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Archive => Archived Boards => Local Issues => Topic started by: Loobylou on February 04, 2013, 01:46:46 PM
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Hello,
My child started at Marple Hall School last September, in year 7. He is a bright child, in the top set for most subjects and until recently he participated eagerly in extracurricular activities.
However he has become demoralised and stopped enjoying school since getting quite a few detentions under the school's nu-hope regime. By this approach any misdemeanour, however slight, is punished with an after school detention that very day. Anything from a shirt tail coming untucked, to forgetting a ruler, to having the wrong book is immediately punished by detention. This has been the case right from the first day. Sometimes detentions have been given in error and afterwards the staff member has apologised but at the time the child cannot rectify the matter as this is answering back, a definite nu-hope detention earner.
Because of detentions, after school activities have been missed and as a result my child has now withdrawn from them.
Last term year 7 parents were invited to a coffee morning at school. I attended and soon became aware that the sole purpose of the meeting was the nu-hope regime. It was very clear that the school had no intention of making any changes whatsoever and I felt my time had been wasted inviting me to attend to discuss. My child has told me that the head says if you don't like it then move to another school.
I am most interested to know what other parents think about this. I understand the head lives near Leeds and commutes daily. She is not part of our community and it seems she is not open to hearing our views. I understand there are three counsellors on the school's Governing Body. I wonder, has anyone spoken with them about nu-hope?
Please let me know your views, I support strict discipline but do we really need such a draconian approach?
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"Nuhope" has rapidly become "No hope" in our household - although the child who is still at Marple Hall is above the age to which the new regime is applied and regards it with a certain amount of wry amusement.
The intention was good and for some discipline-worthy offences (e.g. answering back) a detention is probably merited. However, for unintentional errors (e.g. forgetting rulers, untucked shirt) it might be better if teachers ... ahem ... happened to be looking the other way.
I would advise your child simply not to worry too much about it, and take a good book to read in the detention.
If the Head Teacher drives in every day then you might care to keep a check on whether all her car lights etc. are in full working order all the time.
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My son was also a new starter last September, they will be in the same year, I actually agree with Nuhope, and all that it stands for.
My oldest son went to Marple hall, he left 3 years ago, he loved his time there, and we were very happy with the standard of education he recieved .
I honestly do not think that there is anything wrong with Nuhope, whenever my youngest son has had a detention, school have contacted me, by email, by phone call, and by text, no detention has been a sudden occurance without me knowing , had there been an activitiy out of school, then Im pretty sure that school would have arranged his detention to another day with me .
Ive also heard the head has told people if they dont like the nuhope regime, then move to another school ... I honestly think thats fair enough .
Children get away with too much in schools, and everything is on the childs side, the teachers hands are tied, when my son got detention for forgetting his ruler, my simple answer to that was .." you wont forget it again "
If my son had so many detentions that it caused him to withdraw from after school activities, then I would question why he is getting so many, is it the school being unreasonable, or is it my son doing something that he can prevent , have you spoken to the school about it .
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sounds a bit draconian - in my Marple Hall days I think I would probably have been in detention constantly based on those rules! However, I do think that learning respect for authority and rules is important and stands kids in good stead for later life. Excuse the expression, but we were sh** scared of anything getting back to our parents when we were at school, and so this helped to ensure that most of us towed the lines - it does seem increasingly that kids are set few boundaries, and I don't think we are doing them any favours in this. So without understanding the full details of this scheme and its implementation it is hard to comment.
However, the one thing that I really object to is the accusation that somebody that is 'not from round here' does not have the required skills and expertise to deal with kids from this community. This just seems to be nimbyism in the extreme. Values, respect, discipline etc do not and should not vary from area to area, or even from country to country, and to raise the point that just because someone commutes to Marple, they are not qualified to teach Marple's youth, is just silly, in my humble opinion. It is certainly not an opinion that I would want kids to believe is acceptable, and to take into their adult life.
Alison
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Teachers, and obviously head teachers, are well advised to not live in the area in which their school is located. If they do then they run the risk of being approached by parents whenever they leave the house, be it when they are shopping or even when having an intimate dinner with their partner. The parent will inevitably claim 'I only want a minute of his/her time', but there are hundreds of said parents.
I know of a number of teachers who do live within their schools catchment area, and they never shop locally nor use the local pubs or restaurants.
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As with Hollins, my son is not affected by the NUHOPE programme in MHS and is incredibly glad that it is not applied to his year.
The NUHOPE programme has been given a very positive spin in the TES here http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storyCode=6133916 (http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storyCode=6133916). I'm assuming it's the educational equivalent of the "broken windows" ciminology policy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_windows_theory (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_windows_theory). Personally, I remain unconvinced. The intention behind NUHOPE is good but having a zero-tolerance approach to all "offences" instead of having a sliding scale seems daft. Forgetting a minor piece of equipment or having your shirt untucked is clearly not as serious as, for example, not handing in homework or disrespect to teachers.
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There is a parent voice meeting on Thursday 21st February, in which parents are invited to discuss issues going on in school, it could be a good opportunity if you are not working, to voice your concerns Looby.
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There is a parent voice meeting on Thursday 21st February, in which parents are invited to discuss issues going on in school, it could be a good opportunity if you are not working, to voice your concerns Looby.
Good idea except the "Parent Voice" meeting is 3.30pm to 4.30pm. Not great for working parents. However, if it really does have such an impact on the morale of your child then it is probably time well spent.
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Although they sound like minor issues, things like forgetting books/pens/rulers etc... impact everybody else in the room - they either have to be provided on loan or they have to share - all takes time - impacting the time learning. If everyone forgot their text book that they are borrowing for the year/term then the school would have to buy double the number of books.
Why can't these basic things be remembered - in my day I had a pencil case and a bag, where I kept all my stuff. Each night I used to pack my bag with equipment needed for the next day. Easy.
When people go into the 'real world' they will be expected to dress/behave and perform to a standard, if they learn it whilst young then it will be easier in later life.
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My children have long left Marple Hall, all in their mid to late 20's now. I am interested in this debate about NuHope - I like the idea of better discipline, and the concept of consequences for bad or lazy behaviour ( such as forgetting equipment etc) and agree with Gaz that young people need to learn the rules of the big wide world of work. What I don't like is the name, NuHope, it smacks to me of American religious brand mentality. Just my opinion though, it may well be fantastic.
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Well according to the website:
No answering back
Uniform worn correctly
Homework in on time
On task in lessons
Punctual
Equipment necessary to lessons.
Can't really see anything to argue with there. Why shouldn't we expect our schools to have high expectations of our children? Especially in today's economic climate where there is much more competition for jobs. Surely they are just trying to prepare our children to have the highest standards. Bring it on- I would expect my child to meet all the nuhope expectations. It's just a shame this has to be made so explicit in schools in order for it to happen consistently!
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If teachers are spending too long at the beginning of each lesson providing bits of forgotten equipment, then surely that is something that needs addressing. Children need to arrive at school ready to learn and not to waste valuable teaching time. NUHOPE seems to be on the right track to me. My children have also long since left MHS but I would have had no problem with it. If they got a detention, so be it. Hopefully they would remember the next time. I would think that most children would only get one or two NUHOPE detentions before the penny dropped and a valuable life lesson learned.
