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The Alliance Party Guernsey has today (Monday) officially backed a three-school model for the Island.
Following a discussion within the new party’s cabinet it was also decided to call for any changes to the secondary school model on Guernsey to be delayed until after June’s election.
The party has officially rejected the current plan for a one school, two site model which it says does not give value for money, is not supported by teachers and will be bad for pupils.
Alliance Party Guernsey chairman Barry Weir said: ‘We have read the various reports into different school models and concluded that the three-school model with a Sixth Form attached to one of them is the best option.
‘We truly believe that this is the best educational model for the Island and, most importantly, the pupils.
‘The report which supported a one school, two site model seemed to spend the majority of the time trying (and in our opinion failing) to discredit the three-school model rather then successfully extolling the virtues of its own proposal. You have to question whether that report- which we’re told cost millions of pounds- was money well spent.’
Last week teachers as St Sampson’s High School also came out in support of a three-school model. In a letter to politicians St Sampson’s said that 98.9 per cent of teachers supported the three-school proposal.
Mr Weir said; ‘As a party we are determined to listen to the views of those working on the front line and it is crucial to us that the vast majority of teachers don’t want a one school, two site model.
‘We’ve also spoken to parents and there’s a lot of people who don’t want to put there children in to large schools where there’s a real concern the children will just become a number and be vulnerable to bullying. There’s a genuine fear that bigger pupil numbers will decrease educational standards.’
The Alliance Party Guernsey has made its position clear in time for Wednesday’s States debate which will review the educational changes for a third time.
Mr Weir added: ‘This is such a big issue for the Island that we feel any proposed changes should be put on hold until after the election.
‘We want people to be clear that if they vote for a Deputy from the Alliance Party Guernsey that they will know that they are voting for someone who will definitely be pushing for a three-school model.
‘This is the sort of clear direction that party politics can bring to the Island. At last people can be sure what they are voting for.’
The Alliance Party Guernsey is still keen to attract new members and speak to anyone who is interested in becoming a Deputy.
For more information visit: www.apg.gg.
