Julie Henry, Education Correspondent
Telegraph.co.uk
19/07/2008

A school has banned its pupils from using "street slang" as part of a strict behaviour policy which is transforming its exam results.

Pupils are not allowed to use the phrase "innit" or other examples of "playground patois" when talking to teachers. Formal language must be used at all times in communications with adults and pupils have been told that street slang should be "left at the school gates".

The measure, along with a strict uniform policy, is part of a tough stance on discipline at Manchester Academy, in the city's deprived Moss Side area, has restored order. Since the school became an academy in 2003, exam results have improved from about 10 per cent of pupils achieving five good GCSEs to 33 per cent and the proportion who leave without a job or college course to go to is down from 26 to 6 per cent.

"Language is really important and we have to make sure pupils realise that," said Kathy August, the head teacher. ( >>Read on )

My friend from melo, Cherish, who also has her Blast-O-Words and Crap livejournal, has a beautiful 5 year old daughter named Elizabeth whose birthday is today. Yesterday she got to go to the zoo and had a lot of fun. I was looking for something to give her and found this adorable illustrated children's book online. I enjoyed reading it myself. :)




>>The Wiener Dog Magnet