Three schools, not two, is parents’ choice
THREE secondary schools rather than two was one of the messages coming from parents at yesterday’s march.
The idea was put forward in 2017, but was rejected by the States. But many felt the idea should be back on the table, rather than the current one-school, two sites.
Kelly and Jamie Le Poidevin turned out to protest with their two sons – Rory, 9 and Riley, 7.
‘We just want it to be thought through,’ Mrs Le Poidevin said.
‘So many people have concerns about what is going on.’
Mr Le Poidevin said looking at the three school model might be a good idea.
Helen Streeting was at the march with her daughter Keira, 10, who will be going to St Sampson’s soon.
‘I don’t agree with the plans at all,’ she said.
‘I don’t think pupils will benefit from having bigger schools. I live by St Sampson’s and it’s already quite busy.’
Nic Jee had carved a wooden donkey, decorated with green ribbons, to carry at the march.
‘I just think it is ridiculous, what they are doing,’ he said.
‘We have the best education and they have just ruined it. It seems ridiculous.’
He said the reason people had not risen up before was because they had not known all the details of the plans, which have been drip-fed to the public.
‘Now we realise just how awful it is,’ he said.
‘And it’s not just about the education. There will be gridlock around the schools. They do not seem to have thought it through.’
Parish officials also took part in the march. Torteval constable Sue Aldwell was at the march with two douzeniers.
‘I just really think that 95% of the island do not want big schools,’ she said.
‘I think we should have three schools, We’ve had lots of parishioners and teachers – we’ve never had so many emails and calls and they do not want two schools. I was surprised by the level of public feeling.’
