Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Secondary Schools* (*But Were Afraid to Ask)
A teacher who filmed her pupils in a secret documentary about the standards in state schools was last month suspended for a year by a General Teaching Panel.
The documentary itself (viewable here) was an expose of mismanagement and bad behaviour in failing (and ‘successful’) schools. For six months Alex Dolan filmed herself teaching and talking to other staff members as she taught as supply in 16 different schools.
I’ve just watched the documentary in full, and parts were indeed shocking. Students swore at teachers – not under their breath, but directly to the teacher’s face (“Piss off” What did you say? [Looks directly at teacher] “Piss. Off.”). Fights broke out in the middle of class. Management sometimes didn’t give a fig. And in many classes, spectacularly little was learned.
But my main reaction was to chuckle gaily and say: “Ahh, them were the days.” It cannot be a surprise to anyone who has ever been to a state secondary school that supply teachers are nearly always poorly-prepared, easily tricked and weak discipline wise. They are pushovers – mainly because they are in a nearly impossible position.
You cannot expect someone to do a competent job when they are dumped into a new school, in front of thirty new faces (with nearly all of them ready and willing to make the teacher’s life as difficult as possible) with next to no notice. Supply teachers, in other words, suck.
It’s not the teachers’ fault for doing this. Heck, they’re just doing what is best for the school. But it’s not honest and it’s not good for those being taught. Give people targets and they will cheat to achieve them. Especially if you allow them to by giving schools prior notice of inspections.
Chris Woodhead – chief schools inspector from 1994-2000 – came on and pompously declared that he knew that all these tricks went on. Which begs the question: why the hell didn’t he do anything about it when he had the power?
For those who have been through or are familiar with the state school system, what occurs in the documentary is generally pretty humdrum. Students refusing to take off coats. Lessons taking 15 minutes for people to settle down and teaching to begin. IT lessons spent sneakily playing playing games. Most schools are like this some of the time, some are like it all of the time. The sad thing is that schools will remain like this until there is radical reform of the school system in this country.
The most annoying thing about the documentary, however, was Ms Dolan herself. Her smugness throughout was almost unbearable. Her comments released after the tribunal said it all: “This is a sad day for investigative journalism.” Well, lucky you’re a teacher and not an investigative journalist, then, isn’t it? I’m glad she has her priorities right. Ms Dolan abused the trust of her pupils and is entirely deserving of her suspension. The system needs whistleblowers, but not desperate fame seeking ones.
(*A school I am well acquainted allegedly did this too. Allegedly. Allegedly, allegedly, allegedly.)
A teacher who filmed her pupils in a secret documentary about the standards in state schools was last month suspended for a year by a General Teaching Panel.
The documentary itself (viewable here) was an expose of mismanagement and bad behaviour in failing (and ‘successful’) schools. For six months Alex Dolan filmed herself teaching and talking to other staff members as she taught as supply in 16 different schools.
I’ve just watched the documentary in full, and parts were indeed shocking. Students swore at teachers – not under their breath, but directly to the teacher’s face (“Piss off” What did you say? [Looks directly at teacher] “Piss. Off.”). Fights broke out in the middle of class. Management sometimes didn’t give a fig. And in many classes, spectacularly little was learned.
But my main reaction was to chuckle gaily and say: “Ahh, them were the days.” It cannot be a surprise to anyone who has ever been to a state secondary school that supply teachers are nearly always poorly-prepared, easily tricked and weak discipline wise. They are pushovers – mainly because they are in a nearly impossible position.
You cannot expect someone to do a competent job when they are dumped into a new school, in front of thirty new faces (with nearly all of them ready and willing to make the teacher’s life as difficult as possible) with next to no notice. Supply teachers, in other words, suck.
It’s not the teachers’ fault for doing this. Heck, they’re just doing what is best for the school. But it’s not honest and it’s not good for those being taught. Give people targets and they will cheat to achieve them. Especially if you allow them to by giving schools prior notice of inspections.
Chris Woodhead – chief schools inspector from 1994-2000 – came on and pompously declared that he knew that all these tricks went on. Which begs the question: why the hell didn’t he do anything about it when he had the power?
