Beauchamps High School faces criticism over 'disgraceful' suicide note assignment

Pupils were asked to 'write the mock suicide messages while studying the J.B Priestley play, An Inspector Calls'

The school defended the assignment saying it was meant to teach students “empathy” and “responsibility” (Getty)

A secondary school has faced criticism after students were reportedly required to write their own suicide notes as part of an English assignment.

Pupils at Beauchamps High School in Wickford, Essex, were asked to write the mock messages from the perspective of a fictional character called Eva, while studying the J.B Priestley play, An Inspector Calls, according to reports.

According to the school’s staff, the lesson was meant to teach the 13 and 14-year-old students about “empathy” and “responsibility”.

However, pupils and their families criticised the exercise saying it was “wrong” and made them feel "uncomfortable".

Georgie Paige Clarke, 25, whose younger sister was required to write one of the notes told the Mirror: "Personally, I think this is so wrong and feel really uncomfortable knowing they think this is normal."

The school has defended the assignment saying that it has been part of the syllabus for years stressing that the play is a text set by the exam board for English.

Head teacher Bob Hodges told the Brentwood Gazette: “The book is about the death of a girl and the themes being studied are about responsibility and the roles of characters.

"One of the year groups were asked to write Eva’s last diary entry explaining her thought and feelings.

"It is all about expressive writing and analytical writing."

The Independent has contacted Beauchamps High School for comment.