In praise of all at St Peter's school

LETTER - In response to the letter of the week "Children Thrive in Our Village Schools" by Rosemary Cooper, published on November 21, and November 24. I would like to defend large schools. More specifically St Peter's Primary School in Wem.

This morning I have attended an enchanting assembly performed by Year One students in which every child was given the opportunity to shine.

Each child stepped up to the challenge with a confidence that many adults would struggle to muster and delivered their part of the performance beautifully.

So where were the hordes of gangs and thugs that we are lead to believe are roaming the playground in this feral environment? I didn't notice them on the way in; all I saw was well adjusted, bright children being nurtured in a caring, stimulating, responsible, educational environment.

This is not an attack on small schools. I appreciate that many country schools provide the heart of otherwise isolated communities. This is purely in support of St Peter's school, which offers outstanding education to all the pupils.

Their slogan "where everyone matters" is wholly appropriate. It may not make sensational reading to hear that a school is performing well, and receiving awards for its food standards, but what about a little goodwill to get us in the mood for Christmas?

Alice Pringle, Wem