martonschool.myfreeforum.org

admin · Site Admin Joined: 02 Oct 2005 Posts: 37

Once again I have come across a poster stating that I am forbidding people posting to this forum.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I will not tolerate this.

The offending post has been removed and so has the user.

This is the course of action I will take with any future posts of this nature.

Please feel free to discuss any points but refrain from allegations of misadministration of this site.

Thank you.

admin · Site Admin Joined: 02 Oct 2005 Posts: 37

Please note: looking up IP addresses is only one way of identifying users.

Once again, all the information I act on is based on hard evidence. I could have actually named the poster but I am mindful of the information I have access to and have respected the privacy of the individual concerned.

Perhaps, if that poster is still concerned about my statement and wishes to dispute my claims, they are welcome to contact me with their side of the story. I promise I will make a future post regarding this if they do in fact come forward.

Thank you.

Alan Veale · Master of Posters Joined: 07 Oct 2005 Posts: 118

It seems that the post by “Enigma” has been removed before I had a proper chance to respond, which is a pity in a way, because I did have to agree with SOME of their sentiments. But in case you do check this out, then I must say “Thank you, “Enigma”, for your wordy but enigmatic prose!” (Liked the name, by the way.) It seemed I got off relatively lightly, so perhaps it is easier for me to make a (slightly shorter) response:

I also believe that some of the postings have seemed a little too “heavy” in the way that they have been worded, but hey – we are talking about an emotional subject here (children) and there are also a great many contributors who have been influenced in their postings by fears about their incomes, their careers, and even whether they can expect to keep a marriage together under all manner of pressures. People do get carried away sometimes, and even Admin can be subject to something similar – but we must be grateful to him/her for providing the facility that we are all using. There are clear rules on using this forum that we all should abide by, and by and large, those are respected.

A word about this forum (again): I have gone on record that posting on this forum itself is not going to see an end to the troubles currently besetting the school. Neither will letters to the paper, interviews on the radio, or even someone tying themselves naked to the school railings… BUT – it is the collective voice of like-minded individuals, speaking out loud enough to the powers that be, and telling them that we are not prepared to be lied to, fobbed off, or ignored, that will eventually win the day. That is what has changed the course of history itself – the collective will of the people. If enough of us feel strongly enough about injustice, then we can overturn it. So – this forum is really just a means of communication – of getting our voices heard, and of learning from each other. I learned a lot from Enigma’s posting. It doesn’t matter who they are – and it doesn’t matter what their connection is to the three apparent unfortunates from yesterday! Don’t take your eye off the ball!

Regardless of each others connection to the school, and regardless of our backgrounds, the fact remains that we are entitled to express how we feel about the place we work in, the management that pays our wages, and about the education that our children receive. Whether you do it anonymously or not, if you wish to, then put your thoughts on the forum – but don’t get too hung up on the emotions expressed by others! Sometimes it is just a bit of fun. I don’t know what was on television Sunday night, and I don’t care – because there was much more entertainment going on here! Ever watched the MP’s in a Parliamentary debate having a go at each other? Great fun! (And they don’t take it personally).

But there was one thing that struck me above all else about Enigma’s post – their IT skills. Here at last is the very person to ask for a “qualified” view on the safety of the computers used in school. Many of us are concerned how our children have found it so easy to access hard-core pornography from their school desk, when the Director of Children’s Services at Progress House has reassured us that this can not be done. I am reliably informed that the system in Lancashire schools is different from that in Blackpool – only specifically approved sites are made available. So, “Enigma” – perhaps you can tell us about these “Variations”? What is the difference, and why? (Sorry – you’ll have to think of another name now!)

Alan Veale

R. Thornton · Reaching Full Speed Joined: 13 Oct 2005 Posts: 99

Ssdly I missed Enigma's post. It seems we can't leave this forum for long at the moment.
Visitors will be aware that I post regularly on the site because I feel so strongly about some of the issues - particularly regarding school's attempts to prevent our freedom of speech which is a fundamental right.
Anyway Enigma, I too have had posts removed - the last of which I do not think was justified. The whole thread was removed. I am sure the postmaster will confirm this and may well still have copies.
However I keep posting but do try to take more care even though that is very difficult when we hear of events such as those involving Mr Turner recently.
I can verify that anyone who is not prudent can be banned from the forum, whoever they support.

mary · Reaching Full Speed Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Posts: 81

I would just like to back up what R Thornton has said. I too have had posts edited and removed, so it certainly isn't one-sided or biased on the part of the administrator.

I read Enigma's post earlier and was about to respond when I found it had gone. Perhaps it's just as well, as my reply might also have been removed.

