Every so often in schools - as elsewhere -
difficult, unpopular decisions have to be made.
I have found that it helps to try and head
off the problems that staff, pupils or parents will raise by construction a FAQ
document. First off, the act of constructing such a thing really focuses the mind.
Secondly, if you get it right, it can be disseminated publicly and so diffuse much
of the angst that unpopular decisions precipitate.
I also find that by phrasing at least some
of your questions in the manner of your most obstreperous constituent you can really
take the wind out of their sails. Clearly you have to be careful here, but a bit
of humour (flippancy even?) can be an extremely effective tool in diffusing tension.
Here's an FAQ document I created recently explaining
the rationale for my much-reviled 'valedictory reports'. See what you think...
When do we do valedictory reports?
We compose valedictory reports just before
Trinity half term. They go out for pupils in the upper sixth and the fifth form
only (those year groups who will have finished their taught courses before the end
of term).
When do they go out?
Valedictory reports generally go out sometime
in the fortnight following Trinity half term. As with other reports, the Headmaster
writes his piece and he is busy! You should, therefore, write your report making
the assumption that by the time it lands in parental inboxes the exams will be all
over.
Why do we bother?
I feel that to let examined year groups leave
without some tangible written record of what, for some, is their last term at Oswestry
would be a great shame. The alternative, to let pupils go without so much as a by-your-leave
is unpalatable.
What is the suggested content for valedictory
reports?
Valedictory reports don’t need to be lengthy.
Nor is there much point in providing detailed academic advice (it is too late for
that). They should comment on the pupil’s progress over the course of the year(s).
Also, they should contain, if possible, a warm personal anecdote and wish them well
for the future. In cases where expectations need to be managed, they should make
a point of doing so. However, they should not contain damning comments that come
out of the blue. If such comments are necessary they should have been preceded by
a long sequence of similar warnings in earlier reports and reviews. Parents also
welcome comment on how preparations, revision etc. went in the lead up to the exam(s).
What about the grades - don’t we run the risk
of holding ourselves hostages to fortune?
Yes, we do. The grades are asked for are for
internal consumption only. When these reports go out to parents they will display
no academic metrics at the top.
I’m busy, and these are a total waste of my
time. What are you going to do about it?
I’m sorry you feel like that. I don’t agree
and so in one sense, a flippant ‘nothing’ is the most honest answer. However, remember
that in getting these out of the way now you’ll have less to do at the end of term
(when you’ll also be busy). Also, try to put yourself in the shoes of a pupil who
has been at the school since reception. Imagine the ignominy of leaving with no
permanent record of your last term in the school. I hope you’ll agree that a little
bit of ‘pain’ now is worth it as a small repayment for the loyalty shown by such
pupils and their parents.