Warning: Single-sex schools are bad for boys health!

Inmates! Have your say here.

“As you are quite likely aware, educere, the Latin root of “educate”, means “to lead out” or “to bring out”. It has nothing to do with adding something to someone… be that knowledge or information or skills. It is about being present to what is already there, seen and unseen (both manifest and non-manifest) and to bring that out into manifestation.” – Jonathan Evatt

An Outstanding School?

According to Ofsted the London Oratory secondary school is considered to be an  “outstanding” school but by what criteria?  This website aims to help prospective students and their parents see through these claims and better understand the reality of life as a student at the Oratory, it’s limitations and other possibilities thereby demonstrating that the London Oratory is anything but “outstanding”.

Lyceum School at Tekos Russia

The following video provides some information about a lyceum school in Russia where students cover the full Russian school curriculum in the space of a few years, and earn one or more academic degrees by the time they are 15-17. If we consider these achievements to be excellent then the academic results achieved at the London Oratory can be categorised as poor or very poor.

See Bright Tidings – On the pathway to Man and The Space of Love Pgs 151 – 186 for further information on this school in Russia.

Outstanding at bricking the wall

The media and ofsted as well as the London Oratory school itself like to portray the school as some sort of special “elite” school where prime ministers (read a  psycopath) send their children. However it is not all that much different from any other school in the country. If it is outstanding at anything it is outstanding at making bricks in the wall.

The school has a lack of space for the number of students it teaches. There is little space to sit outside and the school lacks green spaces. There is no room for vegetable gardens or space has not been made available for them. The measure of a good school is its ability to bring out what is already there. Many students will have a desire to feed themselves by planting a garden and this is very important to the future as the quality of the food you eat affects the speed of your thought as well as your health.

Fear and Guilt

The school was ruled by fear and guilt and every effort was made to scare children into submission. According to someone on the facebook group The London Oratory has the highest suicide rates of any school in London.

If corporal punishment were not illegal I have no doubt they would have used it.

However the use of psychological methods is potentially far more dangerous. It is not known to me if this is still the case but I think it is unlikely that the school has yet changed that much.    A large quantity of homework was expected of children and this from the beginning.   It would take several hours to complete homework and even then it was not always possible. After the long journey common for most students we were expected to do several more hours of work. This equated to approximately 12 hours a day if not more during the ‘working’ week.  If homework was not completed students were issued with homework tickets which they were expected to get their parents to sign. Therefore the school attempted to shame children infront of their parents. Children were not in a position to recognise that they were being abused and the parents might be part of the problem in expecting so much study out of 11 year of children. It could also harm relationships with parents as children can become fearful of being shamed.

School Dinners

The school dinners at the London Oratory school were very poor, they lacked nutritional value and we were always hungry. We had to cue up for ages to receive our meager portions and these were not healthy foods. At times I would skip lunch altogether to keep up with the homework that I was expected to do.

Sports

The London Oratory school has no space for sporting activities. A long journey was required to and from the sports fields at Barn Elms where bullies took advantage of rugby to attack me. There was a swimming pool at the Oratory but it would be better to have a lake.

Academic Achievement

The main motivation of the school was/ is achieving good test results, not education. Pupils are eliminated from the school to keep scores high so there is no guarantee that your child will survive and every chance they could rebel later or be unhappy in life if the brainwashing takes them over.

Many students suffer from depression at the Oratory. Bullying was widespread and the “school” was not willing or able to address the issues. The deputy head master a Mr Harrington took pleasure in making young boys shake with fear and I remember him screaming down the corridors and slamming desk lids shut, having children wash the blackboard with a toothbrush etc. This man was a total nutcase and should never have been a teacher or deputy headmaster. He was the most extreme but by no means the only one.

School  Uniform

While school uniform is common in many schools especially government schools the London Oratory school takes it to an extreme. Bags have to be regulation bags. Hair has to be of standard length. I remember one boy kept in a room on his own for weeks while his hair grew back to the correct length. This is madness.

There are many claims made about school uniforms. That they are necessary so that no-one need feel insecure about the clothing their parents could afford. That it is bad to be different or unique. These are all lies. There is no value in feeling uncomfortable in ones clothing. One should wear clothing that is comfortable and made from natural materials. Freezing to death in a plastic blazer and looking and feeling like a fool on the tube is not a beneficial experience for anyone. People are not all the same. Express your individuality, decorate your clothing, tip-ex your bag and realise you are unique even if you allow yourself or your children to wear junk clothing. They are trying to train you to become a system slave/ bio robot and school uniform is one of their tools. You deserve proper clothing that you feel comfortable and happy in and since you are unique you should have every right to express that. The tie is a symbol of slavery. It shows your willingness to conform and is a noose around your neck. Take it off. It is worth adding that crap fashion clothing made by slaves in the far east for the profit of nike etc is also harmful and conforming.

