Kids asked to stand for headteacher

[Worcswarrior]

So dd has just started high school. There is an expectation that the students stand up when the headteacher enters the assembly hall. Is this not a bit draconian in 2024?

Could there be a compromise.

How about the teacher stands still and bows her head for a moment when a pupil, or group of pupils pass by?

That way, she would show that just as she is worthy of respect, so are the young people who allow her to stay in post.

After all, if the pupils complain about the head to their parents and the parents think it is justified, she could-and should-be out on her ear.

It is a symbiotic relationship and no way should the children feel that respect is a one way street.

OP. I would make an appointment with the head in order to talk this through-she will probably be glad that you have given thought and time to her.

No way would I have my child trapped in this medieval mindset and, after all, she's just a teacher not the Prime Minister!

Children need respect more than adults!
I

I’m not keen on this idea either. It implies that he or she is the most important person in the room, which isn’t true. They have the most accountability, yes. There’s way of teaching this and respecting it without outdated habits that can make others feel like peasants.

@JaneEyreLaughing Are you serious?

😂

Yes this. We had to do this and stand for any adult who came into the class. At the beginning of class it brought everyone to attention and midway through class it also ensures that the inattentive notice that someone has come into the room.

Its worlds away from the "zero tolerance" nonsense which sends children to isolation for having socks half a shade darker than specified.

I'd have thought that was quite normal, also if she/he or a visitor enters a classroom during a class.

*JaneEyreLaughing *

PMSL, brilliant 😂😂😂

I'm not a great one for excessive school rules at all, but even I can't see any problem with this.

What's the problem?

We had to stand whenever a senior staff member entered a classroom at my secondary school. This rarely happened and it's possible the protocol was phased out / forgotten about.

Why is it that fans of discipline always talk of children as "Little darlings" in that way? It always sounds as if they hate children.

"Bows her head"?? BOWS HER HEAD??????????

Just that image 😂

I think actually that isn't anywhere near enough - I think headteachers prostrating themselves in front of the pupils like Chinese people did when kowtowing should be brought into schools

No, you are not!

I taught children in SE Asia for a few years and whilst good manners weren't on the curriculum, I taught them. I was fairly strict, though in a cheerful Mary Poppins sort of way. 'Please', 'thank you' and 'excuse me' were insisted upon. At the end of the day the children would line up on behind the other and would chant 'Goodbye Teacher, see you tomorrow', then we'd all do a skip and a jump and a comedy salute to each other before they filed out quietly.

The parents noticed and more than one reported how proud they were of their children's manners whilst on holiday in other countries.

It was bloody hard work, but they all turned into polite, well-mannered youngsters.

I would be angry if they weren’t made to stand for their headteacher. 25 years ago we had to stand when any teacher entered lesson after us. I think it’s good for discipline

Headteacher told the kids it’s respect for the role, not that he is on a power trip. It resets the audience.

I agree with that and the children know they have to pay attention.

You must have missed reading the press for the last 5 years or so but there are people in the UK who don't have enough to eat including children.

They don't have to at my DC school.
Would you be complaining if your DC were there?

🤦‍♀️

My DD does it at her school they do it for every teacher even if one walks into the class room. It’s pathetic. They’re not servants so I don’t get it. Respect can be shown in other ways not standing like servants.

Normal thing in school. We did it in assembly and, I think, in the classroom too when the Teacher walked in. Grammar School in the seventies.

I was in the Civil Service from 1978 to 2013 and certainly at the outset if a senior staff member, above SEO level, came into the open plan office we stood up. Still the case near the end when the organisation's Chairman, a retired Cabinet Minister from the Thatcher/Major era, walked into the room.

It's a practice whose time is passing but no harm in it being part of school routine.

Not at all. I think it's lovely.

Hey?

They don't go and stand in the corner/next to the walls and look like they are part of the wall.

We used to have fun standing up for inspectors at school as we knew it pissed them off. Oddly the teacher we wanted sacked never got an inspection....

So did we, and we had to ask permission to take off blazers etc. Can't see the issue.

I think it’s old fashioned, but wouldn’t bother me really