Unfair label on school

I am writing in response to a recent Letter of the Week headlined "Pupils who have no need of an education".

I was completely shocked by the comments and allegations made by Mr McGann. I felt, being an ex-pupil of Codsall High, that I had to defend the school with a realistic (and undoubtedly more up to date) interpretation.

In defence of the school, I attended until 2001 along with my two brothers. Codsall High school provided us with essential foundations to our education and professional careers. I was taught by some truly inspirational teachers who have shaped the person I am now.

We all left Codsall High and went on to study at university. I am now a primary school teacher, my eldest brother is a podiatrist and my twin brother has just finished his masters in town planning.

Surely, our successes as professionals could not have been possible without the valuable education we received at Codsall High School.

I find it hard to understand how Mr McGann can comment on the catchment area of the school and the background of the children. He argues that all of Perton's disadvantaged children hate school. I feel this is a completely unfair assumption to make, and a very stereotypical view.

As a teacher myself, I believe you can not categorise pupils in such a manner just because of the area they live. Each child has individual learning needs that should be met by the teacher.

I also find it hard to believe his advice "avoid it like the plague", after observations made 12 years ago. If someone advised me not to visit a city they had visited 12 years ago I would question it. It is a long time for things to change.

Ruth Parton, Bryan Avenue, Penn.