The colours of the uniform being red and black are also fairly negative. Red and black is the colour of many poisonous animals such as the black widow and was also used by the Nazis.

No girls

Single sex schools are destructive and harmful to children. The school may argue that having girls in the school would interfere in the boys education causing a distraction from their studies and many may even believe this but…  it is a lie. The reason behind single sex schools is to enhance the brainwashing and create a false division between men and women. It is patently harmful to the development of boys especially through puberty to be without girls and could cause greater levels of porn addiction and relationship problems later in life.  Boys and girls should not be separated at this age as relating with each other is one of the most important things we will ever learn. Indeed love is the most important thing to learn about and also the greatest motivation for learning. If you fall in love with a girl think about what you can learn about that will make you the best you can be for her. edit: Research proves much of what I have said above.

The oratory did not provide a real education. Children have learned mainly useless information and were completely unprepared for adult life. They got pushed into choosing between a limited number of GCSE’s and even fewer A levels before many of them had any idea what they wanted to do. Children have their minds focused on what is useful to the system. Work rather than living. Children are forced to work in this child labour camp under the influence of immense psychological pressure for the benefit of the London Oratory schools ratings and the power & influence it wields over society yet little is done to discover what would be best for each individual to learn about. What they would enjoy learning and how they could be really happy and successful in life.

Advice for current students

Mainly I would advise not to take things too seriously. If you are not happy with the amount of homework that is demanded of you concentrate on those things that are interesting or make the assignment interesting for yourself. It doesn’t matter what grades you get. Nothing could be less important. Learning should be fun not a chore so don’t let school destroy your passion for learning as learning is something you can and should do your whole life. Constant testing feeds negativity no matter what the outcome. Either insecurity or superiority. You need not feel either. Remember that life is fun and money is a means to an end not an end in itself. Work is not the be all and end all of life and that by focussing on what you enjoy you will be able to find work that you enjoy and that provides for your needs. Money never made anyone happy in and of itself. The London Oratory school is only a small part of your life so relax. Don’t let the fear get to you. In ten years time or even two weeks you will look back and wonder why you were so worried about such and such. Employers don’t really care about qualifications in many instances. It is your personality that really matters.

Don’t let school get you down. Ask questions, challenge what you are being taught because a lot of it is untrue. Even if you quit school today and get no GCSEs or A levels life can still be really great. In many ways it could be better because you wouldn’t need to undo all the brainwashing about “getting ahead” and “making a living”. Remember all your needs can be provided by a garden so there is no need to work for food and that is about all you need apart from great friends, a home and a loving partner.

The London Oratory probably isn’t preparing you for the future. A future where people will create abundance and share rather than compete. Understand that your teachers are your equals and have no authority over you while they should be respected as you should be. Seek help from your parents or from the governors of the school if you are being bullied by teachers or pupils. If necessary change school. If you live a long way away from the Oratory and this is isolating you from friends change to a local school. Use the Internet to find alternative sources of information and see the resources below about unschooling etc.

Teens: Freedom to Choose School

Religion

Regarding religion remember that religion is not spirituality. God should not be feared for God is actually loving and does not judge you or punish you. There is much to be learned and spirituality is about truth. The truth about loving yourself unconditionally even if you don’t achieve what school or your parents or you yourself believe you should.

Time and the Bell

Life at the London Oratory is dictated by artificial time. The buzzer goes off it is time to go to another boring class. Break time is over. It is time to cue up for lunch etc. This isn’t a very good thing to be controlled by a clock. Teachers and students alike become slaves to the clock and they are preparing the kids for system slavery as adults working the 9 to 5. That is the whole point. Get free from time and flow with the natural rhythm of nature because the only way to be on time is to follow your instincts. You will always be late if you let the clock dictate and if you go too long down that path you will run out of time to get things right!

Division of knowledge

The clock is used to time the division of subjects. First maths than English. All considered separate from one another.

Time to take stock

The London Oratory has been regarded as a good school for many years by many people. As I hope I have made clear this is as far from the truth as you can get. We need to take stock and determine the right direction to move forward not only at the Oratory but at all schools. There is not enough space for the number of students enrolled. A greatly reduced intake is necessary to bring numbers down dramatically. More green space needs to be available and a whole new paradigm of learning envisioned. If the school refuses to change students and parents have the option of abandoning the Oratory.

I Survived the London Oratory

The following are excerpts from the facebook group; “I Survived the London Oratory”

“The fact that people say they ‘survived’ and are now ‘free’ just go to show what a demeaning depressing hell-hole it is.
Good luck to those still there” – Jonathan

“i survived the oratory now im stuck out in iraq shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” – Tom

“Yo Oratory if you’re watching me stuff this in your pipe and smoke it.One day, and I don’t care if its in your lifetimes, I’m going to come back to your godforsaken workplace and burn it into the ground. And if you’re in it when this happens, all the better.

