Shockingly bad school and the high turnover of teaching staff speaks volumes. No work experience for YR10s and supply teachers being used for key GSCE subjects as they’ve had no teaching staff recruited for almost an entire school academic year. An independent survey revealed that 82% of parents were unsatisfied with the Head Teacher. Poor GCSE performance ratings with a pass rate of ~50%. Avoid at all costs. Unfortunately, options are limited in Croydon, though the private schools are some of the best around.
Immediate action is needed from Ofsted and the Folio Trust.
Immediate action is needed from Ofsted and the Folio Trust.
Parents simply cannot cope with the constant and everyday berating of behaviour points that has been awarded by the school for each child, instead of the uplifting and encouragement of a child to be academically successful.
Some students have been told that they cannot attend the prom due to having a high percentage of behaviour points. These behaviour points are based on the most nonsensical things such as not being focussed enough in class, even when there might be clear signs of mental health issues and cognitive issues (that the school has not taken time to assess so has to be sought privately). The well-being of some of the students is not being adhered to by the most senior members of staff. For a teacher to mention that they are the 'top of the food chain' at the school and to say to students that ‘I’m fed up of the year 11's’ clearly shows a lack of empathy and mean-spiritedness.
There has been a clear agenda from the senior members of staff at this school to issue out behaviour points so that they can have a reason to not allow students to attend the memorable event at the end of the year - the prom. An event that is a part of a student's experience! These students haven't done anything violent; they have never been suspended, they are good students and are constantly being harassed by teachers at this school. To make false claims that students can be a threat to other students is simply incomprehensible and disingenuous and now further action will now have to be taken to refute this. This is discrimination at the highest level.
To defame a student's character when they are known to be good people as young members of society in their outside social groups, church, and other extra-curricular activities doesn't tally with what some of the teachers at this school say. Parents are having to fill in the gaps by getting extra tuition for the past two years for maths, English and Science as the school's standards are simply not there. Families have so far spent thousands to make sure their child is getting a better education to fill in the gaps. This school shows more of an interest in behaviour points and NOT education.
I am completely dismayed at the intent to damage the mental well-being of the students at this school. Making them feel anxious by punishing them four months away from their exams is horrible. Clearly some of the students are not happy with how they are being treated and they feel helpless.
The school lacks in so many areas.
On their generous 30-minute lunch break, students cannot even play out on the field as the school mentioned that they do not have the staff to supervise!
The school didn't organise work experience last year for the current year 11's on top of having a remote education due to the pandemic. With all the gaps in learning and what they have missed out on you would think that the school would be more understanding of what some students are going through. There are similar experiences from a number of parents who simply cannot cope with the constant nonsense from this school. The Folio Trust needs to act asap on what is happening at this school as this simply cannot continue.
Kids vipe at school and some teachers know them but they keep quiet. Also many Substitutes teachers it really affects the student’s academic achievement. Students complaining this rear about some teachers are really Weak in the subjects they teach...
If you are a parent thinking of sending your black child to this school. DO NOT! I am a child who was part of this school from when it opened so I know what I am talking about. Since starting this school I and my black friends have been constantly targeted by the racist staff in this school with multiple internal exclusions while white pupils get more favourable treatment. I have watched while many of my black friends have been withdrawn from this school by their parents because of the unfair treatment that they have received from the teachers of this school. If I could name teachers names I would! My parents and other parents are disappointed in the school. A few of my friends were not allowed to go to prom which I felt was disgusting especially that they and the rest of the year 11s were the first pupils who had to put up with being teaches in portacabins, travelling to a closed school to be taught lessons etc. I leave CWS with my eyes open to racial injustice amongst black children at school.
I am deeply appalled by Coombe Wood School's disturbing decision to bring in the police to search children from Afro-Caribbean backgrounds for weapons. This blatant discrimination and racial profiling is an egregious violation of basic human rights and sends a harmful message of mistrust and marginalisation.
As a concerned parent, I found it necessary to remove my child from Coombe Wood School due to their discriminatory practices. I am relieved to share that since leaving that oppressive environment, my child has flourished and is excelling academically and emotionally.
By targeting students for searches, Coombe Wood School not only perpetuated harmful stereotypes but also created an atmosphere of fear and inequality. This oppressive environment stifles the potential of students and hinders their educational development.
The decision to involve the police in these searches further deepens the trauma experienced by students, eroding their self-esteem and sense of belonging. Coombe Wood School's failure to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students is deeply concerning.
Thankfully, since leaving Coombe Wood School, my child has found a nurturing educational environment where they can thrive. The contrast in their academic and emotional growth is a testament to the detrimental impact that discriminatory practices can have on students.
It is imperative for educational institutions to prioritise cultural diversity, inclusivity, and understanding. By fostering an environment that celebrates and respects all students, schools can unleash the full potential of every individual and ensure their success.
In conclusion, Coombe Wood School's decision to discriminate against Afro-Caribbean students through invasive police searches is deeply troubling. The negative consequences of such practices are clear, prompting concerned parents to seek alternative educational opportunities for their children. Coombe Wood School must acknowledge the harm caused and take immediate steps to create an inclusive and equitable environment for all students.
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