UK Develops

Recently technology has enabled us to go to use CCTV cameras to pick up abandoned luggage, suspicious behaviour and lock into potential suspects. Hopefully this technology will help us prevent terrorist attacks and any problematic behaviour.

So why not use it more locally?  CCTV cameras can be used in local parks and supermarkets. This can stop crimes they have a chance to escalate. London has 100,000 crime fighting CCTV cameras which cost £200 million, figures show today. There are many advantages to these cameras such as:

  • There is no failure with any type of writing.
  • The clarity of the images captured is mainly of a high resolution.
  • They are also not that expensive to buy.

CCTVSo would more CCTV cameras be a positive addition to Park High School? Would it reduce disruptive behaviour in the classroom? We already have a few around the school and they are currently in the corridors, but at the moment there are none in classrooms (except for Music). Classroom CCTV could ensure that the school is a safe environment and make pupils at Park High School feel comfortable and aware of their surroundings.

Teaching unions said that the cameras were being used to monitor pupils’ behaviour. However, they fear the devices could inhabit teachers from performing to the best of their abilities. Supporters of the surveillance say it is there to protect children and staff.

 

 

CCTV 2Teachers at Park High echoed some of the Union’s concerns. Mr Parker commented that: “I have no problem about it but, it depends on the lessons that I am teaching, the class and how I am feeling.” Overall Park High teachers admit that they could feel uncomfortable with cameras monitoring their lessons and think that it may even affect their teaching, but they are supportive of CCTV cameras outside classrooms. “I don’t think it is a good idea to have it in the classroom, however maybe outside the classroom would be a good idea.” Ms Bayar.

 

So what do students think about this? In our interviews with Park High students they seemed even more against the idea than the teachers! Imran in Year 9 complained that “Having CCTV cameras, show that teachers do not have trust in their students” while other students felt that it would bring ‘Big Brother into the classroom “I feel uncomfortable with cameras watching my every move,” declared Zaira from Year 9. “In a way it’s a good idea, because student’s behaviour can be monitored, however students may feel that they can not be themselves in class.” says Eman from Year 9.

CCTV 3The students obviously had a negative response to having CCTV cameras is their lessons, because their actions will be monitored and could be used to report back to pupils’ parents. Overall we had mixed responses from both staff and pupils at Park. Might CCTV cameras have a huge impact on how we behave as a community?

By Eman and Risshana