Peace!” – Joe

“So many of the comments here have made me realise what a truly nutty school it was… Still though, had a riot there – which probably explained 2 out of my 3 suspensions… the 3rd, suspending me for not wearing regulation trousers and DM boots was ridiculous. Setting off the firework in the play ground I could underst…and, but wearing the wrong trousers – WTF. Mr Harrington sir, please Kiss my arse”. – David

“Foppin’ hell, what a mental school. I scarpered just before me GCSEs. Some right ‘over-friendly’ teachers knocking about there in 91/92 time when I was there…” – Kirk

“I’m just glad the oratory didn’t leave any permanent scars on me! But i still get shivers whenever i see a cape that looks similar to the one our old demon headmaster donned!” – Chukwudi

“whats with all this tickling shit, he was touching up the poor boys, dirty git” – James

“Also, is that story about the priest with AIDS who caused a kid he molested to top himself true?” – Daniel

“fuck oratory. what sort of a school would rather criticise your school work than encourage it? its certainly not the right school for the majority of people. ive learnt far more in the 3 years since than i ever did in 7 repressive years at the oratory. to be honest its one fucked up place- no wonder all the suicides! t…he only jokes thing was making mr murphy go mental all the time. oratory can suck out!” – James

“The Oratory,what a place!!! Although how anyone can survive it is beyond me,i had some of the worst times ever in that place. Looking back though it werent all bad and i gotta say that Mr.Rodmell was a legend,one of the best teachers i had. Does anyone remember Mr. bull? Now he was a cunt………”- Robert

“i hated every moment of the oratory, and to be honest i hope teachers are reading this” – Malcolm

“my all time favourite memory of the oratory was when we were playin nutmeg and euan blair got nutmeged and we all chucked over a wall and beat the shit out of him, now that was fun” – James

“pretty sure someone killed themselves every year i was there, no fucking wonder” – Sean

“the fact that the pupils often went a bit mad when given… an inch of freedom was simply a reflection of how little opportunity there was for it day to day. Also growing boys need to run around and let of steam at lunch time, I know the playground wasn’t big but stagger the lunch times or something….In short. Los needs to loosen up.” – Nicola

“Its pretty appalling how peoples opinions have been censored ..” – Nicola

“when I buy a drink at a tube station I look around first, slyly left then slyly right and get the transaction done as quickly as possible. Then drink it under my coat… cheers oratory.” – Will

“everyone i know from oratory is unable to form lasting relationships.Only one of them is actually married.I left in 1993.Its all the marching up and down the bloody playground for lunch/walk on the left hand side/hartigan-harrison axis of evil. we re all mental now.:)” – Ravin

“and this is 5 years after leaving the damn place! Anyone know any good therapists?” – Mike

“even when its very very hot, i still keep my jacket on, unless i have special leave to remove it….. i only go as far as holding hands with boys.but, i really really really get off on authoritarians.” – Dee

“yes the london oratory fucked me up major and i’m starting to notice!! “- Alessandro

“It’s more turned me into a mild rebel than anything, I’ve grown my hair long, make a point of not shaving as long as I can, never do my top buttons up (if i’m wearing a shirt), I have completely denounced ties and blazers from my life FOREVER” – Anthony

“Well, they conned my parents into sending me there in the first place, they bullied me into slogging my guts out for seven years, and then they sent me on my way academically, physically, mentally, morally, spiritually and socially utterly unable to face up to the challenges life had to throw at me.I should probably blame my parents.” – Oliver

“The fact that they tolerate bullying and lord help you if you’re not academic!On a lighter note, I’ve never worn a stripe since!” – Carla

“Did the LOS issue statement to all current pupils or what? Detain kids they knew were making comments on here? “ Martin

“Fucking hated the Oratory ( apart from the good mates i made) glad its over, good riddens!” – Joel
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“survived” is one word for it…what a vile, prison-like establishment that place is… I still feel sick everytime I go through Fulham Broadway on the tube.” – Ben

“Does it actually have the highest suicide rate…damn!” – Peter

See also the discussion Dear The London Oratory

Here or excerpts below:

“i agree wholeheartedly at the way in which you express the LOS experience i.e. being viciously suppressed or mocked and being pressed mercilessly to deliver academic results at the behest of a single minded, old fashioned, almost utilitarian staff” – Will

