7th June 2012 13:08
By Blue Tutors
Prince Edward Refuses Royal Pardon for Homework
Reported this week (15th May 2012) across the media was Prince Edward’s refusal to sign a royal pardon on behalf of a student. The royal pardon would have released the student from all homework until the end of the academic year. However, although the Prince was amused, he was still fearful of upsetting the head teacher himself.
The student from a school in Wales had thought up the idea as he had read of such pardon carrying weight in History lessons. Despite the unlikelihood of his request being granted the humorous attempt to wriggle of out homework is a clear indication of the interactive potential of History lessons.
Any way we can bring our lessons to life is valuable. The student in this case had written his pardon on a scrolled document in script reminiscent of such a historical document. This opens up the potential of research into historical archives and also reminds students today of the day to day role the monarchs played in the running of the country then and the power they had over trifling affairs as well as those of state importance.
I’m not sure Elizabeth I would have been afraid of a teacher but we must surely be thankful that the monarchy isn’t quite to omnipotent now as then.