DURING the present year, the special measures introduced at the Queen s School, Wisbech, have done a lot. Morale is a lot higher and discipline has been improved. Now there is a time of reflection when the experts decide what the future of the Queen s Sch

DURING the present year, the special measures introduced at the Queen's School, Wisbech, have done a lot. Morale is a lot higher and discipline has been improved.

Now there is a time of reflection when the experts decide what the future of the Queen's School is going to be.

Your views matter. Here are some ideas to help you think more clearly.

1 All children must be educated in the same school regardless of how clever they are, how motivated, or whatever their ambitions.

2 There are no important differences between children. Gender, sexual orientation, religious practice and racial background interfere with the learning process.

3 Children must learn together in the same classroom. This allows clever, motivated children to help and encourage their comrades. All children are well behaved and they really want to learn. There will be no misbehaviour since every child wants to attend school.

4 All children must learn the same things and must study from the same specification/syllabus. A socialist education policy must oppose the creation of different vocational and academic "pathways" at 14. The GCSE results are the end of this process, through which we can tell if the school has achieved its norms/targets.

5 Although small schools work well at primary level, at secondary level, comprehensive schools of 1,000 to 2,000 children make a lot of sense. You can, in a large school, afford specialist teachers for niche subjects, produce several good dramas a year and run a school orchestra. None of these things are possible in a small school.

6 There must be no return to the old system of Grammar School, Secondary Modern School, Convent School or any form of selection at any age.

Results

Score one point if you agree fully with each statement.

6/6 - excellent. You are an educationalist and your wishes will be granted next year.

5-3/6 - comrade, you need to think more clearly. Why not attend our educational classes?

2 or fewer/6 - unacceptable. You are a revisionist and could even be a Tory.

MIKE STALLARD

Fridaybridge Road

Elm