I think Alan Veale is right when he says we should not get too emotional about postings, or too personal in our comments. There are lots of facts on this website, and lots of opinions. There are bound to be times when we all get carried away.

Let's get the board back to rational debate and discussion.
_________________
EVENTUALLY THE TRUTH WILL OUT, JUSTICE WILL BE DONE.

Peacock · Getting Started Joined: 26 Jan 2006 Posts: 12

Just spent 30 mins doing a post only for my computor to crash.

Any why Hello to you all.

I have asked for you to tell me what it is about school you are not happy with but you don't seem to be telling me.

I am not getting information from anywhere about what is wrong with school so I have to make up my own mind I have done this,

By reading the latest ofsted report it stated that school had improved. Yes it can get alot better.

By seeing that my daughter is happy that is all that concerns me.
Her work is improving. She gets lots of good support from her teacher. so gets support from school.

About the computors if this had happened to my daughter and nothing had been done. I would stop her from doing I.T. even if I had to go to school every day. I would also go to the police. And the child protection officer.

As for having been in a situation where I was to scared to speak out in case it went against me then the answer to that is no. I will speak out when I think something is wrong. And when need be I will leave work if it was not dealt with and have done so. But I would not carry on a ** EDITED BY ADMIN **. Not that I am saying anyone has done so.

I have asked The MSAG to tell me facts on what they think Mrs Coupe is doing wrong at school.

I never said that Mrs Alderson was not a victim I said we could not say this till after the hearing. I did say that Mrs Coupe was a victim and still is as she does not seem to be getting the supoort she should be getting.

As for Mrs connor speaking out about school I thought she spoke out about changes being made at school that she thought would affect her children. As I remember she spoke out quite a lot about these changes. But can any one tell me if these changes have taken place and if they have how have they gone are they working?

The impression I get is that all this started because the head made changes. Some Staff did not like the way she made these changes. I seem to remember something like she did not ask but told what was to change. Is this not her role

I am not taken in by superficial smiles [ I am now going to be childish again SORRY but I have seen Peter Pan] SORRY.
But I am also not being given information by any menber of staff be thy at the bottom or the top of the pile.

This is why I keep asking for the information that you have so I can see if there is anything that will make me change my mind.

My concern now is for the school the damage that is being done to school and I do not mean Staff though they must wonder what is going on and when will it end. I don't even mean the head but has she not been though enough now to end all this.

I mean the school the damage done by all the bad press even this web site for all to read and I am as bad for posting on it but the school will some be damaged beyond repair if this is not settled soon. prospective parents will be wondering what they are sending their children to.

The only one to be affected by all this is SCHOOL. I feel are school is getting to be a laughing stock by all other parents at all other schools.

And here I am going to be very rude because I had a sort of resepct for Mr Veale as he has stood out for what he thinks is right. But he has posted on here that this is better then anything on television and he finds it all funny. I think this is what he said. But sorry because none of it is funny. The silly comments. The near threats. The name calling. But most the damage to school. Perhaps he did not mean that it was funny but comments like that do not do you justice Mr Veale.

And yes I am guilty of the same by posting stupid comments but I do not find it funny

Tracey · Reaching Full Speed Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 69

as i am sure most of you will agree, where exactly do i begin? what exactly do you mean by bottom of the pile? As with regard to the internet incident, are you saying that because it wasnt you daughter involved you arent concerned. If my child was the onlyone involved it would be of utmost importance to me. Any new head will make changes, the sign of a good head is how these changes are made. Exactly how much information do you need? You appeared to have conquered your initial problems with accessing this forum, surely you are capable of reviewing the information that has been entered previously.... Even though it doesnt agree with your own opinions....

R. Thornton · Reaching Full Speed Joined: 13 Oct 2005 Posts: 99

Thank you Tracey for that - it is getting increasingly difficult to summon the energy to respond to Peacock.
It is now very clear that she has no interest in seriously finding out what has been going on. She is more intent on attacking this forum and the Msag.
My evidence for this?
1. I have personally sent her emails with information, and places she can go to get more.
2. She has made the same claims before about asking for information and I have posted back with some (see last week's post), again with ways of confirming that information
3. Other people have posted information on the forum
4. Despite saying she has receivedv no information she has managed to comment in her post above on 2 of the pieces of information she says she hasn't received!

As for the Internet incident Peacock.
1.
Fact: Teacher downloads dubious pictures - Spring 2005
My thoughts: Are the computers safe for children ?
Action:Ask school and CSA if computers are safe
Result: no reply

2.
Fact:Child views serious pornography at after school club - Spring 2006
My thougts: School computers are not safe - proper safeguards do not seem to be there
Action: masg ask if proper security is in place
Result: don't know yet.

