The Report, by Diane Neilson, single Jack Daniels

All Saints and Martyrs School Annual Report

Name:   Sebastian Jackson
Form:     6JS
Term:     1983 Summer

Curriculum Report

Mathematics
A disappointing year. You clearly have an impressive mathematical brain which you can use to solve quite complex problems quickly, and this is apparent in your previous achievements. Unfortunately, your communication and personal skills are seriously lacking and you repeatedly fail to impart methods and strategies in a meaningful way. This needs to be addressed if you are to be successful in the future.
Overall judgement: unsatisfactory

English
Although you are clearly well read, you fail to appreciate that others may have different opinions about the texts we have read this year. Particularly, I feel that you over-emphasise the importance of the main characters, and fail to see the nuance and depth which lesser characters add to give depth in fictional prose.
I am disappointed at your apparent lack of interest in non-fiction, and do feel that addressing this would provide you with different perspectives during class discussions.
Overall judgement: unsatisfactory

Science
You have led discussions well this year, particularly when discussions have been biology based. Your thinking linked to physics and chemistry is less clearly explained, and some revision of basic concepts is required.
Practical work is competent, but methodology and illustration could be more creative in written work, in order for you to clearly communicate your thinking.
Overall judgement: unsatisfactory

Religion
You clearly have quite fixed values regarding religion, which I have found surprising, and somewhat worrying.
You do need to broaden your knowledge, understanding and acceptance of the main world religions beyond Christianity, as this is an important characteristic of the modern world.
Overall judgement: unsatisfactory

History
You have an impressive knowledge of ancient history, particularly Ancient Egypt and The Roman Empire, and you impart this knowledge with an enthusiasm that is quite infectious.
I can tell that you are not as enthused with British History, but you do try hard to maintain a positive attitude during these class discussions, and I was very impressed with your impartiality when you chaired the debate about Henry VIII.
Overall judgement: satisfactory

Geography
An impressive knowledge, well explained. Your diagrams showing the formation of ox-bow lakes showed a detailed understanding of water erosion in rivers.
I could tell that you found the topic on natural disasters exciting, and you managed to show a huge amount of empathy regarding the impact of these events, whilst still maintaining a high level of technical vocabulary; that was well explained.
Overall judgement: excellent

German
Did you even want to be in the classroom?
A shocking attitude to learning, illustrated by constant lateness and a disregard for your peers and the wider school community. I think I speak for the class when I say that your disruptive and sometimes explosive disposition resulted in very little being learned by anyone this year. Must do much better.
Overall judgement: unsatisfactory.

Art
I appreciate that art is a talent and one that not everybody is blessed with, but I feel that it is not talent that you lack - but direction.
Your insistence to pursue classic oil depictions and portraits is misguided, and not where your talent lies.
However, you show passion and skill when working with textiles and photography; maybe this is where you should direct your focus in future.
A good level of effort was shown in all disciplines, however, so I have enjoyed spending time in the studio with you this year. Good luck for the future.
Overall judgement: satisfactory

Music
At the beginning of the year, I felt that your performances were timid and your choices hesitant. However, as the year has progressed you have grown in confidence and shown an ability to control an ensemble - particularly during orchestra and choir practice.
You do not need to be told that your mastery of the saxophone is superb, but does this need to be showcased in every lesson?
Overall judgement: satisfactory

Physical Education
You have demonstrated an excellent knowledge of physiology in theory lessons, especially of the Musculo-skeletal and Respiratory systems linked to sport science.
You have also enjoyed success in tennis and badminton, showing a good understanding of the rules and etiquette in these games, and always insisting on good sportsmanship.
Your performance in team sports is however a little lacking, but maybe this is just not your strength. We can't all excel at everything.
Overall judgement: satisfactory

Summary
It has been a year of mixed success and experience, and as a result the learning experience has varied from subject to subject as you can see, and I am sure that I speak for the whole class when I state the following:

It is clear that Mr Hughes (Mathematics) has a brilliant brain; one that is possibly better suited to his previous position as a government statistician.
Mrs Grey (English) is clearly passionate in specific genres but does not deliver a balanced curriculum. Neither does she appreciate differences in preference or opinion from her students. Maybe she would benefit from some pedagogical support through ongoing professional development.
Mrs Jameson (Science) is very good at explaining what she understands, but one out of three disciplines is simply not good enough; the world also needs physicists and chemists.
Mr Croft (Religion) really needs dragging into the 21st century or he is going to get himself into trouble. I know it’s a few years premature, but maybe a gold clock is the order of the day - sadly I can't see him changing.
The history and geography curriculums are well planned, balanced and generally well taught with enthusiasm. A quiet word of praise for Miss Smith and Mr Davies would be well deserved and, I'm sure, appreciated.
Mr Berry (German) requires immediate support if he is to continue with his teaching career. He also may benefit from therapy for anger management and you should know that he is often half-cut.
Art, as I'm sure we all agree, is difficult to critique, but the class all agree that Miss Spencer's strength is in textiles and photography, not painting or teaching. Maybe a lesson observation is overdue.
Music provision improved throughout the year; I just think that the transition from orchestral saxophonist to high school music teacher has been somewhat difficult for Mr Evans.
And sadly, Miss Clare (Phys-Ed) was an amazing tennis player, but will never be a teacher. Maybe she should consider a future in physiotherapy - her anatomical knowledge is excellent!

Note to the headteacher
You, Mr McKay, are a man who is respected and loved by staff and students alike, but unfortunately this is not enough.
Students at All Saints and Martyrs School deserve a broad, balanced and well-taught curriculum. They deserve knowledgeable and enthusiastic teachers who are at the top of the game and want to be in the classroom.
Overall judgement: unsatisfactory

PS: you may need to reconsider the name of your school.

PPS: if you need a stiff drink, Mr Berry (German) keeps a bottle of Jack Daniels in his desk drawer.

 

Sincerely yours,

    Sebastian Jackson

About the author

Previously a teacher, Diane is building momentum as a writer and her aim is to entertain and inform. She is enjoying experimenting with a range of genres, including poetry, experiential writing and short stories, and has recently released a travel memoir, ‘Everybody should Walk a Camino’.

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