LETTERS We work harder
Sir: I would like to thank Lystra Riches (The great resources myth', 9 September) for his article, and for his recognition of the hard work that pupils at private schools put in to achieve their results.
As a pupil at a private school for the past seven years, I have resented the assertions in the media that the results gained in pri- vate schools are wholly due to the `resources' that they have available. I firmly believe that the results which are gained are through the hard work and diligence of both the pupils and the teachers.
Pupils at private schools have to work as hard as anyone else to achieve their standards, but we are always shown where our work can take us. Perhaps the main difference between the independent schools and the corresponding state schools is the attitude of the pupils. Stu- dents at even the least good independent schools are motivated by a wish to do well, and this is fostered in an atmosphere where good grades are not seen as a crime and good students are not dismissed as `swots' or `spods'; instead they are praised for their effort as much as for the end result. My friends and I do our homework to the best of our ability because it is both rude and a waste of both the teachers' time and our own not to do so.
At all times I believe we are very aware that our parents are paying for our educa- tion, in many cases making great sacrifices so that we can have all the advantages they can provide. It would be pointless to waste the opportunities that we are always aware we are lucky to have been awarded (how could we not be?).
There is very little a teacher can teach if the student does not want to be taught. Some of the schools that do well in results tables may well push their pupils through `educational hoops', but on the whole the success stems from an honest desire, on both sides, to teach and to learn.
Sophie Read
Front Lodge, Kepwick, Nr Thirsk, N. Yorks
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