3. Peacock
Fact: ???
Peacock's thougts: If nothing had been done I wouldn't let my daughter do IT
Action: Complain on forum
Result: wasting time and forum space

SO please correct where you think my thoughts are wrong, add something to the fact of your comment, otherwise stop wasting time if you have nothing positive or new to say.

Finally in my first ever private email to you I wrote that you seemed to be a reasonable person, one who might be able to provide answers and help to sort the situation out.
I apologise for my mistake.

Unless there are 2 Peacocks ????
Your posts do seem to differ very much in writing style, spelling and punctuation. Can I write to one and ignore the other ?

Alan Veale · Master of Posters Joined: 07 Oct 2005 Posts: 118

Mrs Peacock

You will not be helped, will you? I will ignore what you said about my so-called sense of humour, and please ask you to check your private messages. There is a post I addressed to you in person on Thursday under Teaching Staff (where you appealed for information) to make sure you knew HOW to read these messages. You DO have people who are patient enough to give you their time if you will only respond.

Alan Veale

SarahJ · Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 5:55 pm Post subject: Re: me again

R. Thornton · Reaching Full Speed Joined: 13 Oct 2005 Posts: 99

Hello Sarah.

Could you clarify something for me.

You mentioned that sets were reduced and 'it looks like she was proved right'. In what way was she right ?

The Maths SAT's scores dropped by 10% for example in Year 6. There were also problems in Year 2 I think.

The Ofsted inspection also criticised pupils' achievements.

I am no expert, but I wonder how reducing the number of sets, so increasing the number of children in a group, can improve performance.

Thanks for your post, I look forward to your clarification.

SarahJ · Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 11:05 am Post subject:

Dear R Thornton

Is having more groups not more costly as they have to have more teachers? and what about pupils self esteem they would be more ''labels'' attached to the less clever pupils. In bigger groups the children are more the same rather than being treated differently.

I am certainly not an expert with these things either and you may know more than me but surely if the lower number of sets wasn't working it would not have carried on. After all Mrs Coupe has got to inprove things it is in her interest to do this.

From Sarah

R. Thornton · Reaching Full Speed Joined: 13 Oct 2005 Posts: 99

Thanks Sarah some good points there.
I agree that more sets would be more costly but I would love to see a system where the organisation of the teaching was based on the children's educational needs rather than cost.
You ask why Mrs Coupe has not changed the system back if it would improve things. Probably for the reasons you mentioned above - cost. We know the enormous extra cost of the suspension going on so long - I don't know the school budget but I would guess it has used up all the normal supply budget. However we also know that there has been more expense than ever on other supply cover. This has been one of the major concerns of the msag - more decisions will need to be made on cost rather than on children's needs.
I totally agree with your point about the 'stigma' which might be attached to grouping. I do not agree with high school selection for the same reason. The 11+ was also stopped for the same reason. However I think attitudesx to setting depends on how the school and staff deal with it - look at what the good high schools do. Shouldn't it be more of a matter of each child reaching its true potential ? After all we can't all be good at everything. I doubt children would be in the same sets for maths, english and science would they ?
Finally regarding the 'labelling' of children, thanks to this government isn't it now a case that children leave Marton labelled level 2, 3, 4 or 5 ? I wonder what the High schools do with such labels ?
Thanks again Sarah, you are demonstrating how this forum COULD work. I look forward to your reply.

WORRIED TA · Fledgling Poster Joined: 08 Feb 2006 Posts: 3

As you know I am new to this web site and have only posted once, but I feel I have to respond to Sarah J's comments regarding sets.

In all my time in working in education, not only at Marton, I have never found children being made to feel less worth for being in a lower set. These lower set children quite often just need a little more encouragement to build up confidence in themselves, in a smaller grouping this can be achieved more easily, the children work to their full potential and quite often move up.

It seems that after disrupting the setting arrangements at Marton from 3 sets to 2 sets, even though staff and a lot of parents did not agree it was for the best, Mrs. Coupe is now panicking due to the expected fall again in SAT results this year and has now added a fourth set to year six in order to try and boost the year group.

I am all for helping our children achieve the best that they can, my worry is "THERE IS NO CONTINUITY AT SCHOOL, SWAPPING AND CHANGING SO MUCH IS DAMAGING THE CHILDRENS EDUCATION."

R. Thornton · Reaching Full Speed Joined: 13 Oct 2005 Posts: 99

I agree that swapping and changing is not good - which is why I have questioned all the changes before - and whether they were successful.
I think more sets though must benefit the children - as they will be in smaller groups and probably the work will fit beter to their ability.
It needn't 'label' the children in any way.
What it does show to me though is that the changes Mrs Coupe made are now being reversed !! Its a shame that the changes were made in the first place against the better judgement of some staff.