[HPforGrownups] House points and Dumbledore

[Adam Green]

No: HPFGUIDX 51076

Maria Kirilenko wrote:

> When I first started reading PS, I assumed that the whole thing was
> academic. Instead of grades, they receive House points.
>
> But I am not sure it's wise to compare academic success to the
> displays of courage, bravery, etc (you list 'em in full). Tom Riddle
> got a trophy (or whatever that was, my memory has just stopped
> functioning) for exposing the Heir of Slytherin, so why not do the
> same for HHR&N? But instead, Dumbledore just jumbles it all together
> with rewards for good behavior and good grades.


Now me:

Firstly I don't believe the house point system is purely academic.  All
my schools had a house point system, they were rarely awarded for
'academic success', the way I read your post is that instead of
receiving grades, they get house points.  If this is the case, why
bother sit exams at the end of the year... ? I believe, like in my
childhood, that the points are awarded for 'good behavior', putting lots
of effort into homework, helping to clear up after art class (or the WW
equivalent) or working exceptionally hard in class instead of just
'coasting along'.  Not to mention sporting achievement...  In general
'going the extra mile' ... anyway, this is beside the point.

Yes it is a school.  A boarding school at that where a lot more care
must be taken to appreciate the students as people, not just students in
class.  I can't express this next bit well but,...  Hogwarts is split
into houses each of which, as we all know, have different personal
traits.  From the very moment the children join the school, this is
examined and evaluated.  As we see through HHR's eyes the interaction
with the separate houses forms a major part of school life.  It stands
to reason that as the students settle into their new house and make
friends with those people who are all of a similar trait.  The
interaction of the houses is just like interaction with different
*types* of people, and as I said, forms part of everyday life.  So you
see Hogwarts is much more about passing exams and equally about learning
"who you are"  and where you stand with other types of people.... but
this is also beside the point.

Now I'd like to move onto the main reason for me coming out of Lurkdom.

Maria said:
" And whatever HHR's accomplishments in the obstacle course are (and I
totally agree with you on those), awarding them just enough points for
them to win the Cup is sending a bad message to other students - like,
'whatever work you do and no matter how much you obey the rules, it
won't matter.' "

Now me again:

Yes *_/exactly/_*.... (to finish the quote )" ......what matters is the
decisions you make and fighting the good fight "

The house cup is a big deal in the school and the results are awaited
with baited breath... There is so much tension in that room.  So whilst
everyone in the whole school pays particular attention to that one
single particular event and  not forgetting it is also the accumulation
of the Quiditch season, VERY much similar to the FA cup, or superbowl
for our US cousins.  What better way to illustrate the importance of
being "of high moral fiber" than awarding this prestigious award on the
back of some students very brave actions?

Maybe in the RW it isn't "wise to compare academic success to the
displays of courage, bravery, etc" But house points aren't just about
academia, the school isn't just about academia the next few years in the
WW for these children aren't just about academia. (like perhaps they
have been before LV started to gain strength.)  What is important is
they all Fight the Good Fight, just as DD's speech at the end of GoF. So
maybe they are *learning* the most inpotant lesson of all?

I persoanlly think it was a wondefull gesture to award the trio '*just
enough* points to draw equal.  The fact that the points awarded to
Neville made the difference made my heart warm and realise what a
wonderfull man DD is.  Good for Neville! and I believe he fully deserves
it and the rest of the school should give him more credit... like
winning the cup for his house.

That's me done...

BUT.... I'd like to thank the two other members for entertaining me over
the past months with their posts, most of which I agree with.  I hope
whilst I've attacked Maria on pretty much everything she said here, she
realises it's nothing personal and would like to thank her for drawing
me out of Lurkdom.

Adam G  who...

- Loves Dumbledore an awful lot and won't have a bad word said about
him!
- Is very worried that the trio may split up due to Ron lagging behind
- Hopes and expects that Ron will find his place in the trio and family
with some undiscovered talent.. a seer maybe?
- Knows he isn't a literary genius or very good with his words.
- Hopes it makes sense.




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