The Oxford English Dictionary definition of school is “an institution for educating children”. This definition does not however discuss the issues that students face everyday when they walk through those gates. Everyone has their own story of what secondary school was like for them and any stories that survived Key Stage 3 and 4 along with the students will most likely contain a funny joke or moment that happened at a break or lunch time.
Personally, my secondary school memories were made outside through winter and summer, come rain or shine. Without a doubt, I made some of the best memories throughout the five years at secondary school however it would have been better if there was somewhere warm and comfortable to sit. When our school was first rebuilt, there was enough room for everyone though with a growing population in the UK, year sizes started to increase, limiting the amount of space for everyone in the school. This paired with a small school, did not help our situation.
Eltham Hill School are currently trying to combat a litter issue, coinciding with the Great British Spring Clean (#GBSpringClean) which is an anti-litter campaign in the UK. This is a good incentive for the younger years to help Eltham Hill become an Eco-School however when students are being told that they cannot eat in any warm space during the winter, it is no surprise that our school is becoming litter ridden. The litter is becoming a daily occurrence in spaces around the school where food is prohibited nevertheless it is continuing to happen and until all students have a suitable space to eat and socialise, I do not believe the issue will be resolved.
For an outstanding school, it is hard to understand a lack of necessary facilities and a higher concern for where students are at break and lunch than the education that they are attending school for. This is confusing as surely it would be better to have students scattered in several parts of the school, rather than them having poor attendance due to being ill from constantly being out in the cold. I find it concerning that Eltham Hill are focussing more on the issue of litter rather than equally looking at the socialising spaces that the lower school have access to. I think that if more space was provided for all students, the opportunity to litter would be limited as it would be clear to see who the culprits are.
Taking part in the Great British Spring Clean campaign will benefit our school as it may be a chance for everyone to see how litter is affecting Eltham Hill School. The sooner theses issues are dealt with, the sooner the students can go back to focusing on their education.
