Two-school supporters start up online petition
PARENTS have started an online petition in support of the under-fire two-school model, which they believe is visionary, ambitious and will create lifelong passions for learning.
The plan fell foul of States members after they voted 18-17 in favour of a ‘pause and review’ to draw up a comprehensive comparison of different models.
Much of the political opposition centred around the resistance of teachers, who have expressed preference for a three-school model, which would require less change and disruption. Traffic congestion and the schools being ‘too big’ and ‘not right’ for the Guernsey culture were also highlighted.
Chad Murray started the latest petition to give an alternative voice to those who have concerns about the delay.
‘The media and certain deputies have laboured the point that an estimated 2,500 members of the community protested against the ESC proposals for the future of education in Guernsey. Furthermore, 6,000 signed an online petition, which should not be ignored. This is actually a very vociferous minority which, when considered as a percentage of the community, is very small.
‘Furthermore, the demographic are potentially out of touch with modern education practices.
‘However, many have not actually heard the facts nor have children who will be impacted by any delays.
‘I would like this petition to demonstrate how many support the ESC plans, as voted for by the States (twice), so that there can be real representation of what the community feels.’
The signatories of the requete to ‘pause and review’ have attempted to reassure parents that the existing four-school model can still provide academic excellence and a culture of aspiration.
But with Bailiwick GCSE results only just above the UK average, not all parents believe everything is right.
Some parents were enthusiastic about the two-school model’s reach for higher standards and the ‘enrichment programme’ which would have given all pupils access to extra-curricular activities.
In September 2022, the students at La Mare de Carteret High School were due to move to Les Beaucamps, and students at Les Varendes were due to go to St Sampson’s, but with the building work now halted that cannot happen.
One mum of two commented on the petition that she felt let down by the politicians.
‘I’m furious that my kids’ future education plans have stalled, without any understanding of the replacement plans.
‘No teamwork from deputies and another U-turn just before elections.’
As of this morning, three days after the petition was launched, 108 people had signed.
The petition, Guernsey’s Future Education, is at change.org.
