[HPforGrownups] if you were in charge of Hogwarts

[manawydan]

No: HPFGUIDX 56806

Emily wrote
>The thing I find most disturbing about the Hogwarts curriculum is that it
is
>TOO focused on the wizarding world.  While some may never leave that world,
>I think the majority will at some point, even if by accident.  Restricting
>the children to discovering ONLY the wizarding world seems rather unfair,
>especially to the children who come from wizarding families.  And God
forbid
>they learn to look both ways before crossing the street!  :-)
>
>Of course, we can debate whether studying these subjects is necessary in a
>magical school.  Along those lines, are they really necessary in a muggle

This responds partly to your post, but is also partly about some thoughts
that I've had about Hogwarts in general, which may shed another light on not
only the curriculum but also the much-discussed Hogwarts numbers issue.

My feeling is that there is a hint in Harry's invitation letter where
Hogwarts describes itself as the school _of Witchcraft and Wizardry_ (my
emphasis).

The muggle world runs by technology. The WW runs by witchcraft and wizardry.

So is there a hint here that Hogwarts is the equivalent of a muggle school
of technology? Is that why the curriculum is so heavily biased towards
practical magical subjects?

And might it also explain why the student body is made up as it is. If we
assume that Hogwarts places go to

- children who have grown up in muggle or part muggle households (to make
sure that they are equipped to survive in the WW)
- children who are of magical backgrounds but perhaps have some doubt over
their magical ability (eg Neville and possibly Crabbe and Goyle), to ensure
that they have the necessary skills for adult life
- children who are there for the prestige value - possibly candidates for
jobs with the Ministry, children of old WW families, etc

This may be a change from what the Founders intended (though perhaps when
the school was founded, it was intended to ensure that in a time when
information was not communicated so easily that all WW children had the same
level of magical training). But it seems to fit.

Cheers

Ffred

O Benryn wleth hyd Luch Reon
Cymru yn unfryd gerhyd Wrion
Gwret dy Cymry yghymeiri