For those who have been through or are familiar with the state school system, what occurs in the documentary is generally pretty humdrum. Students refusing to take off coats. Lessons taking 15 minutes for people to settle down and teaching to begin. IT lessons spent sneakily playing playing games. Most schools are like this some of the time, some are like it all of the time. The sad thing is that schools will remain like this until there is radical reform of the school system in this country.
The most annoying thing about the documentary, however, was Ms Dolan herself. Her smugness throughout was almost unbearable. Her comments released after the tribunal said it all: “This is a sad day for investigative journalism.” Well, lucky you’re a teacher and not an investigative journalist, then, isn’t it? I’m glad she has her priorities right. Ms Dolan abused the trust of her pupils and is entirely deserving of her suspension. The system needs whistleblowers, but not desperate fame seeking ones.
(*A school I am well acquainted allegedly did this too. Allegedly. Allegedly, allegedly, allegedly.)
No related posts.
I’ve been browsing online greater than three hours as of late, but I by no means found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is beautiful price sufficient for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made just right content material as you probably did, the internet will probably be a lot more helpful than ever before. “Nothing will come of nothing.” by William Shakespeare.
Fantastic content, I am viewing back on a regular to search for fresh news.
Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My website covers a lot of the same topics as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog by the way!
Can I simply say what a aid to seek out someone who really knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know find out how to carry a problem to gentle and make it important. Extra people must learn this and perceive this side of the story. I cant imagine youre no more well-liked since you definitely have the gift.
I feel Aol. Ought to be each the most effective as well as the worst on the year. It’s the very best, since yes, it will be noticed one of the most. It also does set a long run for that brand, very distinctive from their previous as World wide web, Inc. It can be also very imaginative; it can be really distinct. It will need to be the worst although since the execution is terrible. The notion, even so is innovative, just sucks. There may be little or no cons istency, as well as the wordmark bores me.
An impressive share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing a bit of evaluation on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I really feel strongly about it and love studying extra on this topic. If attainable, as you develop into expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more particulars? It is extremely helpful for me. Huge thumb up for this blog put up!
I was just seeking this info for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your web site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative sites in top of the list. Normally the top sites are full of garbage.Please tell me that youre heading to keep this up! Its so superior and so important. I cant wait to read additional from you.
Can I simply say what a aid to seek out someone who really knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know find out how to carry a problem to gentle and make it important. Extra people must learn this and perceive this side of the story. I cant imagine youre no more well-liked since you definitely have the gift.
I will right away grab your rss as I can’t find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly permit me recognise in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.
Can I simply say what a relief to find someone who truly is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You positively know the way to carry a difficulty to mild and make it important. More people have to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant consider youre not more common since you positively have the gift.
I just feel like you know so substantially and know how to make people listen to what you have to say. This blog is just too cool to become missed. Terrific stuff, really. Please, PLEASE keep it up!
hey there and thank you for your info – I have certainly picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise several technical points using this website, as I experienced to reload the website lots of times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and can damage your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more of your respective interesting content. Ensure that you update this again soon..
Hello! I simply wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the nice data you’ve here on this post. I will probably be coming again to your blog for extra soon.
Ik ben toevallig op uw blog betreden met de hulp van Google Search
I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I¡¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my website
Whats Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & aid other customers like its aided me. Good job.
You made some decent points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found most people will approve with your site.
REALLY AMAZING LINKWHEEL SERVICE EVER ON FIVERR! JUST FIVE BUCKS!
I carry on listening to the news speak about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i find some?
This really answered our problem, thank an individual!
I enjoy you because of your whole hard work on this blog. My niece really likes going through investigation and it is easy to understand why. Most people know all regarding the lively method you present precious things via this website and as well improve participation from website visitors on that concept and our simple princess is really studying a great deal. Enjoy the remaining portion of the year. You’re conducting a great job.
I was just seeking this info for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your web site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative sites in top of the list. Normally the top sites are full of garbage.Please tell me that youre heading to keep this up! Its so superior and so important. I cant wait to read additional from you.
