Staff at Calderside Academy are doing an excellent job

May 15 2008

I HAVE read so many negative stories in the Advertiser over the past few months about Calderside Academy.

I have a child attending Calderside Academy, and another child who attended Blantyre High School over a decade ago. I would like to tell those who feel the new school is like a prison just what the previous school was like 10 years ago.

My son was bullied at that school, not only by a boy in his own year but also by older boys who were the other boy’s friends/relatives.

The school lacked discipline back then — the uniform rules were not as strict as they are today — therefore it was easy for the perpetrators to enter the school grounds unnoticed and assault my son. For my son, school was definitely not ‘fun’ back then.

Anyone who thinks their son or daughter is hard done by now, by having to remove their jackets when entering the school or having to wear a uniform, obviously doesn't know much about life or discipline.

Wearing the uniform has many advantages — it deters unwanted trouble-makers, pupils look smart and all the children from different backgrounds look the same, therefore there is no bullying for not having the latest designer gear and the children all look smart.

I have only made readers aware of one example of what the lack of discipline in a school can lead to.

Had the head teacher of Calderside Academy been in the post a decade ago then I believe I would have no cause to be writing this letter now.

I think it takes someone with courage to take on a job like that.

If you can’t instil discipline into your pupils in the first instance, then everything else crumbles around it.

May I also point out that discipline should always begin in the home, then everything youngsters are asked to do at school would, and should, be taken in their stride.

And when respect for the authorities and teaching staff is shown in the home, the child will follow suit.

After all, children copy us and treat us as role models. That never stops, as they remain ‘young children’ until they're between 16 to 17, whereby we can call them young adults.

Finally, I would just like to add that my child loves the school and has made many new friends from the Blantyre and Hamilton areas.

To the head teacher and staff of Calderside Academy I say: keep up the good work. It is certainly working for my child.

An experienced parent, letter sent by e-mail.