CYP Now - Opinion: Debate - Should schools stop pupils from using street language?

The Lilian Baylis secondary school in Kennington, south London, has banned pupils from using patois or street slang in class and in written work, but an academic claims slang can help to give young people a sense of identity.

NO - JASON PEGG, DEVELOPMENT WORKER, BLACK FAMILIES EDUCATION SUPPORT GROUP

Making the link between African-Caribbean boys speaking in Creole or slang and getting low grades in their written work is the latest in a long line of reasons that seek to blame Black pupils themselves, rather than the education system, for their "under achievement". It should not be the pupil's use of language that is seen as the problem, but the restrictive monolingual nature of the school curriculum and examination criteria.

YES - CHRIS KEATES, ACTING GENERAL SECRETARY, NASUWT

The English language is constantly evolving. Some would argue that street slang plays a part in that process and has an important role in identity. However, all children need to have a good command of written and spoken English if they are to achieve their full educational potential. Inappropriate language in every form should be challenged in schools to ensure that pupils understand what is the most suitable means of communication in any given circumstance.

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