SIR -- I read your article about teacher Ian Roblin and his problems at the Cherwell School, Oxford (Oxford Mail, December 21). I write to confirm his account.

I was one of his math students from September 2003 until his sudden departure in March. I have always enjoyed maths and thought Mr Roblin was a good teacher. However, I often found his lessons tedious as six to eight students caused trouble in almost every lesson.

Mr Roblin would use a projector to go through new topics, but students would claim that they couldn't see, even though this was not true.

Whenever he walked into the room, they would ignore him, continue to chat among themselves, swear and insult him.

He tried many tactics to calm them and get them to behave, including a warning system where students would be sent out if their behaviour was too disruptive. But this failed as the worst students were sent out almost continuously.

Another teacher, Mr Donovan, came to some lessons to help Mr Roblin control the students, but he could not attend all the time.

The school made no other effort to help, and the students became more rowdy until Mr Roblin frequently lost his temper.

I and a few other students were the only ones who tried to get work done and concentrate.

I fully back Mr Roblin when he says that the school is too lenient on badly-behaved pupils.

JESS JONES

Year 11

The Cherwell School

Marston Ferry Road

Oxford