Troublesome secondary pupils are sent back to primary school as punishment
PUPILS whose behaviour led to education bosses calling in the police have been sent back to primary schools for work experience as punishment.
Youngsters involved have been taken out of the school and placed in what is being described as “alternative education packages”.
The move comes after police were drafted into Hawick High School, in the Scottish Borders, in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
It came amid claims that anti-social behaviour had spiralled out of control, leaving staff and other pupils feeling unsafe.
And although Police Scotland has hailed the initiative a success, the community has questioned whether work placements are a suitable punishment.
Community councillor Greg McLeod said “ferrying” the excluded children to Borders primary schools was “concerning”.
The community council’s vice-chairman, Cameron Knox, added the initiative “is not really punishment”.
But Hawick High headteacher Vick y Porteous said it was a way of dealing with those among them who “are struggling in mainstream education”.
She said: “There is a detailed plan that has been put in place by Scottish Borders Council in conjunction with the school and other partners.
“We will be reviewing that on January 23.”
She added: “If young people are struggling in mainstream education, they will get alternative education packages.
“Different things work for different young people.”
Police previously said the problems at the school were coming from a small minority of children.
Hawick community constable Fraser Mortimer said: “Officers were deployed at the school in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
“This joint approach was a success.”
A spokeswoman for Scottish Borders Council said: “A number of measures put in place at Hawick High towards the end of last year, along with partners which have resulted in a significant improvement in pupil behaviour.
“We would like to thank pupils and staff for their support and the progress that has been made to date, however, this is the start of a journey.
“The school and parent council are committed to ensuring that all pupils receive the support they require and can access the right blend of academic and vocational opportunities appropriate to their aspirations.”