Teacher Talk: 'Estelle Morris means well - I've got more time for her than Blunkett'
Brian Dickinson, 39, is the head of humanities and head of house at Thomas Bennett Community College in Crawley, Sussex. He is a member of the NASUWT
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.What did you make of Estelle Morris's comment that if she were a teacher there are some schools she "wouldn't touch with a barge pole"?
I think Estelle Morris means well – I've got more time for her than Blunkett. It's nice to have an education secretary who used to be a teacher. But as a politician, she should know that most people will hear just that sound bite out of context, and get a negative impression. I thought the Government was supposed to be trying to "talk up" education and schools; this won't encourage anyone to come into teaching. I suppose there are schools I wouldn't go to, not necessarily because of failing pupils, but because of how they treat their staff.
Do you think the introduction of US-style sixth-form graduation ceremonies is a good idea?
Yes. We do them at my school for the sixth-formers, and also for the year 11s, whom we also take on a boat trip in London. The sixth-formers have a ceremony at Crawley Council chambers with the local MP, and a party afterwards. I think it's good to mark the end of being a schoolchild.When I left school, I did my last exam and walked out and that was that. Not a very good feeling.
Could the introduction of ethnic quotas in schools be the answer to racial tension in certain parts of the country?
Something needs to be done to relieve tension in areas such as Bradford. If having quotas forces people initially to mix, then I think it's a good idea. But if you are part of that quota and feel like a token black it might be difficult. Also, it could reduce parental choice as to where they send their children. About 5 to 10 per cent of people in my town are non-white, and my school reflects that. I've not picked up on any racism in our school.
Do you think that pastoral care in schools is sufficiently resourced?
More time for pastoral care would make teachers more effective in dealing with students who have behavioural problems. This would mean reducing our teaching timetable, which would mean employing more teachers, which costs money.
If you would like to be featured in Teacher Talk, e-mail us at education@independent.co.uk
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments