The context of the school system that existed within the 1970’s was comprehensive school system. A comprehensive schools consists of children of all abilities. The rich were able to benefit from this. As they were able to afford tutors, books and materials, to help further their education. Whereas the poor were not able to afford these things, where they struggled to afford such things like & food and rent.
The play highlights the difference between Mr Briggs and Mrs Kay hold rather different views of education and how they that students. This leads to a conflict between Mr Briggs and Mrs Kay.
Mrs Kay tends to have a tolerant view of education, where she is not very strict towards the student as she does not have very high expectations of the students’ achievements. Instead she is very helpful to all students of all abilities, whether they are rich or poor. Where she is very sympathetic towards the children as she acknowledges their poor background and receive a lack of support from their families to help further their education. This causes a disagreement between Mrs Kay & Mr Briggs. The students are overcome by difficulties that limit them as they are unable to obtain a education.
“can’t we just try and give them a good day out? At least we can try that”
This is represented by Mrs Kay desire that the children should enjoy a good day out as being as part of a fun experience rather than the day out being as part of a education purpose.
Furthermore Mrs Kay adapts a rather informal tone, which allows her to relate to the children more. This is highlighted by Mrs Kay’s relationship with Carol. Mrs Kay tries to build Carol’s self esteem as Carol hopes to live in a nice hour in a nice area. However Carol comes from a poor background she has few opportunities in her future life and so is restricted.
However Mr Briggs is rather intolerant towards the children as he has a rather traditional view of education unlike Mrs Kay. Unlike Mrs Kay, Mr Briggs does not make any allowances despite that the students have learning difficulties as they come from a poor background. Furthermore it seems that’s Mr Briggs prefers that the bright children should go onto better jobs whereas the not so bright children should not have opportunities available to them. Furthermore Mr Briggs is rather cold and so is not able to relate to the children.
“…anti establishment, let the kids roam wild don’t check then attitude?” This demonstrates Mr Brigg’s lack of understanding of the children’s circumstances. He doesn’t treat them as human beings. This is shown by the way he disciplines them many ways inside and outside the classroom. He bosses the children around, he tells them when to sit and stand in a straight line. He doesn’t allow the students to go to the toilet until they reach their destination. He is portrayed as a military leader, where he views the trips as being educational rather than being a fun experience.
Overall the play highlights how Mrs Kay & Mrs Briggs view the students as Mrs Kay acknowledges the disadvantages that are faced by the students in the progress class and so tries to be very helpful to the children. Whereas Mr Briggs does not seem to be concerned by the disadvantages faced by the progress class. so Mr Briggs is unable to relate to the children.