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How about a year 7 girl trying to get to her next lesson and trying to get past year 6 foot tall year 11 boys & girls on the stairs/corridors and being pushed about, losing a shoe, trying to get it back thus making her late for her next lesson? Teacher not listening to any excuses just giving out a detention because it is means they don't have to think anymore just use Nuhope?? Good?? Or how about one teacher making all of the pupils leave their class 5 minutes later than normal then when the kids get to the next lesson 5 minutes late they all get Nuhope detention from the next teacher?? Try complaining about this to the new Headteacher and see what her response is. We are not the only parents to complain and get nowhere. She has been punished for forgetting a book/pen which we have no problem with it is just that this Nuhope has taken away any thinking/listening that the teacher has to do.
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However, the one thing that I really object to is the accusation that somebody that is 'not from round here' does not have the required skills and expertise to deal with kids from this community. This just seems to be nimbyism in the extreme. Values, respect, discipline etc do not and should not vary from area to area, or even from country to country, and to raise the point that just because someone commutes to Marple, they are not qualified to teach Marple's youth, is just silly, in my humble opinion. It is certainly not an opinion that I would want kids to believe is acceptable, and to take into their adult life.
Alison
I don't think that Louby was actually saying the Headteacher was "not qualified to teach Marple youth". I don't know how you arrived at that one Alison, you've just jumped from A to Z . She was just pointing out that the Headteacher was from Leeds and not part of the Marple Community, which may or may not be relevant - but it is certainly worthy of mention. Personally, I find it strange that someone would commute like that, it's a bit of a journey these days. Maybe she plans to relocate to Marple - is she a new appointment ?
I'm interested in this ( Nuhope, not where the Headteacher lives ) because my granddaughter may be attending MH next year. There appears to be mixed views on "Nuhope" on this thread, although it has to be said there seems to be a common denominator with virtually all its supporters - they all seem to be adults and they don't seem to have any kids in the school !
Does anybody have any first - hand views on what impact this system is having on the children.
From my experience (which I won't elaborate) with schools and disciplinary measures there should always be one big question. Children don't like any school disciplinary measures that's children for you - but do they think it's FAIR ?
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The school is closed today due to staff being unable to get through the snow. Will they all get detentions I wonder?
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The school is closed today due to staff being unable to get through the snow. Will they all get detentions I wonder?
They won't get detentions because there are no staff to give them!
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I don't think that Louby was actually saying the Headteacher was "not qualified to teach Marple youth". I don't know how you arrived at that one Alison, you've just jumped from A to Z . She was just pointing out that the Headteacher was from Leeds and not part of the Marple Community, which may or may not be relevant - but it is certainly worthy of mention. Personally, I find it strange that someone would commute like that, it's a bit of a journey these days. Maybe she plans to relocate to Marple - is she a new appointment ?
I'm interested in this ( Nuhope, not where the Headteacher lives ) because my granddaughter may be attending MH next year. There appears to be mixed views on "Nuhope" on this thread, although it has to be said there seems to be a common denominator with virtually all its supporters - they all seem to be adults and they don't seem to have any kids in the school !
Does anybody have any first - hand views on what impact this system is having on the children.
From my experience (which I won't elaborate) with schools and disciplinary measures there should always be one big question. Children don't like any school disciplinary measures that's children for you - but do they think it's FAIR ?
OK fair call, maybe I misinterpreted the comment about not being part of the 'community'
Alison
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It's a few years since our kids were at MHS, and I don't know enough about this 'NuHope' thing to pass an opinion - although judging from this thread, it does seem to be being applied in a somewhat draconian and arbitrary way!
However, if it really is true that the Head has said that 'if people dont like the nuhope regime, then move to another school', that is appalling! MHS is the only secondary school in Marple, and it is not unreasonable to expect it to provide an educational environment appropriate to all our children. The suggestion that if they don't like it they should leave all their friends behind and travel miles to another school is disgraceful!
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The school is closed today due to staff being unable to get through the snow. Will they all get detentions I wonder?
But most of the children went in surly there should be some way of communicating with them to tell them not to turn up ..if children can why not teachers , don't they have a website .
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The school is closed today due to staff being unable to get through the snow. Will they all get detentions I wonder?
But most of the children went in surly there should be some way of communicating with them to tell them not to turn up ..if children can why not teachers , don't they have a website .
The school is supposed to post a closure at 7.30, at this point it was deemed okay for the school to open. It was only at 10 when it was realized there was not enough staff the decision was made to close the school.
No doubt this is was a unavoidable situation that could be forgiven, but the same logic has to be applied to Nu Hope decisions in respect to pupils. If Nu hope rules were applied the teachers would get detention, no excuses allowed and also not notice given to parents.
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Many thanks for all your replies, certainly I find it encouraging that people are aware and take the trouble to respond. I will pursue the links and suggestions that have been offered. Two things are of note to me - firstly the responses of parents with children in year 7 are much more sympathetic and secondly with regard to fairness - the rules only apply to year 7 and 8. If you are in year 9 there is no punishment for the same misdemeanour.
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Many thanks for all your replies, certainly I find it encouraging that people are aware and take the trouble to respond. I will pursue the links and suggestions that have been offered. Two things are of note to me - firstly the responses of parents with children in year 7 are much more sympathetic and secondly with regard to fairness - the rules only apply to year 7 and 8. If you are in year 9 there is no punishment for the same misdemeanour.
Why .
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I've just read a description of Nu-Hope at
http://www.marplehall.stockport.sch.uk/fileuploads/File/Publications/Nuhope%20FAQ.pdf (http://www.marplehall.stockport.sch.uk/fileuploads/File/Publications/Nuhope%20FAQ.pdf)
I can't see a single thing in there that any reasonable parent would complain about. It simply promotes the disciplines that will become essential in later life.
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Many thanks for all your replies, certainly I find it encouraging that people are aware and take the trouble to respond. I will pursue the links and suggestions that have been offered. Two things are of note to me - firstly the responses of parents with children in year 7 are much more sympathetic and secondly with regard to fairness - the rules only apply to year 7 and 8. If you are in year 9 there is no punishment for the same misdemeanour.
Why?
Because it was brought in from a specific year, with plenty of communication for new pupils and parents when they went to their taster days. They did not apply it to existing pupils which means that within the next three years NUHOPE will be consistent across all school years in MHS. They did the same thing when they introduced new uniform so that pupils who were in years 10 & 11 did not have to buy a complete set of new uniform.
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If my brats complained about repeatedly forgetting a ruler, I'd really wonder why their common sense hasn't kicked in to ensure that they don't repeat mistakes. Sounds like good preparation for life to me.
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I've just read a description of Nu-Hope at
http://www.marplehall.stockport.sch.uk/fileuploads/File/Publications/Nuhope%20FAQ.pdf (http://www.marplehall.stockport.sch.uk/fileuploads/File/Publications/Nuhope%20FAQ.pdf)
I can't see a single thing in there that any reasonable parent would complain about. It simply promotes the disciplines that will become essential in later life.
I don't think that Louby was complaining about the theory of it more about the unfair way in which it seems to be administered and the fact (although, I find this hard to believe) that the Headteacher said ..."find another school".
If my brats complained about repeatedly forgetting a ruler, I'd really wonder why their common sense hasn't kicked in to ensure that they don't repeat mistakes. Sounds like good preparation for life to me.
Good Old Duke eh! "Brats" and all - what can we say - nothing I suppose.
