LETTER:Sad prophecy for failed school
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Ray Hanks
Sir: As a former pupil of Hackney Downs School ("Failed school to be shut down", 1 November), I remember well my last day there in September 1967. It was, arguably, the beginning of the end. With a few friends, I had called in to say goodbye to the staff before leaving for my "gap" year and on to university - then the destination for the vast majority of boys.
That was also the first day for the new "comprehensive" school in the newly constructed school building. Following the terrible fire in 1963, we had been told that nearly 100 years of tradition would be protected in the new era, but retaining grammar school status was not an option given the tidal progress towards non-selective education (and the finance needed to build the new school).
It was, however, all too obvious that the school would never be the same again. Gone were the mock Greek amphitheatre and the "fives" courts. Masters had already started to forsake their gowns. There would be no more detention for forgetting to wear the school cap.
We were assured, however, that "boys from across the whole community, regardless of ability, would now benefit from the school's proven high standards of teaching". Regrettably, this has not been so (leading article; "Orphans of a dead school", 1 November.)
Arriving at school the day after the fire in 1963 was like a naive schoolboy's dream. Yet Alec Williams, the headmaster, was in tears. Perhaps he knew.
Yours faithfully,
Ray Hanks
Baldock, Hertfordshire
1 November
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments