| Topic: | A response to Andy Jones | |
| Posted by: | Iain Muir | |
| Date/Time: | 24/08/09 21:43:00 |
| Thanks to Andy Jones for his detailed contribution though I do not agree with most of it. I will comment on Toby’s Observer article in a later post as it raises new issues. For brevity (sorry folks it is still a lengthy piece!) I will cut n post or paraphrase Andy and respond to each general point. 1. ‘the fact that very few people participating in this thread have done or would consider sending their children to Acton High’. Andy what evidence do you have for this statement? My two children attended AHS from 11 to 16, moving on to Richmond College for A levels. We were involved with the PTA, attended fundraisers, and for my sins I was Father Xmas one year. My eldest boy graduated in Leeds 4 years ago and works for his Alma mater (not my own, Leeds Uni, though his grad ceremony was in the same Cloth Workers Court) The youngest is about to start his third year at Sussex and appears to be doing well in Economics & Politics. I do not know about other posters 2. The Head, ‘Unfortunately, since the Headship has been given to someone who has been the driving force behind political correct initiatives in education rather than an experienced educator, morale amongst the teaching staff at the school seems to have taken a dive.’ I do not have any current connection with the school so cannot judge your statement. I do know they had problems with the new build (classic PFI!) but unhappy staff has been a constant when faced with change. 3. Faith Schools: ‘That the left have taken to attacking the part of the state system that appears to be performing best is indicative of the betrayal of the working classes in this country.’ You do not have to be a lefty to be unhappy with the disproportionate influence of both CoE and RC on education. Their role is historic and has no justification in modern Britain. It is bizarre that a resident of Acton should have to demonstrate a belief in a faith for their child to get access to Twyford. I have no faith, I had no alternative to Acton. I do not believe in other faith schools either but given the precedent you cannot blame Jews, Muslims, Sikhs et al for claiming their share. (My sisters children attend(ed) a Jewish secondary in Liverpool). Anecdotaly the Oratory and St Margarets in LBHF have total freedom to be dictatorial both in admissions and their treatment of parents. 4. New labour: ‘has pervaded New Labour and their aim is to achieve equality of opportunity by trying to ensure that nobody in the state system gets opportunities that are not available to others. I believe this is a follow up point on faith schools. I do not understand the Academy concept (quasi voluntary, min £2m input from a benefactor, charity or organisation, freedom from LEA control) but Labour have been pushing it as one of their main tools for improving standards with lots of newly built schools. LBHF are founding one on the Stamford House site which will compete with the Phoenix. 5. LEA Control: I can understand concern over maintaining discipline and control if as Andy says exclusion units have been closed and Heads are under pressure to accept ‘difficult’ kids. However this is not a new issue, Governors, Heads and LEA’s have always had problems resolving different interests. Schools, including AHA make strong statements as to their expected behaviour and response from parents. 4/5 years ago when my youngest was still a pupil I would get auto text messages and emails if he failed to register....Andy mentions recent action by the Phoenix to justify freedom from LEA control. Andy is wrong. The Phoenix, whilst a ‘Specialist’ school (like Acton) is still firmly an LEA school. The Chair is Rosie Farrar, a finance director who lives in W12 and has been involved in the local community for many years. 6. Toby’s big idea ‘Toby Young's initiative shouldn't be necessary but sadly it is. The really effective response to the problems in local education would be to take Acton High away from the dead hand of the LEA.’ Not proven Andy, Toby wants to create his own vision of a grammar based on his own experience of two comps, some years ago, presumably whilst having traditional middle class family support. He should get his hands dirty and work with fellow parents to develop the academic and pastoral standard he rightly desires. He might be surprised to find out what already exists Iain Muir |