Well, at least they are writing. At least they are engaging with the process and the examiner. But is giving up on the question and writing "give me my fucking grade," really the best way to pass an exam?
Last week's report from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority revealed that more than 200 GCSE and A-level candidates defaced their papers by scrawling obscenities on their papers. As well as the demanding student above, another just scrawled the F-word in huge letters on the paper, front and back. Others defaced diagrams or drew anatomically lewd doodles as they came to terms with the fact that they were unlikely to pass and may as well pass the time in ways which amuse them and give them the chance to rage against the exam machine.
In much the same way as in broadcasting, obscenities are graded, with warnings for the mildly offensive and a sliding scale of marks deducted for repeat offenders or comments aimed at the examiners. The utterly foul or the racist or religiously offensive can meet with instant disqualification, with the school being informed.
The latter grouping is obviously beyond the pale, but in a world where swearing is part of the every day rhythm of speech and celebrities gain extra kudos for their big and clever use of naughty words (Gordon Ramsay being the best example) are we surprised? And should schools spend more time on teaching appropriate behaviour? Or at least the ability to shut pupils' potty mouths every now and again.
