Education member does not agree with committee's proposals

Newbie Deputy Andy Cameron said going against the committee's proposals for secondary education has been difficult, especially so early on in his political career.

'I have been unable to reconcile my conscience with the direction the committee has chosen to follow and do not want to regret this decision for the remainder of my term.'

Education recently released its proposals for a new three-school model of education for students aged 11 to 16, using St Sampson's, Les Beaucamps and Les Varendes.

The so-called ‘flagship’ of the proposals is the post-16 campus at Les Ozouets, bringing academic and vocational education within the same site, allowing pupils to use both their brains and their hands.

Deputy Cameron wanted the proposals to include a 'do minimum' option which, he said, the rest of the committee was not keen on.

'I simply feel that a minimal approach to reorganising our 11-18 education system would be better value in the current economic climate when weighed up against any potential benefits of the committee’s proposals,' he said.

'This minimal approach would see the Sixth Form Centre remain at the Les Varendes site, rather than moving it to Les Ozouets. Our Sixth Form Centre is very successful, so I cannot see the benefit in moving it.'

In the current financial climate, he believed funds should be focussed on upgrading facilities at Les Varendes and giving Les Beaucamps the extra facilities needed to cope with the influx of additional students.

'This will cost far less than a brand new Sixth Form college which will be operational sub-optimal as a standalone facility.'

Having attended La Mare de Carteret High School, the Sixth Form Centre and the College of Further Education, he felt passionately about all three.

'It was very upsetting to make the difficult decision to recommend the closure of La Mare De Carteret High but I cannot agree to spending a similar amount as it would cost to rebuild La Mare to move the Sixth Form Centre to Les Ozouets,' he said.

'Having carefully considered the costs and potential benefits of the proposed model, I think there are better ways of investing in and adding value to secondary education, which is why I could not support those propositions.'

• Education, Sport & Culture has been contacted for comment.