That is so great. Now I have found the right tool for me. Thanks for the great post and keep it up!
thank you for sharing this. this is very good info
i will follow your blog..
your weblog is quite very good. It was very well authored and straightforward to recognize. Unlike additional blogs I’ve read which are actually not very good. I also found your posts extremely fascinating
I just feel like you know so substantially and know how to make people listen to what you have to say. This blog is just too cool to become missed. Terrific stuff, really. Please, PLEASE keep it up!
Can I simply say what a aid to seek out someone who really knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know find out how to carry a problem to gentle and make it important. Extra people must learn this and perceive this side of the story. I cant imagine youre no more well-liked since you definitely have the gift.
Throughout the grand pattern of things you get an A just for effort. Where exactly you actually lost me personally was on your particulars. As people say, the devil is in the details… And that couldn’t be more accurate in this article. Having said that, allow me inform you precisely what did do the job. Your authoring is definitely extremely powerful which is probably why I am making an effort in order to comment. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. Next, despite the fact that I can certainly see the jumps in logic you come up with, I am not necessarily sure of just how you appear to connect your ideas which produce the conclusion. For the moment I will yield to your point however wish in the future you link your facts better.
You can definitely see your enthusiasm within the paintings you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.
I was just seeking this info for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your web site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative sites in top of the list. Normally the top sites are full of garbage.Please tell me that youre heading to keep this up! Its so superior and so important. I cant wait to read additional from you.
I got what you mean , thankyou for putting up.Woh I am delighted to find this website through google. “Food is the most primitive form of comfort.” by Sheila Graham.
Can I simply say what a relief to find someone who truly is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You positively know the way to carry a difficulty to mild and make it important. More people have to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant consider youre not more common since you positively have the gift.
I will right away take hold of your rss feed as I can not find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly allow me recognise in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Thanks for your article. What I want to comment on is that when looking for a good on the web electronics shop, look for a internet site with total information on key elements such as the level of privacy statement, safety details, any payment options, and other terms and policies. Continually take time to investigate the help along with FAQ areas to get a better idea of how a shop is effective, what they are able to do for you, and exactly how you can make the most of the features.
Can I simply say what a aid to seek out someone who really knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know find out how to carry a problem to gentle and make it important. Extra people must learn this and perceive this side of the story. I cant imagine youre no more well-liked since you definitely have the gift.
Can I simply say what a relief to find someone who truly is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You positively know the way to carry a difficulty to mild and make it important. More people have to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant consider youre not more common since you positively have the gift.
You can definitely see your enthusiasm within the paintings you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.
You can definitely see your enthusiasm within the paintings you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.
I really like your writing style, great info, thanks for posting
. “Let every man mind his own business.” by Miguel de Cervantes.
Terrific info on SEO, thanks for posting Day 8 |!
This is a fantastic web page, will you be interested in doing an interview regarding just how you created it? If so e-mail me!
I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I’m quite sure I will learn plenty of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
Can I simply say what a relief to find someone who truly is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You positively know the way to carry a difficulty to mild and make it important. More people have to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant consider youre not more common since you positively have the gift.
I really appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank God I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again..
I certainly learned about a lot of this, but having said that, I still believed it had been helpful. Great post!
Can I simply say what a aid to seek out someone who really knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know find out how to carry a problem to gentle and make it important. Extra people must learn this and perceive this side of the story. I cant imagine youre no more well-liked since you definitely have the gift.
A powerful share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing a little evaluation on this. And he the truth is purchased me breakfast because I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I really feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic
Can I simply say what a relief to find someone who truly is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You positively know the way to carry a difficulty to mild and make it important. More people have to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant consider youre not more common since you positively have the gift.
I was just seeking this info for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your web site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative sites in top of the list. Normally the top sites are full of garbage.Please tell me that youre heading to keep this up! Its so superior and so important. I cant wait to read additional from you.
Considerably, this put up is absolutely the sweetest on this notable topic. I harmonise together with your conclusions and will thirstily sit up for your incoming updates. Saying thanks won’t just be enough, for the phenomenal clarity in your writing. I’ll immediately grab your rss feed to remain informed of any updates. Admirable work and much success in your small business dealings! Please excuse my poor English as it’s not my first tongue.