Victory for common sense: Teachers shouldn’t have to fear challenges from obnoxious pupils
MOST people who heard how exasperated teacher Regina Hungerford chucked an unruly pupil’s mobile phone out of the classroom window will have thought “good for her” and reflected that it’s a pity more teachers don’t do the same when faced with children who persist in fiddling with their phones.
Regina Hungerford chucked an unruly pupil’s mobile phone out of the classroom window
However Mrs Hungerford, who taught maths and German at Merthyr Tydfil College, was accused of hitting the boy with a book (which she denied) and faced a lifetime classroom ban. Happily her conviction has been overturned on appeal at the crown court and one must hope that she is able to get on with her life and if she wishes return to teaching.
This is one small victory for good sense and also a victory for the principle of discipline in schools. Too many teachers find their classes and careers ruined by the obnoxious behaviour of children who regard any authority as a challenge and are intent on spoiling lessons for everyone else.
Mrs Hungerford taught maths and German at Merthyr Tydfil College
Unlike in the past, when a teacher’s word was law, they know that they will not face any sort of sanction and they can do as they please. Mrs Hungerford’s reaction was not calm or considered. But she did not deserve a classroom ban and for once justice has been served.
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Don’t deprive the winners
All must have prizes in the namby pamby world of children’s football. Youth FA officials have ruled that local newspapers should not publish match results of children’s games in case the losers get upset. They say that “one-sided scorelines can act as a disincentive to continue playing for many children”.
Sport is about the 'taking part' but it is also about winning and losing just as life is
Sport is about the “taking part” but it is also about winning and losing just as life is. It is ridiculous to encourage youngsters to play football and disguise the fact that this game of two halves is intended to produce a winner. Sport in schools has long been blighted by the idea that competitiveness should be discouraged.
Not only is the Football Association’s action meddling and utterly wet it is also wrong. How proud and excited the youthful players would be to see their name in the newspapers while the unsuccessful team would strive to do better. Why deprive the winners of their moment of fame and glory purely for the sake of the losers? It makes no sense.
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SkateBoarding Dog
Heartbroken Isla Kerr was reunited with her missing dog Dolly
A very yappy ending...
Heartbroken Isla Kerr, seven, wrote to Santa to say she would happily go without presents if her missing dog Dolly could be found. And lo, she was. A Christmas miracle.