Prefects could help with discipline on the Heath

Published: 3 June, 2010

• I FULLY endorse the critical comments of other correspondents to these pages concerning the littering of the Heath by, albeit a minority but a sizeable minority, of school pupils (Letters, May 27). 

I wonder if schools such as William Ellis, Parliament Hill and Lasalle have prefects? 

Teachers facing many demands cannot be everywhere and I went to a school in the 1960s and early 1970s where prefects were an important tier in the disciplinary structure, not acting as petty tyrants but helping to ensure the smooth running of the institution.

The role also provided an invaluable means of learning to take responsibility, having regard for others, especially those who were younger or new to the school. 

Littering would certainly have earned a black mark and refusing to pick it up, behaving in a rude or threatening manner would have seen the miscreant en route to detention at least. 

A striking aspect of this problem is that many of the pupils appear to have no idea that they are doing anything wrong.

I raise two further points, one critical and the other complimentary. 

As a keen runner on the Heath, it is a sad reflection on these schools that teachers stand outside near the Highgate Road pedestrian crossing and smoke during breaks. 

What an example to the students, many of whom are also smoking. 

I am sure that the schools provide education about diversity, social and sexual, acceptance of difference etcetera. 

Then comes the break and it’s regarded as fine to boost your chances of an unpleasant death through cigarettes!

On a positive note – and linked to my lifelong commitment to distance running – how nice to see teachers taking classes for athletics on the Parliament Hill track. 

I may be wrong, but this seems to be more of a concerted initiative this summer and congratulations all round.

ANDY EDWARDS 
Woodsome Road, NW5