Well, well, well....

Daisy...if you had read what I'd said, er....in a little more depth, you'd see that I'd said that for some children school is the best thing to have ever happened to them. Obviously, you are one of those childre, as are your friends.

You would also have read that I said I have, and always have had, the utmost respect for brilliant teachers who care deeply about their children.

OK?

I also said that the cases of cervical cancer, amongst younger girls is on the increase, and that this was due to many of them having sex at a younger and younger age.

Sorry, Daisy, but that's exactly what's going on, because I too have young people for children, as does your Mum, and I can assure you that not everyone is down at the local Sheep Fair picking daisies.

I'm really pleased you're all doing 13 GCSEs and getting A's too. 13 As is some accomplishment, especially when you're obviously not having to study too hard, having loads of time to party and go out.

I bow to you all in respect.

Sorry, but I'm still a little worried, to put it mildly, about the jab for Cervical Cancer being given en masse in our schools at the moment.

I'm also worried about the fact that GPs are aiding and abetting illegal acts by giving out contraception to under 16s without their parents knowledge, but I'm sure you can talk to your Mum about that one, as I'm sure she'll understand.

I did not say that ALL young girls are out there having sex with every Tom, Dick and Sebastien, but I can assure you that some are.

I can also assure you that there are many children out there who are suffering very badly at school and who are not as happy as you and your friends. I am on their side.....You need no-one to fight your corner as you are obviously loving every single moment of your school.

However, perhaps you could explain to me why the teachers themselves, last year, at the Annual Conference in Torquay, stated how worried they now are about so many young people, who are showing signs of much mental stress.

They called for a review of the amount of homework being given out, for SATS tests to be stopped (already stopped in Wales and Scotland I believe)...and for far less stress to be put on the children and the teachers also.

Obviously, you are the best school in England, Daisy, so I'd treasure it even more, if I were you.

Did I criticise working mothers? Don't think so......

I did say that many mothers have no choice BUT to go out to work...and I did say that many parents love to boast about how well 'Little Johnny' is doing, when in actual fact, Little Johnny is often falling apart inside under the weight of 27 GCSEs and 57 A Levels, but hey.....I'm sure you read that part with humour...

I've a friend who works in a nursery...OOPS, sorry...a 'pre-school learning alliance' as they call them now, or used to call them, probably sommat else by now....and at the end of each term they have to do a Report on each child, for the parents...

And who has asked for this to be done?

Why, the parents themselves.

Because that way....altogether now...they can say to one another how well 'Baby Johnny' is doing at his pre-school learning alliance, being able to make plasticine alphabet letters and paint 2+2 in day glo paint.

Once, toddlers were just left to play in the sandpit, play with the soft toys, natter on to each other, have their milk and biccies, sing some songs and generally have a real whale of a time! I know, because I used to help them all do it...and then...The Serious Ones took over, started to turn up to Playschools in suits, with briefcases, and Lesson Plans...

And the world got even weirder...................

Maybe you could do an A level in 'What Went Wrong' ?

I hope you get all your GCSEs, and I hope you get all As if that's what makes you happy, Daisy...but...I'd value you as just as much a Wonderful Person if you had no exams, but were kind, caring and loved life.

Life is not Exams.
You are not Exams.

Never let anyone judge you on Exams alone, because it is the person on the inside that counts far, far more than pieces of paper.

I'll show you how ridiculous it is...My daughter chose to take no exams, yet she is still able to get a job. She learnt because she loves learning, not because she had to take an exam at the end of it.

I am 54, and STILL I have to put down what examinations I took, on application forms. Why?   What the ***** does it matter what I did 35 years ago, for one hour in an examination room?

Until society can learn to let go of that, we ain't going far.


Good luck at school, though, Daisy.