What's the point of Hogwarts? Should be a summer camp.

[quigonginger]

No: HPFGUIDX 127779


Sandra wrote:
 I'm 
> not sure about me taking it to an extreme though, because I still 
> think Hogwartians are at a huge disadvantage. They spend 7 
> years getting qualifications that seem to lead practically 
> nowhere. (snip the rest)

Ginger:  Hi Sandra!  I've read your posts and the replies, but I have 
a thought to add.

I would say that Hogwartians (love that word) are getting the better 
end of the deal.  Purebloods, or those raised in the WW, have 
probably little intent of joining the Muggle world.  Halfbloods 
(perhaps raised in the WW, but with ties to the MW) and Muggleborns 
may want a Muggle career, but then again, they may not.

Hogwarts doesn't limit them.  It expands their horizons.  If they 
didn't learn all the wizarding stuff, they'd only have half the 
options life offers them.  As it is, they can go either way.  Had 
they just been sent to Muggle schools, they would only have the 
Muggle options.  

Believe me, as one who works the graveyard shift at a convenience 
store (wave to Steve), I would be able to do that job with the same 
education I had when I was a junior high student.  The spells I would 
have learned at Hogwarts would be very handy as I am often there 
alone.  Even a good *scourgify!* would be priceless.

Now lest anyone think I am *too* menial, I also work in a factory 
making sewer pipe fittings (no, not as glamerous as it sounds).  Most 
of the people I work with don't have a high school education.  
There's no need for literacy in most positions, unless you want 
management.  

What's my point?  A high school education can be worthless or it can 
be valuable, depending on your intent for post- high school life.  
The same goes for Hogwarts.  It suits the needs of magical kids for 
their post- education needs better than going to a Muggle school and 
not learning it at all.  It's all on where you are going in life.  

Most kids haven't figured out what that is yet, but at least at 
Hogwarts they are being taught what they need to meet their full 
potential.  Should they want to go to the Muggle world, I don't think 
we have canon for the WW stopping them.

I think we should remember that Hogwarts is a school set up to 
educate the WW, not provide a Muggle education.  It is a specialized 
school, and teaches accordingly.  They teach what is needed for all 
their students, not the potential options of a few.

I don't know if they have summer classes in Britain (I think I 
remember someone here saying that is rare), but there is always home 
study during the summer if one really wants to learn Muggle subjects.
Or one can say "Bugger it, I'm going to be a stock car mechanic." and 
go back to the MW.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that Hogwarts education would be 
pretty useless to us Muggles, but it is what they need in the WW.

Insert obligatory paragraph explaining that this is my opinion.  My 
rights, your rights, etc.

Ginger, who is pushing 40 and has to find a new career due to back 
problems.  Where's Hogwarts when you need it?