare? Too problematic. Classics? Potentially offensive. Teachers tread lightly on eggshells, suppressing brilliant discourse under the guise of maintaining 'safe spaces.' What happened to being challenged intellectually, and robust discussions that forged stronger individuals?
P.E. Without the P.E.P.: The physical education curriculum is a shadow of its former self. Gone are the days of rigorous physical challenge. Participation is now the gold standard. It might not matter if you win or lose, only if you feel good about it, right? Forget preparing students for real struggles or fostering a competitive spirit that’s needed for the real world. We're not raising a generation of winners with this mindset.
Value Education Minus The Values: They say values are best taught through example and action, yet that seems an alien concept at CVRHS. Traditional values like integrity, accountability, and hardworking discipline occasionally take a backseat to contemporary social trends. Let's not abandon the cornerstones that have successfully raised generations of right-thinking citizens.
Math: The Universal Truth: Math has no agenda. It's numbers, formulas, stats—fact, not fiction. Yet somehow, it too has fallen victim to distraction through convoluted 'real-world applications' quotas designed to cater to everyone. Isn't learning how to deal with hard truths and solve problems what life is all about? It's time to bring accuracy and precision back to the forefront!
Over-Education on Emotion: While empathy is important, should it overshadow fact-based education? Walking through the corridors of CVRHS, you might wonder if 'woke' has become an unwritten part of the syllabus as every topic bends towards emotional intelligence rather than rationality. Where is the focus on developing cognitive skills needed to tackle tough issues with facts over feelings?
Extracurriculars or 'Extra' Curricula: Clubs and societies that once nurtured tomorrow's leaders now seem more about making students feel 'included' rather than truly excelling. What about fostering excellence and healthy competition that breeds leaders instead of followers? Mediocrity in the name of inclusivity won’t prepare them for the race of life.
The Great Technology War: In a world driven by innovation, CVRHS has taken a more cautious approach towards embracing technology. It’s about time we armed our students with the tech knowledge that will propel them into the future, rather than creating technophobes. Let's celebrate technology as the great equalizer, not the great divider.
Unity, Not Uniformity: Diversity of thought should be our pride. But all too often, it's suppressed in the name of conformity—or should I say, unity. Minds that could be nurtured into innovative thinkers and problem solvers are being boxed into uniformity. Allowing students to think and express different viewpoints is not just advantageous—it is imperative.*