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Well said Gaz, parents have signed up to this scheme, therefore they understand and agree to the terms. Though my children are not ready for high school, when they are at MHS I expect them to be put right and dealt with accordingly to ensure that they are fully prepared for the real world.
We need to go back a generation and compare what these children have and how they behave etc. I went to MHS and we daren't do wrong and Bert Saville would let us know about it and quite right too. I have little if any sympathy and as stated, these parents have agreed to the scheme and what it stands for, therefore train and prepare your children accordingly as our PE teacher said, the 7 Ps - pre planned preparation, prevents p___s poor performance!
Although they sound like minor issues, things like forgetting books/pens/rulers etc... impact everybody else in the room - they either have to be provided on loan or they have to share - all takes time - impacting the time learning. If everyone forgot their text book that they are borrowing for the year/term then the school would have to buy double the number of books.
Why can't these basic things be remembered - in my day I had a pencil case and a bag, where I kept all my stuff. Each night I used to pack my bag with equipment needed for the next day. Easy.
When people go into the 'real world' they will be expected to dress/behave and perform to a standard, if they learn it whilst young then it will be easier in later life.
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if it really is true that the Head has said that 'if people dont like the nuhope regime, then move to another school', that is appalling!
MHS said the same to me but on another issue. I objected as they placed my child in form with a very disruptive girl as they felt she would be a 'good influence' as she was quiet and well behaved. She was not put with a single friend like all the other girls in the class were (they put who they wanted to be with on a list and everybody got at least one friend except my daughter), just placed with this girl that has serious problems and had bullied her in the past...I objected and was told that there are plenty of parents from Offerton and surrounding areas that would have the place if I didn't want it. As predicted my daughter suffered bullying by the girl who latched on to her and had a very hard time settling in even ending up needing counselling. Luckily she did settle eventually but it was much harder and very unfair the way she was treated. If this happens again with my younger children I will be changing schools!
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I agree with the nuhope arrangement but disagree with the fact that it only applies to years 7 & 8. Unlike the uniform issue, that was a cost problem for pupils that would not get full use out of a blazer, they will get use out of manners and if you want them to respect their elders/peers, I think it should be based on a full (nuskool) new hope.
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I agree with the nuhope arrangement but disagree with the fact that it only applies to years 7 & 8. Unlike the uniform issue, that was a cost problem for pupils that would not get full use out of a blazer, they will get use out of manners and if you want them to respect their elders/peers, I think it should be based on a full (nuskool) new hope.
I agree, but....
I suspect they have introduced nuhope gradually to avoid any potential problems/challenges from parents of years 9 and above who don't like their children being required to behave and follow the rules - I can imagine some long winded appeals and complaints procedures from parents claiming they would have never sent their kids to MHS if they had know they'd actually be disciplined for misbehaving.
Parents of years 7&8 knew what they were signing their kids up for when they applied to MHS.
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Apparently, the Headteacher has resigned. What future does nuhope have now?
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Where did you here that?
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Where did you here that?
Why do you need to know that ?
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To find out if it is true or gossip! My two kids there or myself have not heard about it.
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If you're that interested ( which I'm not by the way) I was just passing the information on. I can assure you that it isn't gossip but it really doesn't matter to me whether you take my word or not. With respect , perhaps I just know a bit more about what's going on at the school than you or your kids do.
With two kids at the school I fully understand why it might be important to you - so why don't you contact the school and ask them ? Actually, what I would be interested in is their response.
It is easy enough to do.
Anyway, in the scheme of things, Headteachers come and go, don't they ? You can't do anything about it so why worry ?
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So, who told you then?
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So, who told you then?
We've just done that one Bowden.
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If it's not common knowledge and the "source" is covert then I'd say it's gossip / rumour :-X
We'll see if the students are informed tomorrow and if not, I'll call them up and ask if the rumour is true ;)
My daughter will be hoping it is, as she doesn't like the fact that Nuhope is being extended to Y9, though I doubt a change in Head would alter that now...
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I wouldn't ring the school just to confirm a rumour (which as said above it is unless it has been announced). Same with MHS becoming a 6th form. Until these things are announced they could just be rumours.
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I wouldn't ring the school just to confirm a rumour (which as said above it is unless it has been announced). Same with MHS becoming a 6th form. Until these things are announced they could just be rumours.
None of these are rumours both are facts. It is just that one will be announced much earlier than the other.
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We already know, from this Forum, that Cllr Alexander (who is on the School Governing Body) has confirmed that the school has been running an official consultation on Marple Hall creating a new sixth form. Strangely, I have seen nothing in the media about this......? Have parents been informed? The school does not publish the minutes of its Governor meeting on its website.
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This is the post that Bowden Guy refers to.
I took up the idea of emailing Shan Alexander and she has confirmed that the Local Authority has commenced a period of statutory consultation to, potentially, move to a system whereby indvidual schools could have their own sixth forms. I specifically asked whether this "consultation" was informal or statutory - she confirmed that it was statutory (whilst also emphasising the quality of our existing sixth form colleges in Stockport). Has anyone seen any official notice of the consultation? An advert in the local press? A letter to Marple Hall parents?
As you see, it confirms what BG recalls, although the consultation is being conducted not by MHS but by the council on behalf of all its secondary schools, it seems. But like BG, I have searched in vain for information about this, and find myself wondering whether it's happening at all, or whether it was Cllr Alexander just flying a kite. Basically it seems far fetched, because it would need the council to find significant capital funds to build the necessary accommodation at MHS or any other maintained school wishing to open a sixth form, and I suspect the council isn't exactly awash with spare capital. Of course, they should be getting something for the Chadwick Street supermarket site - but I don't think that will go very far! So I think we should take these rumours about a 6th form at MHS with a big pinch of salt. Unless the governors vote to become an Academy, I can't see it happening.
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We already know, from this Forum, that Cllr Alexander (who is on the School Governing Body) has confirmed that the school has been running an official consultation on Marple Hall creating a new sixth form. Strangely, I have seen nothing in the media about this......? Have parents been informed? The school does not publish the minutes of its Governor meeting on its website.
I seem to recall a note on the website that after consultation they decided against it. However that was a while back and may have been academy related.
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You're ansolutely correct, JMC - it was a decision not to go for Academy status. However, you don't need to be an Academy to have a sixth form. Wouldn't it be interesting if the proceeds of the sale of Chadwick Street were (eventually) used to fund a new sixth form annex at Marple Hall (Chair of Governors, Cllr Shan Alexander) in direct competition with C&MSFC?
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I too had heard a rumour that the head was leaving so I phoned the school. The receptionist said she had been told to reply to any enquiries on this subject that she wasn't free to discuss the matter but that a letter would be sent home with the pupils in the very near future. From our conversation I deduced that the rumour was true.
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Bowden,JMC, Elpram,
Let us consider what is being denounced as rumour here.
Remember if we waited until everything was formally announced then we would have no advance warning about anything at all.
1/ Headteacher at Rosehill has resigned.
This is not a rumour it is an absolute fact. All the staff/ school management/governors are aware of the situation but they have been sworn to secrecy. This is why Loubylou got the hesitant response when she contacted the school. The original plan was to send a letter home with the children when they broke up for the Easter Holiday. That would have meant that;
a/ It was a surprise.
b/ The school would have been closed and would not have had to field questions from parents.
c/When the school re-opened, it would have been common knowledge and the fuss would have died down.
