adrasteia wrote:Alban wrote:As for lack of resources, then I would be seriously concerned as a parent, if the school that my children were going to, couldn't afford to teach one of the core subjects. I would be asking myself what they spend their money on (sanskrit!?!), as there are certainly cheaper private schools out there. If this is seriously the case, then I would suggest that they combine the two schools (girls and boys) so that a greater choice can be offered, and core subjects can be taught. Either that, or they need to go back to daddy (the SES) and ask for more money!
I think the Ses does help in a way, there is a group called the 'Friends of St. James' who helps raise money, who I think are basically Ses recruits.
I suppose you just wouldn't choose to go to St. James if they don't offer the subjects you wish to study. Although this may be harder if you have parent in Ses and began in the Junior School and later desided to leave. If you don't 'run the course' I think you are frowned upon, what I've picked up anyway. Although of course they do say 'St. James' doors will always be open' etc.
The Boys and Girls school do combine for the 6th form lessons on occasion -for example chemistry or economics- which is where most of the money for teachers has to be spent, that and GCSEs.
Adrasteia, I am slowly getting a picture of how you may be connected to St James or have anything to do with the SES.
You are right-on in saying that if the subjects aren't available the pupils would simply leave. However, if you speak out what they would like to study, and if a large number of people are interested, they will try and recruit a teacher to teach it.
For instance, in the Girls school, we didn't used to have IT GCSE, we only recently started Philosophy (the proper one, the acuall A-level philosophy), next term we're going to have a new A-level geography teacher. As the number of pupils are increasing, so are the demands, and so teachers will always try and do their best to try and meet the demands.
Many people are very grateful to have done sanskrit, Alban. Employers and University admissioners are amazed by the fact that my friends have done Sanskrit. This is when they appreciate the school for teaching them Sanskrit. I haven't ever done Sanskrit, but I can tell you what I have learnt from others.