Real problems with schools go beyond bricks and mortar
ONE OF the most difficult problems in all primary and high schools in Guernsey which has not been addressed is bullying. It is estimated that over 20% of all children are bullied, some very seriously. Teachers are well aware of the problem but find it very difficult to deal with.
In the worst cases, teachers themselves are threatened by these parents if they try to address the problem.
Discipline is difficult for parents and schools now by an excessive application of Human Rights Law which children can claim. Some grow up doing as they wish without respect for parents or authority. As adults they end up in our Magistrate's Court and Les Nicolles prison.
Closing one of the high schools, reducing them to three, would make the situation worse. The larger the school the worse the problem. Also, reducing the number of teachers is a bad move, the States should employ more well-qualified and experienced teachers to help deal
with this and help stop the present disruption in classes.
La Mare de Carteret should be rebuilt as soon as possible at its present size, not larger, so reducing the cost by £20m. Spend the money on teachers, who are the most important part of children's education. Buildings are merely an assembly place and do nothing to improve education itself, which is what education is all about. Closing the excellent St Andrew's School was a mistake, it did very well for all the children who lived on its doorstep, helping them with education problems. Now all these children have to take a bus to the other end of the island, which is not a good morning school start. We need the Grammar School to be left as it is, it has excellent results. The 11-plus selection merely deals with children who learn faster and need to be fully occupied otherwise they become bored and do not fulfil their potential. Other children in high schools have the chance at sixth form-level to join them and can end up just as well-qualified.
Name and address withheld.