However there has now been some calls to the school asking about the situation which may have precipitated an official communication going out earlier before it does become common knowledge and embarasses the school because they have not informed parents. There is an impromptu meeting taking place later this week to decide which is the best course of action.
2/ MH 6th form. There was a plan to have such a facility, this is not a rumour either but obviously the immediate priority now is to find a new Headteacher. This only means that the plan is postponed not cancelled. Please understand that you don't have be an academy to have a sixth form nor do you need to have a new building nor do you need initially to have an all singing all dancing 400 pupil facility, nor do you need masses of funding from the LA, nor can the LA stop you, nor would they want to, nor do you have to provide the provision from one site.
Let's think a little laterally eh and stop denouncing "intelligence" (just because it hasn't been announced officially and just because you personally are not aware of it ) as rumour !
As for Nuhope - Come September it's dead.
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1/ Headteacher at Rosehill has resigned.
I thought it was the head teacher at Marple Hall School you were advising us about, not Rosehill?
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Perhaps they are both going - I feel another rumour coming on!
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What is the link between the possible, unconfirmed exit of the Headteacher and the death of NUHOPE, Simone? That"s a bit of a leap!! Will everything else the ht introduced also die a death? Are there not other staff in the school driving forward changes? Will they not build on the success of the school? A friend of mine went to a coffee morning there last week where NUHOPE was the topic of discussion and she said it is clear that whilst a minority of students are struggling with it and a few parents too; the majority are of the opinion that it is raising standards and preparing youngsters for the real world where people don't bail you out everytime you need it. Obviously this is second hand but I believe her. Stop making irrational links. My guess would be that if teachers are behind it and can prove its helping kids, it will stay. No new boss is going to arrive in September and dismiss policies and procedures - I can't imagine that's the way to get your workforce on your side from the start.
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1/ Headteacher at Rosehill has resigned.
I thought it was the head teacher at Marple Hall School you were advising us about, not Rosehill?
Apologies to all, typographical error, late at night and too much Chablis. I have no knowledge of Rosehill whatsoever. I meant Marple Hall.
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Simone, you say that there has been a "plan" to have a sixth form at Marple Hall School. If so, do you know if the plan has been discussed and approved by the Governing Body, of which Cllr Alexander is the Chair? You are obviously aware that no such plan can come to fruition without a statutory period of consultation which would allow formal objections to be made, not least from Cheadle & Marple Sixth Form College. Cllr Alexander has made it clear that the Authority is in the process of conducting this consultation but where is the evidence that people are being given the opportunity to provide feedback? It strikes me that, if they decide to go ahead, they will have not followed due process.
I also think you are seriously underestimating the issues surrounding tyhe opening of a new sixth form but no doubt you are an expert at this.
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What is the link between the possible, unconfirmed exit of the Headteacher and the death of NUHOPE, Simone? That"s a bit of a leap!! Will everything else the ht introduced also die a death? Are there not other staff in the school driving forward changes? Will they not build on the success of the school? A friend of mine went to a coffee morning there last week where NUHOPE was the topic of discussion and she said it is clear that whilst a minority of students are struggling with it and a few parents too; the majority are of the opinion that it is raising standards and preparing youngsters for the real world where people don't bail you out everytime you need it. Obviously this is second hand but I believe her. Stop making irrational links. My guess would be that if teachers are behind it and can prove its helping kids, it will stay. No new boss is going to arrive in September and dismiss policies and procedures - I can't imagine that's the way to get your workforce on your side from the start.
It's not really any kind of "leap" at all. There are no "irrational links" Miss C, they are all based on some knowledge. Nevertheless, your "guess" and your coffee morning friend's perception is interesting and both would be respected if it wasn't for the fundamental fact that neither of you appear (even now) to know that your own Headteacher has resigned. This suggests to me that you don't really know what's going on and you are in fact widly guessing. Furthermore I am sure you will agree that this oblivion of yours does little to give us any confidence in your assertions and theories.
Anyway, I have done my best to inform, I will now allow events to unfold and speak for themselves.
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Simone, you say that there has been a "plan" to have a sixth form at Marple Hall School. If so, do you know if the plan has been discussed and approved by the Governing Body, of which Cllr Alexander is the Chair? You are obviously aware that no such plan can come to fruition without a statutory period of consultation which would allow formal objections to be made, not least from Cheadle & Marple Sixth Form College. Cllr Alexander has made it clear that the Authority is in the process of conducting this consultation but where is the evidence that people are being given the opportunity to provide feedback? It strikes me that, if they decide to go ahead, they will have not followed due process.
I also think you are seriously underestimating the issues surrounding tyhe opening of a new sixth form but no doubt you are an expert at this.
Bowden, as I have previously said the school's priority will now transfer to finding a new Headteacher. As this is something that was unexpected and unplanned for I expect it to divert the school managers' attention from the 6th form issue. Inasmuch that all will be postponed for the time being until this appointment is resolved,ratified and settled. Nothing I have said contradicts what the Chair of Governors has said and also in my experience I have seen many things happen without due adherence to consultation as I expect you have. Consultation is often; do it, pretend you haven't done it, then ask if you can do it knowing that you've done it anyway. I am not saying that this is the case here but I wouldn't put my faith in local authority consultation - statutory or otherwise.
Why do you suggest that I am, ...."seriously underestimating the issues"...
What do YOU think that they are ?
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Simone, maybe the head is leaving, I wasn't particularly commenting on that. There is generally no smoke without fire in these situations. However, the leap Im talking about is you saying that NUHOPE is dead from September if the head goes. This is certainly a leap and I don't believe for a single second you have anything to back this leap up with. If a head leaves any school, a new head wouldn't get rid of ways of working that have been embraced by the school. That is a ridiculous assumption. Especially given my evidence that staff and many parents are behind it.
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Miss C,
Let us not labour the points now, I believe that I have made mine most emphatically.
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Simone, I usually read your posts with interest and generally agree with a lot of the points you make. However, I do feel that on this occasion you completely wrong in your very wild assumptions if you think NUHOPE will be dead and buried in September just because there is a change of Head. From all the information I hear, it seems NUHOPE is pretty well supported by the majority of parents. I have stated before, I wish there had been something similar when my children were there.
You admitted it yourself.......too much chablis!
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Simons Im not labouring he point. I'm asking you to explain why the departure of the head equates to the death of NUHOPE. Asking me not to labour the point is simply an indication that you realise that the former does not mean the latter will happen.
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Miss C,
Asking you not to ..."labour the point"is not an indication of anything, other than to point out that you are labouring the point.
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A pretty simple question Simone and not wishing to labour the point.
Why is NUHOPE dead in September?
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Simone, here are just a few of the issues that Marple Hall will need to address if they are to successfully introduce a new sixth form.
FUNDING: the current funding methodology of the Education Funding Agency (EFA) is extremely complicated and arcane. From September 2013 it is going to be replaced by an entirely new methodology which will present all colleges and sixth forms with huge challenges. Funding in further education is directly linked to student data.
DATA: once a sixth form is established there are onerous, regular and, once again, extremely complicated, data returns to be made to the EFA and, if adults are also recruited, to the Skills Funding Agency (SFA). As I have said, funding for the sixth form will be based upon data returns so it is vital that there are staff with adequate expertise in this area. Unfortunately, hiring such staff in a college environment is currently proving to be a very difficult task for many institutions.
