Chaddlewood Primary School
Hemerdon Heights
Plympton
PLYMOUTH
PL7 2EU
Headteacher:
Mr Simon Mower B Ed (Hons) NPQH
tel: (01752) 337450
Fax: (01752) 338785
e mail: [email protected]
website: www.chaddlewoodprimary.eschools.co.uk
Friday 24th April
Dear Parents / Carers,
Children playing online games
I saw an interesting news item before Easter regarding the response of a group of schools to children playing
'18' rated games featuring language, images and subject matter that many people would be deem entirely
inappropriate. Their warning was that the police would be informed as it could be regarded as neglect.
http://news.sky.com/story/1454885/police-threat-over-children-playing-adult-games
With nothing further reported, I suspect that the police have not followed up on this but it serves as an
interesting approach and warning. What children play out of school is entirely the responsibility of their
parents. We are though becoming increasingly aware of more children having access to games such as
Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty; both of which feature violence, bad language and themes that children
as young as seven should not be given access to. There is no doubt that when I speak to children about
inappropriate language or over-physical play, there is often a direct link to them playing these games, often
involving X Box Live where parents have no idea who they are talking to or what is being said. The
children are, though, certain that they would not use this sort of language at home and I would like to make
it clear that we are not prepared to tolerate, mostly boys, thinking they can use it in school or on the
playground. Should this be overheard or reported to me, I will be contacting the parents concerned and
requesting a meeting in school, when the children can explain to us all what they have been saying and
why. Should this persist, we will use the procedures of our Behaviour Policy which could ultimately, in the
most extreme cases, lead to exclusion from school.
I would very much appreciate your support over this matter and if your children are allowed to have
access to this sort of material, hope that you will reinforce to them the consequences of bringing the
results of playing these games into school.
National School Photography and Rotary Young Artists Competitions
I mentioned before Easter that a number of children had entered photos into this first ever national
competition. I was delighted to hear last week that out of thousands of entries, Paige Gould had made it
through to the final 25 images. Looking at some of the other shortlisted photos, a number of our entries are
equally good, so I would like to congratulate all those who took part, and especially to Paige for getting this
far. The final judging will be over the coming weeks.
I am also looking forward to seeing the results of the annual Rotary Young Artists competition and viewing
our children's work exhibited at Millbay Ferryport. It is quite something to have artwork displayed in such
a public place and all concerned should be very proud of themselves.
Our Best Wishes
Today will have been the funeral of my colleague Andrea Norris, the Headteacher of Oakwood and
Beechwood Schools in Southway, who died suddenly over the Easter holiday. The impact on her husband
and sons, and the many hundreds of children and parents at the two schools has been enormous. The likely
causes and nature of her passing has given every teacher in Plymouth something to reflect upon over the past
week and we send our thoughts and very best wishes to them all.
Yours Sincerely,
Simon Mower
Chaddlewood Primary School
Hemerdon Heights
Plympton
PLYMOUTH
PL7 2EU
Headteacher:
Mr Simon Mower B Ed (Hons) NPQH
tel: (01752) 337450
Fax: (01752) 338785
e mail: [email protected]
website: www.chaddlewoodprimary.eschools.co.uk