Four Assembly newcomers on ESC committee
FOUR NEWCOMERS were selected onto Education, Sport & Culture after they promised swift action to resolve the crisis in secondary schools.
Deputies Sam Haskins, Sue Aldwell, Bob Murray and Andy Cameron polled 29, 28, 24 and 22 votes respectively, and were all the nominations of Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, the new president.
The only other contender was Deputy Aidan Matthews, who fell short with 18 votes.
Deputy Haskins said he would not shy away from creating a world-class education system.
‘My own personal opinion is that I want education to take a more holistic and agile approach to make sure that the needs of the island are parried up with the long-term needs of the islanders.
‘I hope that you will support both myself and Deputy Dudley-Owen by backing her proposed committee members so that ESC can swiftly solve the crisis in education that we’re currently facing.’
Deputy Sue Aldwell set the bar high and said the island should aim for the highest possible standards and outcomes with superb pastoral support.
‘My time spent on the La Mare de Carteret School committee gave me a real insight into the workings of a school and the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis, how the teaching staff worked from the school across to the homes to achieve the best outcomes.
‘This is why we need to take the stakeholders with us, everyone is part of the jigsaw with the same goals of a world-class education system.’
Deputy Bob Murray’s revealed that distance learning had been on his radar for 20 years.
‘Given I had quite a hand in providing what used to be known as the Guernsey grid for learning, the scope of additional education needs that our small size cannot ordinarily sustain should be readily addressed with access to off-island providers using this sort of technology.
‘That technology has moved on massively since my early introduction to it and the scope of the myriad of activities that digital services now plays in every aspect of our lives is huge.’
Deputy Andy Cameron is believed to be the first Ironman in the States Assembly and he focused on active travel to and from school.
‘Our children need to feel safe enough to cycle or walk to school.
‘I am a champion for active travel and physical activity, it is vital for our wellbeing for every individual in our island.’