TEACHING: given that there is currently no sixth element at MH there will need to be a huge programme of curriculum and staff development – choosing syllabuses, developing new teaching & learning materials, training teaching and support staff.
ACCOMMODATION: is there really loads of spare space at MH that sixth formers will just slot into? Would this be a very good experience for the students? Surely, the school would want to develop at least some dedicated space for a new sixth form? This needs to be planned, funded and delivered. As we have seen with the experience of Cheadle & Marple SFC this is easier said than done.
None of this is insurmountable but it’s no piece of cake either.
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I certainly agree with you Bowden when you say that these issues would not be easy to address. I also agree with you when you say they would not be "unsurmountable".
As I have said the unexpected turn of developments with the HT's resignation will now mean that this is not the school's priority for the moment. The new HT will not be in post until September and will probably not be settled until some time after that. None of us know at this stage what he will bring to the table. What was a burning issue one month ago is now on the back burner so if we are interested in MH and its 6th form we will just have to be patient.
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Quite an interesting article from the TES here on the very
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6133916 (http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6133916)
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Interesting article.
How do you know the new head will be a 'he' Simone? very quick for them to have decided on a replacement so soon. However it is a relief if they have someone ready to step in.
As for NUHOPE I haven't any real opinion on it as it doesn't affect my children's years as yet. But I have heard good and bad things from friends. I would though be in support of zero tolerance on bullying and bad behaviour though. So many primaries now, including my others children's, have a ridiculous 'no blame' policy where bullies are not told off whatsoever (even in cases of violence/racism etc) and the victim is expected to 'work together' to resolve the issue. This is even though anti bullying charities say this does not work and bullies seem to 'get away with it'.
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Once again apologies JMC, yet again another typographical error and I can't even use the excuse of the Chablis, as I haven't had any yet.
I have absolutely no idea as to the gender nor to the identity of the new head. I don't even think he/she knows him/herself yet. If I did know I would say.
As for Nuhope I have never equated it being rescinded with the departure of the Head. If you read my posts (try it Marplemum, Miss C) properly you will see that I have not said that. Others have attributed this to me but I HAVEN'T actually said it.The two issues are separate. What I have said is that the Head has resigned and Nuhope is dead, both of which are true, none of which is dependent upon the other.
Nuhope is not a long term policy for the school to build on it is an ancilliary pilot scheme implemented out of desperation 6 months ago against the least resistant (11yr olds) element of the school. It has created as many problems as it has solved, for the Children the Teachers and the Governors. Even you Marplemum and you Miss C must surely recognise that it now has to be either rescinded entirely or implemented across the whole school, eventually against young adults whom are approaching arguably the most critical time of their lives. These 15/16 year olds will not be anything like as compliant (an understatement) as to their 11 year old siblings when staff half -heartedly try to impose the same regime. This is now recognised and school managers ( I mean the real managers are in an absolute panic) sorry that they agreed to it and are desperately trying to find a way to drop it and keep face.
Parents were not consulted before it was introduced and they will not be consulted before it is withdrawn.
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Utter rubbish Simone. Utter rubbish. That is all. It's not just year 7 for a start; it's 7,8,9 which means that in September all but year 11 will be under NUHOPE. And who knows that they won't bring it in for them too? If they were desperately trying to find a way to drop it and keep face I don't think they would have introduced it to other year groups. You can have no evidence of this at all. Plus, why shouldn't 15/16 year oldsbe compliant to not answering back, wearing uniform and not looking like a trollop, doing homework properly, being on task and paying attention in lessons, being on time and having the equipment they need. How on earth can you have a problem with that? Or are you suggesting we should have lower standards for Marple kids????
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My Y9 daughter reports that NUHOPEs are doing brisk business in the first week of the application to her year group (only N and U at the moment!) and apparently they were told that they would be the "worst" year group to be subjected to NUHOPE :-\
I thought the TES article was quite pertinent given that like Marple Hall, the school mentioned is not an inner city den of depravation and if the figures from the anonymous post implementation survey are accurate, it was an almost evangelical conversion to NUHOPE! Let's give it to the year end at least and see if opinions here mirror those in Tameside :-X
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Simone
What evidence do you have that NUHOPE has 'created more problems than it has solved?' From my knowledge of the school (via my nephew and niece who are students there) it would appear that NUHOPE is actually creating an environment in the classroom where children can get on and learn rather than the teacher waste time at the beginning of each lesson providing forgotten equipment etc etc. Surely that has to be a good thing? Isn't it all about teaching and learning these days?
From a logistical point of view I can understand why NUHOPE wasn't implemented across the school straight away and I think the phased introduction is far more sensible. I bet by the end of the year the whole school is following NUHOPE.
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"Trollop", it is many a year since I have heard that word. It is certainly a curious term to apply as a description to a child.
Anyway, sincere though they may be Miss C & Marplemum, histrionic, repetitive assertions that are reminiscent of cheap politicians ..."utter rubbish...utter rubbish"...will not alter the reality.
What we really need to do for our children in Marple is to take some responsibility and encourage/promote them to a situation where they are able to engage in a meaningful educational/life experience with the adults (in this case their Teachers) they are growing up with. What we do not need is to lower our standards and relegate our kids unwillingly into Victorian/Gove type disciplinarian, measures that relegate them to the status of fearful prisoners and bring them ..."on task...", what an awful cliched expression that has its origins in fascism.
I am pleased to say that this has been recognised hence the forthcoming changes that I have previously referred to.
Just In finality, this is a speculative intertwaddle site not 22b Baker St. We do not have an obligation to provide "evidence". Posters/readers either accept what is written or they don't, it is entirely up to them. You will find on here that very often claims, some of them seemingly outrageous at the onset, evolve into absolute facts at the finish, when in retrospect they had their source in flimsy rumour. Often in the past I have doubted a seemingly, outrageous statement only to find that it comes to fruition as the weeks/days/months go by. It is all to do with some people being closer to situations than others. Neither indignation, contradiction, ignorance, histrionics nor perceived logic goes on to disprove the actuality.
It is always worth bearing in mind that things can appear to be one way and turn out to be entirely the other.
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So, people who believe in traditional standards/discipline etc (or whatever you want to call it) are "fascists". That really is below the belt and quite pathetic. Can't you do any better? And, since when did task orientation become linked to Fascism? Have you never heard of Stalin's Five-Year Plans?
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Quite an interesting article from the TES here on the very
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6133916 (http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6133916)
Interesting article Elpram, thanks for posting it.
I was trying to remember where the "Nuhope" fad started and I was reminded by the article. It was of course in the United States Charter Schools. I think at the time it was thought to be a bit of a cult and an extension of the Zero tolerance scheme for criminals. I think I also remember reading (not in your article) that several of these schools were burnt down to the ground by their own pupils.
I thought the comments of the Headteacher from Derby summed it up when he said..."There are far better ways to start the day than with conflict, with nagging, I would rather Teachers were talking to pupils about education than whether their tie is straight."
I think the fact that a very tiny minority of schools in the UK have adopted this American policy speaks for itself.
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So, people who believe in traditional standards/discipline etc (or whatever you want to call it) are "fascists". That really is below the belt and quite pathetic. Can't you do any better? And, since when did task orientation become linked to Fascism? Have you never heard of Stalin's Five-Year Plans?
Just can't figure out your connections here.
