Bristol student shocked that school did not observe 2-minute silence at 11am
A Bristol teenager is upset that pupils at her school were told they could not observe the two minutes' silence at 11am on Armistice Day because it would be a disruption to lessons.
Instead, Bedminster Down School officially marked the 90th anniversary of the end of the Great War at 12.30pm, at the start of their lunch break.
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Hayley Thomas, 15, from Headley Park, said she felt the school had been disrespectful to Britain's fallen heroes.
She said: " I have always been taught to respect those who sacrificed their lives to make life how it is today.
"In my opinion, the majority of this country, regardless of how important their job or education is, such as the police, politicians and general public, all take time out at the official time as a sign of respect to all the millions of brave men and women who lost their lives for the good of their country."
Year 11 student, Hayley, said she was in a textiles lesson that had started at 10.50am on Tuesday and her teacher had allowed the class to mark the silence at 11am.
But the official school act of remembrance was at 12.30pm when deputy head, Philip Bailey, made an announcement on the loudspeaker.
Hayley said: "We have had the silence at 11 o'clock in the past. A lot of people were shocked that the school put it aside this year."
A member of the guiding movement since she was five, Hayley is now a young leader with the 92nd Bishopsworth group and attended a Remembrance Sunday parade at St Peter's Church, Bishopsworth, at the weekend. She has also been learning about the sacrifices made by troops in World War I in history lessons.
Bedminster Down head teacher, Marius Frank, said the school made a decision each year on the best time to mark the silence to fit in with the rhythm of the school day.
It was felt it was difficult for some practical lessons, such as PE or cookery, to break off at 11am.
He said: "The actual time is important, of course, but it is also about having the silence at an appropriate time for reflection, to make sure the students really understand what it is about.
"We do not have the space to assemble all 1,000 students plus staff in one place, so we chose to observe the silence at a time when we usually have our announcements, while everyone is still in their classrooms before lunchtime. We gave it an introduction, so that it did not happen in a vacuum, and it was marked reflectively and appropriately."
Roger Duddridge, chairman of the City of Bristol group of Royal British Legion branches, said: "If we can't give two minutes of our lives just to stand quietly to remember those who gave everything they had, it is a little bit sad.
"If the school wants to observe the silence at 12.30pm, at least they are remembering."
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by BDS STUDENT, Bristol.
Monday, November 17 2008, 5:27PM
“To Be Honest, Atleast BDS Stayed In Silence For A Certain Time And Respected Those Who Saved Our Country. Its Alot More Then What Many People Done. Our Head Teacher Does What He Can To Help Make That Day Special, And Make The Studants Realise The Lifes Lost, Yes Okay, 40 Seconds Isnt Enough. But Atleast We Had The Respect To Stay In Silence, Im Sure No Students Talked Or Laughed Through It, We All Were Quiet. If That Isnt Respectful, What Is?”
by taylor, bds- bristol
Friday, November 14 2008, 10:46PM
“i go to bedminster down school.. and even though they did at some point pay their respecets they couldnt even be bothered to waste 2 minutes of there 'precious' school time- so they shortened it down to 40SECONDS! -- which is bangout-disrespectul and mean, if it wasnt for these amazing, brave people- we wouldnt even be here today? and anyone who critisises it is just immature and pathetic! :)”
by boo, bristol
Friday, November 14 2008, 5:16PM
“what a silly girl omg, you need to get a grip its not lyk they never dne it at all, they still done it you just done it to have you five mins of fame you silly little wanabe star, wel love look at the reality side of it its not gunna happen ! not thiss way anyway .”
by PROFESSOR BHUPINDER SINGH, bristol
Friday, November 14 2008, 5:04PM
“I appreciate Miss Thomas sentiments, feelings for the martyrs of the Great War. It is a lesson for everyone to feel like her and must pay respect and show national solidarity with the Country. In future the said school has to learn to observe and there must be a law to be observe nt everyone in UK.”
by A veteran of several conflicts .., Hartcliffe
Friday, November 14 2008, 9:14AM
“I have read with some interest the front page story and the comments that have followed. I am disapointed that so many of them are negative towards the actions and feelings of the young girl that felt it necessary to address what she felt was an injustice. Furthermore, I am disapointed that the school in question did not feel that a National symbollic gesture of our utmost gratitude and respect 'fitted in' with their school day and further compounded their argument by equating a PE teacher or cookery (!) teacher observing a class of students to an airline pilot currently flying! (Comment by Mr. Frank).
At the same time that Bedminster School was 'carrying on - business as usual' three gentlemen, the youngest being 108yrs old, were placing wreaths at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on behalf of a lost generation of young men - their comrades in arms. It was an incredibly emotional and moving moment as one of the veterans,the oldest at 112yrs, kissed his wreath and, resisting all offers of support, tried to stand up and personally lay his wreath in remembrance.
This is why we all need to unite together in an act of remembrance - and why the hour that the guns fell silent on the Western Front - 11.00am on the 11th November 1918 should always be remembered and observed.
Finally, I would like to say that I applaud the actions of the young girl in the story, not only for doing her utmost to ensure that the integrity of the act of Remembrance is not further damaged but for her role in the scouting / guide movement. Much more 'pro-active' than the pursits and 'hobbies' of many of her fellow 15yr olds.”
by bds student, bristol - bedminsterdown
Thursday, November 13 2008, 11:00PM
“i attend bedminster down school and although they say we held the 2 minutes later than 11am. we only had 40 seconds silence instead of the 2 minutes which i think is disrespectful to the people who lost their lives for our country.”
by George, Bristol
Thursday, November 13 2008, 9:33PM
“I like turtles”
by Ron, Bristol
Thursday, November 13 2008, 9:00PM
“Hayley should be congratulated for highlighting this matter. I would like to suggest that all teachers take themselves off to northern France and Belgium to brush up on the history of WW1 or obtain a Teachers Pack from the British Legion at the very least as it is obviously needed. They may then appreciate what exactly was endured by some 250,000 soldiers who never returned. Believe me, anyone (likemyself) who has born post 1945 and has not served in the armed forces has had an easy life. Two minutes rememberance at the correct time is not to much to ask from anyone. Good luck Hayley.”
by ferg, BS42
Thursday, November 13 2008, 7:54PM
“How did this become a story?
Let alone headline news? Shame on you BEP letting it get this far, the school had there own method with dealing it, which was fair and fine.
My work was unable to stop for two minutes, the airlines didn't stop flying, buses were driven and people shopped at Cabot Circus.
Who is she related to at the paper to get a front page story?”
by Tony Q, BS1
Thursday, November 13 2008, 7:45PM
“I'm sure there will be more important things for a teenage girl to worry about than knocking off class for a couple of minutes.
Deal with it love, the next disappointment is just around the corner...”