Talk:Dave Elmer

Yeah Mr Elmer was a great teacher. I think it's pathetic how someone can come into a job and just change things around in order to make their mark on the school at the expense of someones livelihood and kids learning. League tables don't matter for shit. I know I'm not the only one that thinks it's a crime how he was pushed. I also don't think that Systems and Control Electronics is an 'out of date' subject considering most of industry relies on electronics and BRGS is meant to be a technology college. I can name a technology teacher that has no purpose at that school, one that lost my GCSE coursework in 2000. If it wasn't for his extra curricular activities I'm sure he'd have gone too. Attitudes needed to be changed, the idea that Electronics was a 'doss' did Mr Elmer no favours. I hope the new headteacher feels good that he put someone on the dole for the sake of his own image. Too often quick-fix solutions get in the way of what's important. The kids loved Mr Elmer and those that did care, did well. It's not often you find a teacher that can connect with the kids the way Mr Elmer did. I've been in jobs where a new boss would come along and change things just to make their mark and all it does it cause friction and resentment. Something needed to be done about poor performance but I think it was handled badly. Somebody's personal opinion shouldn't affect their decisions. Mr Elmer never minced his words and I personally think that's an admirable quality, but it seems that a certain someone didn't like that in him.

I've said my bit now.

Chris Stansfield.