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So, people who believe in traditional standards/discipline etc (or whatever you want to call it) are "fascists". That really is below the belt and quite pathetic. Can't you do any better? And, since when did task orientation become linked to Fascism? Have you never heard of Stalin's Five-Year Plans?
I always find that people who use the word traditional take traditional to mean what they want to mean. So who's traditional standards are we talking about are we talking about Victorian values here, the traditional values I was subject to in the 50s or the values of the 80's. It's a word that means nothing other than to the the person using it.
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This has been an interesting and enjoyable debate so far conducted with much better manners than many threads but it looks like Godwin's law is about to be proved again (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin%27s_law)
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This has been an interesting and enjoyable debate so far conducted with much better manners than many threads but it looks like Godwin's law is about to be proved again (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin%27s_law)
Admin,
I thought Godwin was about Hitler and not Stalin.
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Indeed, but the principle is what counts, and at a pinch any brutal totalitarian regime will do: Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Idi Amin, Saddam Hussein - take your pick!
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So, people who believe in traditional standards/discipline etc (or whatever you want to call it) are "fascists". That really is below the belt and quite pathetic. Can't you do any better? And, since when did task orientation become linked to Fascism? Have you never heard of Stalin's Five-Year Plans?
I always find that people who use the word traditional take traditional to mean what they want to mean. So who's traditional standards are we talking about are we talking about Victorian values here, the traditional values I was subject to in the 50s or the values of the 80's. It's a word that means nothing other than to the the person using it.
It is an interesting, philosophical observation that you make Wheels and I think a sound one too. Brings a bit of fresh thinking to the debate.
A cousin of mine who started school in Liverpool in the 1950's told me that Teachers used to repeatedly "smack" her on the back of her hand with a wooden rule because she was left-handed. They were trying to discipline her to write with her right hand as when you write with your left you draw your hand across your work and in those days you were likely to smudge. She still writes with her left to this day.
When I went to school in the 60's; if you were unpunctual or untidy or forgot your book or didn't have your tie on or your shoes fastened you were punished, often by detention sometimes by being beaten. I might be exaggerating but I think you were actually punished if you breathed the wrong way. I did actually witness, personally, one student being beaten for having..."a smirk on her face"... Nowadays it would be called abuse, the beating that is not the smirk. Is that what Nuhope really is 1960's schooling only without being beaten ? Maybe they could reintroduce the beatings next year and we could all take comfort in knowing that our children/grandchildren are being disciplined in the same way we were. Well it never did us an harm did it ?
Is that what you mean Bowden by ..."traditional/standards and discipline...?
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Indeed, but the principle is what counts, and at a pinch any brutal totalitarian regime will do: Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Idi Amin, Saddam Hussein - take your pick!
Thanks Dave,
Do you mean like 'Nuhope'.
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Simone,
Just as a matter of interest I had the same treatment for being left handed in the 50s. Also I was publicly ridiculed for being left handed by a head teacher. These were the tradition values of the age.
Also I should have asked are traditional values traditional christian values or secular values???
And the challanging of tradional has nothing at all to do with Goodwins Law
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Simon, you appear to be inferring that I support what people often call "traditional" values. As you well know, I have not actually offered an opinion on this subject. The point I am making is that it is completely bonkers to throw around the word "fascist" at people you happen to disagree with. Unfortunately, this is the default position for many on the (far) left nowadays. It is like calling someone a "Communist" if they happen to believe in higher taxation or greater equality in society. Both are infantile positions.
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Bowden, don't be so sensitive. Did I get upset when you said that I was; "below the belt", " pathetic", "infantile" of course I didn't. I knew that you were only expressing yourself in your own way. By the way if you were in Nuhope you'd be in detention for saying those things and if you were in 1960's Nuhope which they are planning on bringing back at MH next year you would have had to take a beating.
As we are on the subject of inference, does the perception of it belong to the donor or the recipient ?
It would be most helpful if people would respond to what they should have actually read instead of what they think they have read. I didn't call anybody a "fascist" nor was I ..."throwing the word about". What I actually said was quite deliberately about the phrase "on task" and that it has its origins in fascism - which it does, I looked it up in an "origin of word book" - sad I know. Just because somebody used a phrase that has etymological origins in fascism doesn't mean I think that they are one.
If you used a word that had etymological origins in say latin (which is virtually every other one in the English language) I wouldn't conclude from that, that you were the Pope.
Anyway, I've run out of Chablis so I'm off out. Apparently, according to Dave & Tricky there is an Iron Maiden buying everybody drink in Stockport so I'm off to find her.
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You make a good point Simone, really do get worked up about general banter.
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From the Marple Hall Website (see http://www.marplehall.stockport.sch.uk/fileuploads/File/Parent%20Zone/Recent%20letters%20home/March%202013/ShanAlexander_MAR2013%20pdf%20-%20Adobe%20Acrobat%20Pro.pdf (http://www.marplehall.stockport.sch.uk/fileuploads/File/Parent%20Zone/Recent%20letters%20home/March%202013/ShanAlexander_MAR2013%20pdf%20-%20Adobe%20Acrobat%20Pro.pdf))
I am writing to inform you that Dr R Hegan will be relinquishing her position as
Headteacher of Marple Hall School from September 2013. Under her leadership the
school is much improved. In the past three years the progress and attainment of all
learners has increased. Dr Hegan has forged strong leadership teams at all levels with
dedicated teaching and non-teaching colleagues who are committed to ensure that your
child continues to receive the very best education.
............ Some blurb about NUHOPE removed ............
Although we are sorry to see Dr Hegan leave, we understand her reason for leaving and
wish her the very best in her future endeavours. We are very appreciative of her
commitment and energy that she has brought to our school and she will continue to
serve the school with dedication and focus for the remainder of the school year. The
recruitment process for a new headteacher will commence immediately and we intend
to appoint shortly after the Easter holiday.
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The most interesting and revealing bit in that letter from the Chair of Governors at MHS is the bit that hollins left out! I wonder why the Chair of Governors felt it was necessary, in a letter announcing the resignation of the Head, to include a testimonial from a parent singing the praises of NUHOPE? It implies that NUHOPE has something to do with her resignation.
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My son who is at MHS says that Dr Hegan has got the head's job at Werneth. Rumour?
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My son who is at MHS says that Dr Hegan has got the head's job at Werneth. Rumour?
Incorrect rumour. There is no truth in this whatsoever.
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It seems highly unlikely - after all, why would she? It's hardly a promotion, is it.
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The Good Doctor is going out of Headship altogether.
She is taking up a senior position with a charity that actually teaches, Teachers how to teach. What's that old adage; People that can do, do. People that can't do, teach and people that can't do or teach, teach Teachers.
I've messed that up I know. Anyway that's where she's off to somewhere in Yorkshire I think. I only hope that she doesn't start preaching her "NOHOPE" policy through the Teaching profession but perhaps even she is a liittle dillusioned by its effect now.
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I believe that the principle behind NUHOPE is a good one but perhaps the zero tolerance approach to its implementation is the problem. I don't think the pupils are sorry to see Dr Hegan leave. I hear that she has been very distant and unapproachable. Not hands on at all!
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She is taking up a senior position with a charity that actually teaches, Teachers how to teach.
Sounds like Teach First. See http://www.teachfirst.org.uk/TFHome/
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I don't think the pupils are sorry to see Dr Hegan leave. I hear that she has been very distant and unapproachable. Not hands on at all!
