Eleven Plus Slamming Doors

Do you remember the story of Rebecca? She was the girl who liked to slam doors. An edited eleven plus cautionary tale by Hilaire Belloc lives on:

She was not really bad at heart,
But only rather rude and wild;
She was an aggravating child...

It happened that a marble bust
Of Abraham was standing just
Above the door this little lamb
Had carefully prepared to slam,
And down it came! It knocked her flat!
It laid her out! She looked like that.

The children who were brought to hear
The awful tale from far and near
Were much impressed, and inly swore
They never more would slam the door,
-- As often they had done before.

The passing of the Children’s Act of 1908 paved the way for later reforms. The law attempted to safeguard the children from physical cruelty – and also showed concern for the mental and moral welfare of children. There was a time, for example, when reasonable punishment was allowed by a teacher or parent and guardian. Many years ago a child of five could be taken from parents and deported for stealing.

There is considerable debate at the moment about the rights of children who are being educated out of school – and parliament is naturally much involved in trying to safeguard the children. In a number of decisions by parents to keep their children out of school the word `bullying’ is used.

It would be interesting to know how many children who are being educated out of school are also preparing for the eleven plus. Very bright children are often mature beyond their years in some areas. The same child may, however, be emotionally at the same stage as other children of the same chronological age. For most parents a caring and sharing school would tick most boxes. Parents of bright children, like all other parents, just want to feel that their child is being given the best possible opportunity to do well academically.

It is very likely that children who are successful in the eleven plus will come from many different backgrounds. The children will have had many different experiences growing up. Some will have always felt cosseted and loved. Other children will have felt bullied and oppressed. Some of the children who pass will be very bright. Others will earn a grammar school place by hard work and determination.

At one time or another, whatever the circumstances, it is possible that your eleven plus child may occasionally become a little frustrated and feel like slamming a door. You could consider just whispering the words:

She was not really bad at heart,
But only rather rude and wild;
She was an aggravating child...

and then end with the lines:

They never more would slam the door,
-- As often they had done before.