Am I making too much of this?

[debih]

I am not expecting a problem with the head of year tomorrow but I am going in armed and ready!

I have printed off from their website a copy of the page on their prospectus that says that consequences are used for inappropriate behaviour and also the page from the students section on the website which explains what consequences are and examples of things that they can be given for (nowhere does it mention that you will be given a consequence because you struggle with learning!!).

I've also been on to look at the league tables and some other bits and pieces that although available to everyone aren't actually publicised much (my governor experience came in rather handy here) and from them (and again from my governor days I understand exactly how to interpret them) can see that, although her school is above the national average expected for maths, out of the three secondary schools in the area her school is coming out the lowest in maths. Maybe they see using threats as a way of bringing their target percentage up!!

I have also printed off a couple of pages of their teaching and learning policy so I can quote their "instilling confidence in children" philosophy. I shall also point out that they don't have their behaviour policy accessible on their website. Ooooo - I'm pleased I was a chair of governors now - I know so much more stuff!!!!

[Kaz]

Go get 'em!!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Workingman]

Debih, as an ex teacher I will say this: It is fine to punish a child for not wanting to learn, it is never appropriate to punish a child for not being able to learn.

Times tables have to be taught for them to be learnt. Just throwing a crib sheet at pupils without giving them some direction and strategies for learning is bad teaching.

[TheOstrich]

Punishing children for poor teaching just isn't on

Couldn't agree more, a child should be patiently encouraged, not punished for poor performance.

Sounds like one stressed out teacher to me ......

[Ally]

Punishing children for poor teaching just isn't on

Couldn't agree more, a child should be patiently encouraged, not punished for poor performance.

Sounds like one stressed out teacher to me ......

I had in my class today a sweet little thing who struggles a bit with her lessons.

So what...I give her encouragement and as much of my time as the class allows.

The result? She's happy, still keen to learn and told her mum she has a nice kind teacher.

That's my job.

[Diflower]

It is Ally, and you're obviously terrific at it xx

It does sound a bit as if this teacher has/been made to panic a bit at the league tables, and not come up with the right solution.

[Lozzles]

I don't think you are over reacting Debih. It is teachers like this that gave me a fear of numbers. Even now I panic if I am asked to work something out in my head. Even the most simple sums are a struggle. I'm not stupid, but being made to feel a fool makes you believe you are a fool