That response just about sums up what i'm getting at. Students taught in a 'follow the one ahead' without question environment. I'm not advocating that everyone cuts everyone up but one of the most important aspects of circuit flying is situational awareness and a good plan in the event of a problem. Trimming, checks etc should be well and truely sorted prior to starting a student on circuit work. That sums up the 'get them off solo' attiudute that a lot of schools advocate as seemingly making progress when the standard is simply not up to flying a polished tight pattern, when traffic permits.