Will review win over the professionals?
‘It’s an absolutely enormous project. It’s going to involve taking a lot of people with us. We will need the support of the States of Guernsey and the people of Guernsey.’
Deputy Rhian Tooley’s prophetic words came shortly after winning backing for the ‘Alternative Model’, as the one-school-two-sites concept was known in January 2018.
She was one of the Gang of Four who had just overturned Education, Sport & Culture’s plans by 26 votes to 13.
Two years and £4m. later it is questionable how many of the people of Guernsey were ever on board. The march of thousands at the start of this month showed that a significant section of the populace have doubts.
Crucially, the backing of teachers has also waned. Unions gave a lukewarm welcome to the decision in 2018, warning that the restructuring would create staff uncertainty and urging the States to work closely with them.
That has not been a success. Letters sent by teachers at the three high schools indicate overwhelming hostility.
With public support fractured and the teaching profession opposed can Education keep the politicians on side? The pressure is enormous.
Consider the words, for example, of the president of Policy & Resources in 2018 when explaining his lack of faith in the Le Pelley plans: ‘Why is it that education is the one profession where we seem to think it is completely acceptable to ignore the advice of the professionals… that is hugely demoralising to be disparaged in that way.’
Who are the professionals now? Is it the head teachers who backed the one-school plans a few weeks ago or the hundreds of staff in the front line?
News comes today of an imminent amendment that seeks to address that problem head on.
Many teachers support all-ability schooling. Others like the prospect of teaching across the full range of 11-18 with a broad range of subjects.
However, many have looked at the corridors, cafeteria and break-out areas and concluded it is simply too cramped.
Whether the amendment is enough to change teachers’ minds is key. It is, after all, just a promise to review and millions are at stake.
A week on Wednesday we will learn if deputies believe they have the professionals back on side.