That's what happens when you have a "doctor" as head ;)
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She is taking up a senior position with a charity that actually teaches, Teachers how to teach.
Sounds like Teach First. See http://www.teachfirst.org.uk/TFHome/
Presumably a role where she can be stategic and not have to socialise with Children eh Dave ?
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Got it in one! And where whizzy transatlantic schemes like NUHOPE are taken seriously....... :D
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My understanding of the situation now is that although the good Doctor is technically on the payroll until September 2013, she will gradually be phased out until then. Again this is mainly to do with Nuhope, over which the school is divided and in relation to which her continuing presence is highly representative of the regime.
Recruiting the right replacement in time will be problematic because of; timing of the Doctors resignation, recruitment protocols and the sometimes complicated/lengthy notice periods required in Education.
All Saints Primary School is still without a permanent HeadTeacher and they are going into their second set of interviews this week without any guarantee of a making an appointment.
The selection Panel at MH will be determined to make the right appointment this time as opposed to the quick one - at least for the sake of our children that is what we would hope. There will be many future issues for the new Head to tackle, two of them being ...life after Nuhope and the future 6th form plan. Of course there is always the possibility that an outstanding and available candidate will present at first search (prayers will be said for this) but in the event/likelihood that this doesn't happen and to prevent the school going into drift a plan 'b' can be considered and adopted. This would mean that in the meantime an acting Head can be put in place he/she can be found from many sources and it seems that this may be the preferred 2013/14 option. Favourite candidate at the time of writing is an in post Deputy Head who by many accounts is and always has been quietly opposed to Huhope. Intriguing eh ?
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Skimming back through this thread, it's hard to tell what the majority view is on NUHOPE, although as someone pointed out at an early stage, those in favour often (but not always) seem to be posters whose children are no longer at MHS. So maybe the jury's out. But the Chair of Governors letter, first posted by hollins, is revealing (albeit unintentionally, probably) in seeming to link the head's resignation with NUHOPE. Here it is again: http://www.marplehall.stockport.sch.uk/fileuploads/File/Parent%20Zone/Recent%20letters%20home/March%202013/ShanAlexander_MAR2013%20pdf%20-%20Adobe%20Acrobat%20Pro.pdf
So it could be that Dr Hegan has resigned because of opposition to her scheme. We'll know once the new head is appointed. If at that point NUHOPE carries on, then we shall need to look for another reason for Dr Hegan's departure. But if (as I suspect) NUHOPE becomes OLDHAT, then we can all work out why Dr Hegan left.
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Nu Hope - No Hope. The text or phone call to let you know your child have received a Nu Hope sanction comes in after 1.50pm, If you have a job where you are unable to answer your child may not be able to get home safely. There is at least 60+ children a day kept behind, which of course means little chance of a public bus stopping to pick up. If you are unable to arrange safe transport home for your child within 2 days they spend a full day in the isolation unit, please remember this may be for the crime of forgetting your 30cm ruler. In a court of law in this country firstly you have to be proven guilty of a crime and then the punishment is given to to severity. At Marple Hall a child has been given a NU Hope for not having a book, given a second Nu Hope for telling the teacher they have the book and a third Nu Hope for being late for the next lesson as they had to find the head of year to sort it all out. A year nine told me he got a Nu Hope for telling the truth that he had forgotten his book and the rest told the teacher theirs was lost and just received a new one. I know of a few year 7 students whose parents are struggling to get them into school because of NU Hope. Respect of teaching staff is turning into resentment. If you go to a meeting or receive a phone call you are told you are the only parent not agreeing with the Nu Hope system, they are trying very hard to isolate parents, their attitude is if you do not like it move school. The School Governors will not discuss the Nu Hope policy.
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I find this quite shocking:
their attitude is if you do not like it move school.
The School Governors will not discuss the Nu Hope policy.
There are parent governors. Mrs Dave used to be one a few years ago, so I remember the sort of thing they did. I suggest you get together with a few like-minded parents and arrange a meeting with one or more of the parent governors, and try to get them on your side. Then get them to place the matter on the governors agenda. The governors may be avoiding discussing NUHOPE directly with parents, and that is quite understandable, but if a governor puts it on the agenda for a formal governors meeting they will have to deal with it then.
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We already have quite a few. I cannot believe what staff have been saying to some parents. A friends year 9 child attended a nu hope yesterday and spent his whole lunch time today trying to prove it, somebody did not tick his name off. He was really upset at being labelled a liar, she is very annoyed. I have been through 5 30cm rulers since Christmas, they are all breaking each others equipment, it is driving me nuts. Two different mothers have told me tonight they cannot wait for the Easter break so the stress of nu hope will stop. I wish I could afford private school, but we have 3 in education.
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We already have quite a few. I cannot believe what staff have been saying to some parents. A friends year 9 child attended a nu hope yesterday and spent his whole lunch time today trying to prove it, somebody did not tick his name off. He was really upset at being labelled a liar, she is very annoyed. I have been through 5 30cm rulers since Christmas, they are all breaking each others equipment, it is driving me nuts. Two different mothers have told me tonight they cannot wait for the Easter break so the stress of nu hope will stop. I wish I could afford private school, but we have 3 in education.
My youngest daughter had a stand up argument with her mother in the street about refusing to go to school and said she would rater die then get another detention, is this right?? Nu Hope has become NO HOPE in our house.
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I had private education, and looked at private education for my son, dont think because you pay for the education it necessarily means you are going to get better , I looked at the school I went to for my son , which I absolutely loved, and went to look at Marple Hall with an open mind, and Marple Hall won hands down. If a child wants to learn, they will, and if they dont want to, they wont .... money wont necessarily make a difference . ( just my opinon of course )
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I take what PP says, and agree with it, but there's an important difference between the 'market position' of state schools and that of independent schools. Independent schools are in a competitive market, and they have to attract and retain pupils in order to stay solvent. Hence they are responsive, because parents are customers and as in most businesses, customers call the shots. If an independent school were to adopt something like NUHOPE, and a number of parents said they didn't like it, the last thing the school would say would be 'if you don't like it you can move to another school'. And MHS should not be saying that either!
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'if you don't like it you can move to another school'. And MHS should not be saying that either!
Marple Hall said the exact same thing to me when I complained that my child was put in a form with someone extremely disruptive who had bullied her and NO friends when the rest of the class was in groups of friends. They thought my well behaved child would be a good influence! Hmmm. They did this to another friend who decided to move to Harrytown.
Other than that we have been pretty happy there. My DDs years haven't had NUHOPE until very recently. But I have friends who have and get very fed up. Zero tolerance should concentrate on behaviour and not forgetting a ruler.
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You know you're getting old when you think "what the hell is a 30cm ruler"?
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If you are not happy with MHS email Stockport Education complaints, talktous@.gov.uk, they say they have had no complaints from parents as of yet, which I find hard to believe. I also do not believe a parent actually wrote what was on the last Nu Hope letter.
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If you are not happy with MHS email Stockport Education complaints, talktous@.gov.uk, they say they have had no complaints from parents as of yet, which I find hard to believe. I also do not believe a parent actually wrote what was on the last Nu Hope letter.
I think that should read talktous@stockport.gov.uk
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http://www.marplehall.stockport.sch.uk/index.php/news/
few videos on there, one from year 10s about nuhope. any critics should watch. and another below from students doing a 'harlem shake' that Dr Hegan leads. critics of her not engaging with pupils should watch.
