Bournemouth and Poole College criticised for leaving A level students in the lurch

(Post made again in a personal capacity.) As reported in the Bournemouth Echo today (see https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18424165.bournemouth-poole-college-will-not-offer-new-a-level-places/?ref=twtrec) the College has been criticised by parents and teenagers after announcing that it will stop offering several A level courses at the end of this academic year, including for several children who are only part way through their courses. … Continue reading Bournemouth and Poole College criticised for leaving A level students in the lurch

The child had been through a tough few years and would have benefited massively from Wessex Youth Orchestra membership, but was refused

(Post made at 1602 GMT on 16 Mar 2019 in a personal capacity.  Please see here for important background and disclosure of interests). This child was older than his/her peers in Wessex Middle Strings due to having had to take significant time off from school for medical reasons, but was a loyal, enthusiastic and regular attendee … Continue reading The child had been through a tough few years and would have benefited massively from Wessex Youth Orchestra membership, but was refused

Bournemouth and Poole College accused of incompetence by student who voted with his feet

(Post made at 1953 GMT on 30 Dec 2018 in a personal capacity.  Please see here for important background and disclosure of interests). A few weeks ago a recent former student of Bournemouth and Poole College wrote this Google review of the College, giving it the lowest rating, 1 star out of 5: Electronic engineering course was … Continue reading Bournemouth and Poole College accused of incompetence by student who voted with his feet

When I wrote this article last year, I had Bournemouth and Poole College’s poor treatment of this child in mind

(Post made at 0231 GMT on 29 Dec 2018 in a personal capacity.  Please see here for important background and disclosure of interests). When I wrote last year about a young deaf violinist but didn't feel able to recommend the Wessex Youth Orchestra or Centre for Wessex Young Musicians, I had this case (and one more) in … Continue reading When I wrote this article last year, I had Bournemouth and Poole College’s poor treatment of this child in mind

If you’re going to complain to a lawyer or police that you’re being defamed/harassed, a tip: don’t mislead them

(Post made at 0815 GMT on 10 Dec 2018 in a personal capacity.  Please see here for important background and disclosure of interests). Solicitors (and I imagine the police too) don't like it when someone gives them false or misleading information.   For example, if the solicitor is given the impression that there is no evidence to support … Continue reading If you’re going to complain to a lawyer or police that you’re being defamed/harassed, a tip: don’t mislead them

Bournemouth and Poole College and the Wessex Youth Orchestra: uncomfortable evidence (3: perceived bullying and an unhealthy culture at WYO)

(Post made at 0840 GMT on 9 Dec 2018 in a personal capacity.  Please see here for important background and disclosure of interests). This is a follow up to this post. This is another part of the evidence that I presented to the College and the “Independent Investigator” during my formal complaint of May 2017.  Evidence which … Continue reading Bournemouth and Poole College and the Wessex Youth Orchestra: uncomfortable evidence (3: perceived bullying and an unhealthy culture at WYO)

The parents did everything possible – but the Wessex Youth Orchestra and Bournemouth and Poole College let their child down badly

(Post made at 1234 GMT on 10 Nov 2018 in a personal capacity.  Please see here for important background and disclosure of interests). This is a follow up to this post. I cried when I read the email turning down the child's application to join the WYO Shortly after finding out that the family were leaving the … Continue reading The parents did everything possible – but the Wessex Youth Orchestra and Bournemouth and Poole College let their child down badly

Bournemouth and Poole College and the Wessex Youth Orchestra: uncomfortable evidence (2: very insensitive treatment of disabled pupil & family)

(Post made at 1150 GMT on 10 Nov 2018 in a personal capacity.  Please see here for important background and disclosure of interests). This is a follow up to this post. This is just part of the evidence that I presented to the College and the “Independent Investigator” during my formal complaint of May 2017.  Evidence which … Continue reading Bournemouth and Poole College and the Wessex Youth Orchestra: uncomfortable evidence (2: very insensitive treatment of disabled pupil & family)

Bournemouth and Poole College: no Board minutes published for the last 6 months (again)

(Post made at 0743 on 5 Nov 2018 in a personal capacity.  Please see here for important background and disclosure of interests).  Further to my previous post on this, the Bournemouth and Poole College are again being very slow in publishing the minutes of their Governing Body. Here is a screenshot from the relevant page on … Continue reading Bournemouth and Poole College: no Board minutes published for the last 6 months (again)

Bournemouth and Poole College and the Wessex Youth Orchestra: uncomfortable evidence (1: poor cooperation/excessive pressure)

(Post made at 2131 UK GMT time on 04 Nov 2018 in a personal capacity.  Please see here for important background and disclosure of interests). This is just part of the evidence that I presented to the College and the "Independent Investigator" during my formal complaint of May 2017.  Evidence which the investigator (from View HR Ltd) … Continue reading Bournemouth and Poole College and the Wessex Youth Orchestra: uncomfortable evidence (1: poor cooperation/excessive pressure)