Posted by David Ransome on March 03, 2009 at 09:44:33:
In Reply to: Reality posted by Tony Murray on March 02, 2009 at 17:31:58:
Hi Tony, unfortunately and with the benefit of some hindsight it is obvious that there was an abusive and obnoxious element of what you allude to at St Augustine's and that it was possibly similar to other, particularly single sex schools, at that time and, to an extent, since. It is just a pity that the individuals causing the problems weren't outed then or later - apart from APJ that I'm aware of.
I must say however that I, for one, generally found the experience an enjoyable and developmental one with good pupil camaraderie - apart from the occasional bully. There were many staff members that I found supportive and constructive, genuinely interested in their subject and imparting knowledge in a positive manner and that, for me, they far, far outweighed the others.
This is not to diminish what you and others have undoubtedly suffered from. I suffered from 'abuse' myself between the ages of 8 and 11 from a single bloke next door who used to 'babysit' - so please believe me when I say that I know what it can be like. Like so many others he unfortunately pegged it before any useful action could have been taken against him.
Kind regards,
David