A school in the UK is rewarding children for lying to their teachers.
Students at Perse School in Cambridge, England, are encouraged to talk their way out of minor offences like being late to class, using their phone or not doing their homework.
When a pupil is caught breaking the rules, they are given 10 seconds to give a reasonable excuse. If they are successful, they are not punished.
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The school’s principal Ed Elliott says he thinks giving kids the chance to explain themselves out of a tight spot is hugely beneficial and will see the school turn out the next generation of power brokers.
“As head, I like to play my part in creating a quick-thinking, communication-savvy generation by giving students who have committed a minor offence 10 seconds to talk their way out of a punishment,” Elliott told the BBC.
“Many rise admirably to the challenge, and in so doing develop the charm and eloquence needed in the next generation of British entrepreneurs and wealth creators.
“It’s a great lesson in life to talk your way out of a tight corner in a very short period of time.”
Elliott says “white lies” are accepted, but complete hoodwinking is unacceptable. Explanations must also be amusing or witty.
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Perse School is a progressive private high school that counts Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, Thomas P Campbell, director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sir Peter Hall, founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company and several Nobel Prize winners in its alumni.
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