Excluded

One of a series of books on real-life problems using interviews with the children affected. Five young people look back on the experience of being excluded from school and explain how this has impinged upon their subsequent lives. In some cases the exclusion has had positive results, but usually the opposite is true. One lad was excluded at 15 for violent behaviour, another was excluded from primary school, also for behaviour due to a broken home. A girl blames lack of parental interest in her to her constant problems, and a boy with special needs which had not been properly identified blames this on his exclusion. The last boy (an Australian) was excluded for cheating, a claim which he denies. It would be easy to believe that these stories are all true and that schools are at fault for not being understanding. It is up to the last interviewee, a primary headteacher, to make the case for schools, which he does convincingly. There are, however, many thought-provoking discussion points that are raised and which can be usefully used in schools. Fact boxes give pertinent statistics, and the usual final pages of addresses, contacts and glossary will be useful. Teachers will find several activities for individuals and groups. A worthwhile series.