Published: Thursday, 6th May, 2010 2:53pm

Anger as school starts gambling club

by Kate Smail

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Glenn Rodger.

THE chips are down at Selkirk High after the school stands accused of encouraging pupils to gamble.

The introduction of a '50/50 club' at the school has prompted concern from parents who claim that the scheme is exposing pupils as young as 11 to gambling.

Pupils were this week issued with forms explaining the concept of the idea, whereby students get friends and family members to sign up to the club by paying an annual membership of £12.

Each member is then allocated a number and a monthly draw takes place, with half of the money being put towards cash prizes and half used to fund projects at the school.

For each person a pupil enrols in the club they will receive a point for their school house.

The form handed out to the school's 552 pupils said 'please encourage as many friends, colleagues and relatives to participate. The more members there are, the more funds raised and the more prize money available. The proceeds from the club will benefit all pupils at Selkirk High School.'

One parent, whom the Border Telegraph agreed not to name, was so angry at the idea she contacted us to highlight her fears.

She said: "When my daughter brought home the form I couldn't believe my eyes.

"A 50/50 club is nothing more than a gambling ring - the absolute last thing a school should be involving its pupils in. To then entice pupils with promises of extra points for their house is shameful and underhand.

"There is a reason you can't buy a lottery ticket until you're 16 and it's because anyone under that age is not mature enough to handle the responsibility that gambling involves.

"I'm all for raising funds to help the school but this is absolutely not the way to do it. I'm disgusted at the way Selkirk High School have conducted themselves."

However, Scottish Borders Council's Director of Education Glenn Rodger said the scheme is entirely voluntary.

"Selkirk High School Parent Partnership have organised a fundraising activity to support the school. The activity is entirely voluntary. It is one of many activities our schools organise to raise school funds."