As a parent, grandparent and retired primary school teacher, I read your June 9 article about the proposed Saturday school at Colchester Academy’s with great interest.

I’m all for helping children to achieve their full potential in every aspect of their lives and there are benefits to the scheme – such as getting to know your future classmates and school layout, rules and regulations before you start – but there are some drawbacks, too.

The best way to prepare for the next stage of your development is to fully participate in and enjoy the stage you’re actually at.

Many ten and 11-year-olds will already be partaking in life-enhancing activities on Saturdays, such as music, sport, art, drama, family outings, events organised by youth groups and last, but certainly not least, playing.

They may also have commitments related to their religion or culture, and, for those pupils who live with one parent, the weekend is often the only time they are able to see their other one.

Will these pupils still be able to attend the academy if they do not join its preschool team bonding and coaching course?

Will children who move into the area just before term starts be refused admission because they haven’t taken part in the Saturday school assessments, even though they, like all the other pupils, will have been rigorously assessed throughout their primary school career?

Many of the teachers at the primary feeder schools will have different pay and conditions agreements to those working at the academy, which could lead to problems with staffing.

But, as most teachers already spend part of their weekend doing paperwork, those who do participate could find the extra demands of Saturday school will have a detrimental effect on them, their families and the pupils they teach during the week.

Come on Mr Hersom, I’m sure the academy is adequately organised and staffed so it can provide efficient induction, assessment and teaching of your pupils, just like the other Colchester secondary schools do, without having to deprive primary schoolchildren, their families and teachers of their valuable and worthwhile leisure time.

Sue Lawson
Leicester Close
Colchester