Original post by theharrovianAs a Harrovian, I don't agree with much that is being said in this thread. One of my best friends is a Beckwith Scholar (in fact he was shown at the end of the show), and he is probably the most academically talented person I have ever met. Never underestimate a boy that is predicted 14 A*s at GCSE-level.
To be honest, what Beckwith has done is give these children an opportunity to be taught at one of the best secondary institutions in the world. Although I am not a Beckwith Scholar, I do have a scholarship and I know how important the money can be to many families, including mine. I agree that a state school education does not necessarily lead to mediocrity. That statement itself is ludicrous and makes no sense. However, Harrow provides an all-rounded education, and it is these combined aspects that make it a good school. I also believe that the teaching is better, and thus gives pupils a chance to challenge and develop further. For example, there are boys in my year that have been put in a special maths division due to their extra ability. I doubt many schools would happily create such a scheme for cases like this - i.e. one that is not completely extraordinary.
In addition, the notion that all Harrovians are rich ***** is just... untrue. Admittedly some act like posh a***holes. But many rely on bursaries and scholarships to come. Without my scholarship, I would not be able to attend Harrow, and I am very grateful for the monetary assistance I have received. Harrow is not a particulary academic school, but its all-rounded aspects and services are matched by very few schools worldwide.
Although there are aspects of the school that are ridiculously and wrongly exaggerated in the show, I believe that Harrow can give each pupil a solid platform to continue adulthood from. And so what if the Beckwith Scholars thank the man that has provided them with a path onto this platform? Let's peruse an analogy. If Peter Beckwith paid your rent and your university fees, would you thank him back and inform him about your academic progress. The answer, I think, would be a resounding yes.
There have been those who have attacked the Beckwith Scholarships for being too selective. This is undoubtedly correct. However, we all know that money is limited. If every candidate got a scholarship, the money would run out at some point, and more deserving candidates that apply afterwards will not be able to join the Harrow society. It is merely a result of "sustainable development". Money does not grow on trees, and certainly not on Peter Beckwith.
The parents are quite pushy though, aren't they? Personally, I'm glad Krishan got the scholarship, because his parents were the only ones that didn't seem to be too demanding of their children.
I hope I don't get negged too much for this...