Controversial Topic Discussion

Elizabeth makes a good point about the difficulties immigrants encounter within the education system, and the influence they have on their fellow students. But I would suggest that they only enrich the learning opportunities of their classmates.

The education system must cater for diversity, must provide equal learning opportunities. I am responsible for 26 schools in one of the most deprived and ethnically diverse areas of London. We have to be innovative in our approach to delivering the curriculum. The vast majority of the students are from Bangladesh. Not British born to Bangladesh parents, but immigrants who speak no English in many cases. There are 180 cleaners employed in these schools, speaking 28 different languages. It’s a challenge to teach everyone what to do if the fire alarm goes off, let alone deliver algebra lessons.

But you know what, it’s wonderful. It’s rewarding and satisfying and I learn as much as the students every time I visit Stepney High School, Osmani Primary or Old Church Nursery.

I know that these students would struggle in a middle England school in many other parts of the country. I know that there are radical elements within the community who abuse and mock the country and society they have chosen to settle in. I take our failings, and theirs, personally. But I don’t believe the problems are caused by immigration. The biggest challenge to us in our little corner of London, is religious radicalisation. But the immigrant population are victims of this, just as I am.

Overall, immigration is a positive benefit to society.