Fury at school that banned kids from prom, as some tell parents ‘stop pleasing your kids’

The recent furore at Bodmin College, after certain students were kicked out of their prom due to attendance and behavioral issues, has prompted a number of responses from Cornwall Live readers in our comments section. The school’s decision to exclude students based on these factors ignited a debate about fairness and discipline.

The secondary school and sixth form, part of the Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT), sent a letter confirming that any of its pupils who did not have sufficient attendance – or had too many ‘behaviour points’ – would see invitations revoked.

One disgruntled parent highlighted the impact of the school’s decision on pupils: “Four weeks before the Year 11 prom and halfway through GCSE (the school) sent emails to certain pupils saying they were not invited to their prom. If they have below 92 percent attendance or more than ten behavior points (which they hand out like smarts), then they are not invited!” This sentiment was echoed by others who also considered the school’s actions harsh and unfair .

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Chuffingr8, who agrees with the school’s decision, said: “It’s the last chance parents have to lie to their children. Yes honey you can do anything with no consequences!!!!! So many of today’s kids have no idea what they will face in the real world. once mommy and daddy stop protecting them together, it doesn’t matter where you finish, you all get a prize!”

While Baggyboatee said: “ALL KIDS should go to prom regardless of their academic ability. It’s the last part of being in school and to segregate them like that at the end……..it’s just not right”.

Sc-12 questioned the timing: “They emailed certain students 4 weeks before their year 11 prom and halfway through their GCSEs saying they weren’t invited to their prom, don’t you think that was a bit cruel? And the timing, too, right in the middle of their GCSEs was almost deliberately done at that point!

“Also, if their participation was below 92 percent, how is that fair? What if those children were sick? Or God forbid other things happen in their lives that no child should have to go through!

“Also, from what I’ve read, they share these behavior points like smarties, and if they have that many, then they’re not invited. As one parent said, they base five years of work and school effort on two months just before exams. When I was in school we never had Prom, but when things happened they were dealt with there and then (the detention) wasn’t stored in present or behavior points, that’s a ridiculous way of handling things. “

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Anon89 replied: “If your child was sick (and it was documented) then they were authorized absences. This would not prevent a child from going (I know my son was away for a period of hospitalization and his attendance is below what is allowed). but, as documented, is allowed to participate).”

Triumph900 said: “Stop pleasing your children and teach them respect and discipline. The problem these days is that parents are clueless. Great news discipline, follow the rules.”

Davebutcher commented: “And rightly so. At the end of the day, a school is there to teach you good and bad, discipline, manners, etc. If school had no rules, then many young people would have no future. Parents who care about their child’s future would care enough to send their child to school with the right uniform, equipment and make sure their attendance is outstanding, that is, those who send their child to school. and you don’t care about their child’s future At the end of the day you don’t need skills to apply for benefits but you do need manners, uniform, discipline, willingness to get down and do something with. your life. Too bad there aren’t enough in this case.”

Gpz900r said: “It says it all that the parents of students who attend badly or behave badly think the school is wrong here and plan a separate prom for them (their kids) instead of letting it teach them a lesson about themselves. presence and/or behavior.”

Anon89 said: “I can’t help but feel for those who followed the rules. They kept themselves in good shape and will celebrate the prom paid for by their parents. While children who broke the rules continuously. They did not participate and it was disruptive will have a ball financed by other people. the world owes them something”.

Woody1961_ said: “Maybe it’s time parents started encouraging good behavior from their kids when they’re at school. That way, each child could enjoy prom the way they wanted. Shame on the parents who lower their standards to those of their unruly children. … Or them?”

XProfessorX said: “You parents don’t realize that college was just giving the kids something to work for. Behave and come on time and you can go to the ball. It doesn’t seem that unreasonable to me, and I don’t agree with rewarding kids who fail those simple tasks.”

Sixbum noted, “It’s not just the presence, that’s the problem. There are problems with uniforms, especially things like school shoes. I was told that because there was a small tag on the side of one of the new shoes bought for a child in September (barely visible under the hem of the trousers) they were sent home and not allowed back to school until they were bought another pair of shoes.”

They go on to say, “How many parents do you know who can afford to buy another pair of school shoes for their kids one day? Apparently the uniform rules changed near the start of term and a lot of people were caught out because they had already sorted their children’s uniforms, or so they thought.”

TheCornishCannaisseur brought up the strict rules: “My son was given 4 points which is an after school detention for saying ‘bless you’ after another kid sneezed… he is now home schooled and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done, I got my son back (almost) and he’s smiling again… and he’s learned so much more in 2 months than he did in 18 months at school, and we can goes on vacation whenever we like…”

Mick6161 said: “I’m not a fan of the imported idea of ​​the school prom at all, but I think it should be open to all kids regardless of their records. It seems like a pretty mean last act on his part. school before children move on to adulthood.”

A spokesperson for the school, responding to the concerns, said: “As is normal practice in secondary schools, the school prom is a privilege dependent on attendance and good behaviour. The vast majority of our students have met these requirements and will be attending the event later this month.

“However, there are a small number of pupils whose behavior or attendance has not been in line with set expectations and will therefore not be allowed to join the occasion. This has been communicated to all Year 11 students, parents and carers prior to the Event.

“While we understand this may be upsetting for some families, we continue to respect school policies and celebrate the hard work and achievements of students who have supported our high standards and expectations.”

Do you think the school is right to exclude students from the Prom – let us know in the comments below or HERE.