Why super-strict classrooms are in vogue in Britain
An instructive visit to the Michaela school in north London
To understand how discipline is changing in British schools, go to Michaela Community School in north London. Among the first things you see are vast bright billboards. Whereas other schools coax pupils, cosset them with congratulations and avoid marking in red pen lest they sear young souls, Michaela has no truck with such softness. “I am the MASTER of my fate”, reads one billboard, in unrepentantly large capitals. “Work HARD Be KIND”, reads another. “Especially”, barks a third, “when it is DIFFICULT”.
This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “The silent treatment ”
Britain January 21st 2023
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