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Sorry to be an old cynic, but I don't think that link tells us much, apart from showing that MHS (or the council) has a competent PR person, as you would expect.
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Dave, it's really disappointing that as someone who clearly has once had connections with the school and a wife who was on the governing body, you are now joining in with the gossip and cynicism without having any evidence. Marple Hall has gone from strength to strength since its poorer leadership 10/20 years ago.
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I entirely agree that the school has improved greatly over the past ten years, but that has very little to do with NUHOPE, which only appeared a couple of years ago, I think. And apart from calling it a 'whizzy transatlantic scheme' (which it is) I have said nothing negative about it. The only strong opinion which I have aired on this thread, and I stand by it, is that it is disgraceful for the only secondary school in a town with a population of 23,000 to tell parents that 'if you don't like it you should send your child elsewhere'. That's just not good enough!
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http://www.marplehall.stockport.sch.uk/index.php/news/
few videos on there, one from year 10s about nuhope. any critics should watch. and another below from students doing a 'harlem shake' that Dr Hegan leads. critics of her not engaging with pupils should watch.
I will reserve judgement on NuHope - my children are just too old to have been subject to it. However, watching Marple Hall's Comic-Relief "Harlem Shake" video I have to give it to Dr Hegan - she is a heck of a good dancer!
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Dave, it's really disappointing that as someone who clearly has once had connections with the school and a wife who was on the governing body, you are now joining in with the gossip and cynicism without having any evidence. Marple Hall has gone from strength to strength since its poorer leadership 10/20 years ago.
I also think MHS has improved over the last few years. When we moved to Marple about 10 yrs ago, my opinion of the school was not high, based on observing the appearance and behaviour of pupils outside school. Now it seems fine - probably normal for kids of that age. Our child started in year 7 last year and having been in the school and met the pupils (sorry - "learners") and teachers (But not Dr. H) I am quite impressed. We think NuHope is a good thing - it prepares young people for the structure and discipline they will need as they get older. Having had a few NuHope's our child does not generally have a problem with the system - only when the sanctions are seen as unfair. Example - having the wrong book because a different teacher was taking the lesson, and it was not clear from the timetable. I hope it stays.
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Anyone know what happened to this initiative?
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Still in place at Marple Hall. The school firmly believe that it has improved behaviour and, subsequently, teaching time in lessons.
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Just visited MHS and all I can say is WELL IMPRESSED.
What a fantastic place!
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We also went tonight to the Open Evening. Whatever they're doing there, it's working. I was impressed with the headmaster and deputy head when they spoke passionately at Rosehill but it was brill to see it for ourselves tonight. Lots of happy students around the place and a brill student guide to show us around. The place looked smart and not as I remembered it, teachers were really easy to talk to and answered our questions and there were smiley people everywhere :) there was a great atmosphere and we were really impressed.
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Completely agree with comments on Marple Hall open evening. Teachers very approachable and met some great students who really wanted to show off their school.
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my son is year 10 and got nuhope installed in him half way thru year 9 after 2 and half years of a normal detention system (he received maybe 5 in that period) so far this year he has received 4 nuhopes in less than 4 weeks. one for his shirt being abit untooked on the first day back. two for me not signing his planner after week one. three for forgetting his footie socks. four for throwing paper towards a paper bin (not whilst the teacher was talking and nor in the form of an aeroplane) the last one was squashed after my partner told them my son wasnt attending due to the fact he is a human and not a robot nor has he been sentenced (although he would probably get treated better in a prison) anyone choosing that school should have heard the pros and cons to nuhope but we chose that school before nuhope. i hardly think any were worthy of a detention. infact i bought the wrong size shirts so they didnt took in and i didnt sign the damn planner so i should have done those 2. my partner asked what was wrong with the old system wherby if a child still didnt behave after a dinner time detention you were given 24 hours notice for an after school one ??? question not answered....... and today my friend has had to fone school to ask why her son has seen his name on a nuhope list but knew nothing about it. well that was because someone had mixed him up with someone else. hmmm wonder if that member of staff will be reprimanded. or will they claim human error. other than nuhope i havet had a problem with marple hall ...... what a pity the hated hegan got her claws on the school but i fail to see why nuhope didnt get binned when her resignation landed . lets see how they get on with ofsted xxx
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Ofsted, in their formal visit last week, have just given Marple Hall a "Good" assessment - it is very well deserved.
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Very well deserved indeed. I beleive that a good is the old 'outstanding'
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3 children through MH , one to get there. 2 in there still.
Oldest 2 kids for first 3 years came home with lots of merits and I got things posted to constantly telling me how well they had done in particular subjects on a regular basis.
13 year old, has always attained the same levels as her older siblings, however apart from a few merits in the first year she has come home with nothing but nuhope detentions. Initially she avoided like the plague as was quite worried what would happen but realised once she'd had one that it wasnt that painful and relaxed her attitude slightly. She wasnt getting loads just an occasional one or 2 here and there but they were no big deal.
She did "earn" 2 x fiver vouchers for not getting a nuhope for 2 different HALF terms though.
She has throughout that time attained a "1" for achievement in the vast majority of her subject and is attaining exactly what they expect at every time of year sometimes occasionally less than expected. Her effort is however 2 and 3s.
Nuhope has never been inflicted on the older children in yrs 10 and 11 so my oldest daughter, who many of you who attended the open day will have seen showing off the school, has not been effected by nuhope.
Both my daughters attitude towards the school has changed for the better since Dr Hegan has left and the new head is well liked it seems by the children (but not a pushover) so i hope that in the next year or so he brings something more positive to the table to reward hard work and encourage more effort because in the end that is what the kids are there for to learn and to work hard. Nuhope punishes it doesnt reward.
I could go on and on about nuhope and the fact some teachers pushed it beyond its limits and others just didnt bother with it. The negative effect it had on my childrens attitude to school and teachers, children who have never been in trouble or misbehaved at school. However I see it as a little brownie point thing for the ex head and I am sure that the new head will put his own stamp on it if he decides to keep the format so will reserve judgement on the nu-nuhope.
Daughter has had no nuhopes this term so far and hasnt even mentioned them so i consider its changing already
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"Good' is, in fact, the old "Good".
"Requires improvement" is the old "Satisfactory"
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The latest Ofsted report is (currently) linked to from:
http://www.marplehall.stockport.sch.uk/marple-hall-ofsted-report-october-2013/11042.html (http://www.marplehall.stockport.sch.uk/marple-hall-ofsted-report-october-2013/11042.html)
Maybe there is a more permanent link on the Ofsted site.
The Ofsted report is absolutely in line with what I saw at the school, which is a credit to Marple.
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"Good' is, in fact, the old "Good".
"Requires improvement" is the old "Satisfactory"
I'm just an old ex-English teacher but how can "Requires improvement" be "Satisfactory"?
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The head of Ofsted wants to "raise the bar" with both schools and colleges. In the past, they could get a Grade 3 (satisfactory) and breathe a sigh of relief. Now, if they get a Grade 3 they will be re-inspected within a year. Concentrates the mind.
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But unless the meaning of the English language has changed since Henrietta and I were at school, 'requires improvement' means 'unsatisfactory'. 'Satisfactory' means 'does not require improvement.'
But of course, Orwell saw this coming. He called it 'newspeak' or 'doublethink'. Maybe he should have called his novel 2013 rather than 1984. ::)