ESC to release further details on school model
FURTHER details of the proposed three 11-16 schools and post-16 campus will be released over the next few weeks.
Education, Sport & Culture wants to continue to build support for its model before the matter returns to the States in early September.
Last week’s States meeting ran out of time, so remaining amendments and closing debate on the ESC policy letter was delayed.
ESC president Andrea Dudley-Owen said the wait was disappointing, but the committee would use the extra time wisely.
‘We will continue working to give further information about the model during the next few weeks, we certainly won’t be wasting this time. The further information will be helpful to enhance people’s understanding and to address any comments and queries.’
A survey carried out by teachers found that 87% of those who responded were opposed to the committee’s plans.
Deputy Dudley-Owen said she was open-minded about whether delay over the summer holidays would improve the chances of getting more teachers on board.
‘It certainly gives an opportunity to continue the conversation doesn’t it? I’m confident in the model, it’s been robustly built in terms of looking at what we’re aiming to do, what we think is important, the guiding principles, and the factors that we want the model to meet. And we’ve also been very clear that the educational outcomes will come from the education strategy and not the delivery of the model.
‘So it’s a good thing that we can give further information about the model and what our intentions are and how it’s going to work in the next weeks.’
Confirmation has been given that the timeline for building the Guernsey Institute at Les Ozouets will not be impacted by this delay.
There are also said to be no financial implications because the Government Work Plan approved the funding to reorganise schools.
Back in mid-July, when the debate started, the momentum was going the way of the committee. The main challenge, which came from within the committee itself by way of an amendment from Deputy Andy Cameron, was defeated.
Currently there are three further amendments to debate, although that number could rise.
Deputy Dudley-Owen said she welcomed the amount of interest the matter was generating.
‘I’m always pleased to have challenge and have people come forward and show an interest in the work of the States, especially in Education. It’s absolutely right and proper that they do so and it’s really good to hear from people in that regard, particularly the teachers and staff, because ultimately they are the people that we want to be working with in order to deliver any of our education outcomes.
‘So we want to continue the conversation with all staff members, like we’ve been doing throughout the whole period.’
