Page 414 - Under the Cover of Darkness

marks?) The plot revolved around a group of aggressive
animals forming gangs and fighting but not in a satirical
"Orwellian" way, more in a pathetically lame effort to
appeal to "kids" way.
The whole process was like pulling teeth and this
obligatory book made my nephew feel his intelligence
was being insulted. He felt patronized and discouraged
from the general idea of homework, study & education
(Perhaps Teachers ought to take a "First do no harm"
type oath as per the medical profession!)
Meanwhile, in his own time and of his own accord he has
discovered a poet he likes, studied their work and written
his own, original poem based on their style. It rhymes
and rhythmical, well set out with good punctuation
contains clever word plays and intelligent humour.... I
have included it along with the homework but I imagine,
as it is not part of the box ticking regime that seems to
have overtaken teaching it won’t be valued or utilised. (I
hope I am proved wrong)
The criteria of the questions on the homework list could,
(by any teacher worth their salt) be taught and tested via
whatever books, poetry etc. the student is inspired by and
has a desire to read or write. Surely, that is the very
essence of teaching? This latest piece of homework was
to teaching what "Painting by Numbers" is to Art! No
bespoke technique or individual centred approach. It was
a glaring picture of authenticity and individual qualities
being abandoned in favour of efficiency.
Herding little sheeple through bench marks and mile
stones to emerge out of the education system one after
identical other like a string of sausages! Thank God my
nephew’s spirit is strong enough to withstand this