P assage Two The school is a complex social structure, existing in its own right yet surrounded by other groups which to some extent control and influence it. Individuals in a school are subject to a variety of pressures both within the school and outside it. What are these influences, and where do they originate? There are four major elements which produce and receive influences: the teacher, the child, the school itself and the outer community. These four elements will influence and be influenced by each other at many levels in a variety of ways. The teacher, for example, brings into the school all his own habits of mind, attitudes, beliefs, values, ways of doing things and seeing the world which he has inherited from the society in which he was brought up. These factors will influence the children, the school and the community outside. The child brings into the school everything which he has learned in his family - habits, attitudes, beliefs, etc. - and the teacher and the school will respond to these. The school itself is a social organization with special requirements of behaviour, influenced by the generally accepted values and traditions of education, built up over the years. Both the child and the teacher must adapt themselves to these. The school influences the wider community around it, both by producing the manpower with the skills needed by society, and by shaping the beliefs and attitudes of the young entering society. As for the community, it influences the actual organization of the school through such groups as governors, parent-teacher associations, administrators, etc., and in a less formal way, it is represented by those working in the school, the children, the teachers and servicing staff. With all these factors in mind, it is obvious that schools may differ greatly according to the nature of the community which they serve. Every area has its own geographical, economic and historical character which may be reflected in the school. For example, a school serving a community which is dominated by one major industry may need to organize itself according to the expectations of job opportunities which will be available to the children as they leave to find work. A school in a remote rural area may be slanted in a different direction. Similarly, the presence in the neighbourhood of one particular social class, race or religion may be reflected in the school. (396 words)