Another letter

From the Sleaford Standard

EDITOR-As the parent of a child at the Aveland High School, Billingborough, I support the opinions expressed last week by a Lafford High School parent that pupils are 'cherry-picks' for St George's.

I am in no doubt that St George's College of Technology is an excellent facility, but so is the Aveland High School. In my opinion this amalgamation of schools has had nothing but a damaging effect on the smaller schools in the group. As reported by one parent in the Standard about their choice of the Lafford High School, I too chose Aveland for its small size and fantastic team.

All Mr Watson seems to say is how wonderful St George's is, which no-one disputes, but please remember that some of us have chosen to send our children to a school with approximately 250 pupils overall, rather than 250 pupils in one year. My most recent experience of this merger is that Year 9 children choosing their options are being offered the chance to undertake them at St George's, whilst still remaining a member of the Aveland School.

So, not only are they making one of the most important decisions of their lives, if they decide to move then they have the added stress of moving schools. I feel it is dangling a carrot for these children, and children by their very nature tend to think the grass is greener on the other side.

I'm sure this is all part of the bigger picture, offering children a 'wide and varied curriculum' but at a time which is stressful enough these children have plenty to worry about without the added 'suggestion' of a bigger and better choice.

Thankfully the Aveland School, so far, has dealt with the 'change' admirably; I am in no doubt that this is all down to good team work and an already established ethos. There is a place for smaller establishments and children thrive where they are happy.

SA, Heckington