I WAS very pleased to read that Mat hew Chadwick has done exceptionally well at Withins School. His time keeping and his attendance record, together with the quality of his work, have been excellent and I congratulate him.

But surely this should be the norm and be expected of all students. If the school and the teachers can only achieve these standards by "bribery", it becomes a joke.

It is not preparing students for the real world and their working life to be.

1. You are expected to arrive at work on time. If not, employees get sacked.

2. You are expected to attend work in compliance to your contract of employment. If not, employees get sacked.

This method of teaching creates the syndrome -- "What is in it for me?" I will, or may not, do as you ask -- it depends on my own reward.

In life there are standards and responsibilities which should be accepted and carried out purely for one's own contribution to mankind.

Standards should be achieved not by "bribery", but by self pride and self satisfaction together with 100 per cent guidance and dedication from parents.

I do sympathise with teachers and schools, and not even the Town Hall clock would draw me into their profession.

The easy way out is not the answer -- dare I say, it may be to "Ditch the Do-gooders".

Arnold Harrison

Manchester Road West

Little Hulton