“The Oratory prepares children to become corporate obedient slaves and nothing more. A good school would teach children how to become self-sufficient, self-aware, resourceful and thoughtful individuals with high self esteem and desire to improve their world through their own actions. This is NOT that kind of school.The only thing ‘executives’ at the school will achieve from reading this – as the place is a business more than a school – is frustration that the truth is all here, laid bare and they can’t censor it… “ – Daniel

“There is no reasoning with these people. I think it was mentioned earlier in this thread that the discontent many (most?) pupils feel upon leaving the school or after they have lived for a while in a less rigid environment MUST have been discussed all the way through the Oratory’s recent history, in pubs, meets, clubs etc. The fact nobody in any position of responsibilty at the Oratory seems to care about the mental wellbeing of their students during or after their time at the Oratory signals to me it has become more of an exams factory than a school.And you know, if you abuse your responsibility over your charges in terms of discipline, they will work harder for a short while, but if you want to mould the long-term competent, happy, normal people ready for the workplace the Oratory is no longer a place to go.

Indeed the double edged sword of Oratory life (good prospects with a bad attitude) seriously affects former students, who look back with horror and anger at the treatment they were forced to undergo by a demoralised and in some cases purely sadistic teacher workforce.

There are other forces at work here, and by no means all students despised the oratory after they had left. I didnt, at first, but gradually when you begin to see developments in your life, personality, and outlook that would have been viciously suppressed or mocked at the Oratory it makes you think you were in fact held back in your development in some crucial areas, while pressed mercilessly to deliver academic results.” – Joe

Astra Taylor on the Unschooled Life

This is excellent. Don’t miss it!

Dayna Martin: What is Unschooling?

How I ended up as an unschooler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4RU04OqL6c&feature=related

Unschooling books

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhmHSJXgdfA&feature=related

The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Teenage-Liberation-Handbook-School-Education/dp/1862041040/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280584860&sr=8-1

Academician Shchetinin

http://books.google.com/books?id=Vv5TCqgnJIsC&lpg=PP1&dq=space%20of%20love&pg=PA151#v=onepage&q&f=false

http://loveforlife.com.au/node/5173

From the Australian Unschooling Conference Retreat Website (http://unschoolingretreat.blogspot.com/p/recommended-reading_04.html) here is a great list of books:

“Each of the following books cover many areas of unschooling, radical unschooling and parenting; however we have grouped the books of what they focus on for easier perusal:

Parenting:
Connection Parenting: Parenting Through Connection Instead of Coercion, Through Love Instead of Fear 2nd Edition – Pam Leo
Heart to Heart Parenting – Robin Grille
Parent Effectiveness Training – Thomas Gordon
Parenting For a Peaceful World – Robin Grille
Playful Parenting – Lawrence J. Cohen
Punished By Rewards – Alfie Kohn
Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves: Transforming parent-child relationships from reaction and struggle to freedom, power and joy – Naomi Aldort

The Natural Child: Parenting from the Heart – Jan Hunt
Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason – Alfie Kohn
Winning Parent, Winning Child – Parenting so that everybody wins – Jan Fortune Wood
With Consent – Jan Fortune Wood
Without Boundaries: Consent-Based, Non-Coercive Parenting & Autonomous Learning – Jan Fortune Wood
Unschooling:
Bound to be Free: Home Education as a Positive Alternative to Paying the Hidden Costs of ‘free’ Education – Jan Fortune-Wood
Challenging Assumptions in Education – Wendy Priesnitz
Deschooling Our Lives – Matt Hern (Editor)
Doing it Their Way: Home Based Education & Autonomous Learning – Jan Fortune-Wood
Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling – John Taylor Gatto
Homeshooling Our Children Unschooling Ourselves – Alison McKee
How Children Fail – John Holt
How Children Learn – John Holt
How Children Learn At Home – Alan Thomas
Learning All the Time – John Holt
Real Lives: Eleven Teenagers Who Don’t Go to School -
Grace Llewellyn
Teach Your Own – John Holt
The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education – Grace Llewellyn
The Unprocessed Child: Living Without School – Valerie Fitzenreiter
The Unschooling Handbook : How to Use the Whole World As Your Child’s Classroom – Mary Griffith
The Unschooling Unmanual – Edited by Jan Hunt (collection of authors)
Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning – Sara McGrath

Radical Unschooling:
Parenting A Free Child: An Unschooled Life – Rue Kream
Radical Unschooling: A Revolution Has Begun – Dayna Martin”

“The Self-Organizing Revolution: Common Principles of the Education Alternatives Movement” by Ron Milller.

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Sousa and I were called into Makintosh´s office for the cane. Mak told Sousa to bend down and Sousa said “I´d rathher have the cane sir” – Ray

Note.  According to this video § the hand gesture Mcintosh is making (in the photo above) has an esoteric meaning of 666/ as above so below.

§ edit. The video may no longer be available. It was an english version of this one.