In response to Graeme Paton’s article on Focus Learning Trust schools, and as head of one of the larger of these schools, I do not agree entirely with the negative portrayal of the community within which I, and several other non-Brethren, work.
We have recently had a favourable Ofsted inspection. It is indeed correct that nowhere in our school would you find computers or modern technology, but we have found this in no way detrimental to the pupils’ learning. On the contrary, work is of a very high standard, and a positive learning environment has been established throughout the school. Staff frequently comment on how pleasant it is to work here.
Almost without exception the pupils are happy, well-adjusted young people who are keen to learn and willing to help facilitate the learning process.
In comparison to other schools, these children actually listen to their teachers and show respectin return. Discipline problems are minimal and there is full parental support.
Indeed, today’s society could learn much from a community that has chosen not to be swept along with the ever-increasing tidal wave of technology.
Here is a community where each child is seen as an individual and encouraged to achieve. Other problems, such as childhood obesity, simply do not exist. The children are inventive when it comes to entertaining themselves and get enough exercise through outdoor activities such as football, PE and cycling. Most are avid readers, reflected in the wide range of vocabulary used in essays.
They are certainly not suffering “abuse” for lack of television, radio or internet. Pupils were upset by the article. As one Year 10 girl remarked: “It’s because we’re Christians that they think they can get away with making fun of us.
“If we were a Muslim school, I bet they wouldn’t write such things.”
Caroline Horn 29A Beauchamp Lodge Beauchamp Avenue Leamington Spa
