Friday 22 May 2015

University? Nah, don't bother...

Before the Easter holiday, Year 12 were pulled into an assembly with the Head of Sixth Form and told that if they were on the list they had compiled, they would be dropping a subject that day. This was five weeks before the start of exam season.

They went on to read out the list of people dropping subjects in front of the rest of the year, and were then told to stay behind whilst the others could leave. They said that those students picked out would have to drop a subject, without any prior choice or parental consultation, and, if like some, you were on the list and were only taking three A-Levels already, you would have to reconsider your options (i.e 'you can kiss goodbye to going to university').

There are quite a few issues that we have with how the school has handled this situation. Whilst these students that were listed were failing at least one subject, and this needed to be addressed before they failed their actual exams, the school firstly shouldn't have done this so close to exams (when in a lot of subjects a great deal of coursework had already been completed), and secondly shouldn't have done it so publicly. Naming and shaming underachievers in a time of stress and anxiety doesn't do well, especially amongst teenagers.

There is also the suddenness of it all. It seems very unfair to make a student choose on something that will affect the rest of their lives in a day, without prior warning, all without the consultation of the parents who, as this is Year 12, are still responsible for their child. Also, it is not the school's place to demand a student drop a subject, especially before exam time.

There is also a moral point to be made. It seems morally repugnant that, rather than taking the time to work with students in a difficult position and find a way to work around the problem in a more constructive and less forceful manner, the school would adopt this blanket cut-throat and frankly knee-jerk reaction (sound familiar?) to the prospect of another year of bad grades on their record, especially with an inspection on the horizon. Rather than safeguarding students' futures, it sounds like the school once again protecting their own arses.

3 comments:

  1. What has gone so wrong with Hampstead school?
    This article reminds me of when jobs were being axed at a major bank, the way the employees found out, is when they turned up to work and their security passes didn't work .It was so degrading ,very public and very unnecessary.
    There is a right way to do things and a wrong way, the school have chosen yet again to the wrong way. In soviet Russia they would put up pictures of least productive workers - name and shame. Is that really the level Hampstead is now stooping to?
    When will your head start to learn you do not need a hammer to crack an egg.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "All students are involved in a progression programme of higher education, careers education and advice. The purpose is to enable you to make informed decisions and to support you in a successful transfer to university and working life beyond education."
      - from Hampstead's Sixth Form Handbook 2014-1015

      Oh, how ideals change with the prospect of another year of bad results...

      Delete
  2. Life imitates Art 80s edition! The Hampstead Trash IS Happy Harry Hard-On! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pump_Up_the_Volume_%28film%29

    ReplyDelete

DON'T GET OVERLY GASSED.