Back to school

The article written by Cameron Wyllie in your Perspective section (Scotsman, 8 January) requires comment as it is so patronising, facile, smug, at times flippant and, worst of all, plainly ignorant of what “happens” in most Scottish state schools.

Much of it is insulting. His final paragraph virtually states that, in his opinion, there is nothing positive, child-centred or “actually about education” happening currently in state schools. He also insinuates earlier, albeit not explicitly, that state schools do not endeavour to provide “an environment in which the students can learn, including pastoral care and discipline”.

I would suggest, respectfully, that Mr Wyllie gets off his “retirement throne” (an all too easy place from which to make misinformed value judgements), visits some state schools, talks to headteachers in particular and observes the widespread good practice that exists an all the areas that he contends are deficient.

He appears to have no idea whatsoever of what have been the main objectives, values and concerns of state schoolteachers and leaders for several decades and of the commitment and effort that is devoted to those ends. I do not suggest that things are perfect – of course there needs to be improvement in many ways, as will ever be the case – but such positive change cannot be brought about by

those who know little at first hand of the system and whose views therefore carry little relevance. At least, Mr Wyllie recognises that the quality of teachers has improved.

Meanwhile, I wish the Scottish Government well in their endeavours to continue to achieve progress and improvement in Scottish schools, in consultation with practising teachers, with pupils and parents/carers and with the wider community. NEIL HORNE (RETIRED

HEADTEACHER) Tweedsyde Park, Kelso