Word play.

What are we to make of this decision by a school in Sheffield to drop the word "school" from its title and instead refer to itself as "a place for learning"? This is being done, apparently, because it is felt that the word "school" has "negative connotations". Is this just another example of talking up your place in society, as when a dinnerlady describes herself as an education centre nourishment production assistant? Or is it more about the power of words? And power can be either positive or negative. Words can either inspire us or turn us off. They can encourage or frighten us. They can make us laugh or cry. If in fact "school" is a turn-off word for some children and parents, then there is some sense in not using it. The problem is of course that it doesn't alter what the thing is that is being described. So it's just a matter of time before "a place for learning" attracts the same negative connotations. And then what do you do?