A SCHOOL is cracking down on pupils trying to get away with bad behaviour by describing it as “banter’’.

The Fitzwimarc School, in Rayleigh, has denied banning the word, but it is understood to no longer accept pupils using it to play down incidents.

The school, in Hockley Road, had a new headteacher join in September, and has a courtesy and behaviour code.

Head Robert Harris is intent on upholding a high level of behaviour at the school.

He said: “We neither condone nor condemn the word, but we have not banned it.

“We expect all members of the community to treat each other with respect, in line with our courtesy and behaviour code.”

Parents of pupils at Fitzwimarc have welcomed any action the school can take to cut out bad behaviour.

One parent, who asked not to be named, said: “The children have interpreted it as the word being banned, but it doesn’t actually seem to be the case.

“It often seems to be used as an excuse for poor behaviour and I think that’s what they want to stop.

“It sounds like the new headteacher doesn’t want banter used as an excuse for anything, and for people to take responsibility if they have done something wrong.”

A supply teacher in Norfolk left his school last week after posting a blog entitled “I’m Banning Banter”.

Mike Stuchbery left Lynn Grove High School after reaction to his blog about ‘banter’ being used as an excuse for bullying.

On his blog, Mr Stuchbery said ‘banter’ “attempts to mask inappropriate, appalling behaviour under the guise of some sort of ancient, noble, especially British tradition’’. The term also hit the headlines in August after allegedly racist, sexist and homophobic texts sent by former Cardiff City football club manager Malky Mackay were dismissed as friendly banter by the League Managers’ Association.

YOUR COMMENTS POSTED ON FACEBOOK

I've banned the word in my house. Just because it’s annoying!

MICHELLE JOHNSTON

The new head teacher is making his presence known, that’s all. I have received an email regarding correct uniform. Good for him. Nothing wrong with a strict headteacher.

JULIE MARTIN

I doubt it’s the word per se.

The problem is people hide behind that word in order to bully another, then throw it at them if they react. I agree with banning it because of what it stands for.

Banter is a mutual exchange of joking by definition.

Therefore, if the person on the receiving end is not party to the joke, or happy about it/joining in, then it can’t be banter, only bullying.

TANIA O’NEILL

Don’t mention the word banter.

My son is always saying it and driving me mad with the word, and, yes, seems like all pupils in all schools are saying it.

LISA JOWERS BAINES

I remember in Year Eight English lessons at the King Edmund School in Rochford.

Our teacher hated everyone saying “as if’’. Got sent out of the room, or detention, because it was said that much.

ALAN CAIREY