BARMY BAG BAN
Angry demo pupil carries books in microwave oven
A SCHOOL has banned pupils from carrying bags, saying they are a health and safety risk.
Sixth-form students have been told they cannot take large bags to lessons in case they injure younger pupils.
Explaining the move, the school claimed: “Injury was being caused to younger students as a result of sixth formers carrying ever-larger bags on their shoulders.
“Bags of any size may be used to bring books and kit to and from school but bags are not permitted in lessons during the day. Pupils are encouraged to carry books by hand for a maximum of two lessons at a time.”
Days after the rule was brought in, a petition was started by students at Spalding Grammar School, Lincs.
Hannah Catterall, who started it, said: “Students have been forbidden to carry bags such as backpacks to take books and provisions to lessons, which would enable them to get the most out of their educational experience.
“By not permitting backpacks, students are unable to carry revision materials to and from school with ease and therefore grades may dramatically decrease.”
Parents have also branded the ban “pathetic” and “ridiculous”.
Mum Suzanne Brown said: “I find this rule utterly ridiculous and it causes more stress for the children for absolutely no good reason.”
One student was so desperate to bring his books in that he earned a suspension by carrying his stuff to school in a microwave as a protest. Jacob Ford, 17, was banned for two days for the stunt and has now written a 3,000-word piece demanding “compromise”.
His mum Tracy said: “I’m very proud of him for standing up for something he believes in, microwave or no microwave.”
The school has declined to comment or provide further details.
The Star Says: Page 6