A major teaching union has warned reforms of Guernsey’s education system could leader to a shortage of teachers.
The stark message from the NASUWT follows a vote by politicians on Friday to move to a two-school model for secondary education.
It would see just two schools for 11-18 year olds on the island, with sixth form facilities at each.
Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said:” “There is now a plan for the future delivery of secondary education. However, rather than ending the long period of uncertainty pupils, parents and teachers have faced, anxiety will now be increased as teachers face the restructuring of their jobs. There is a real danger that some will choose to leave and teacher recruitment will compromised by the current state of flux.”
But Mr Keates goes on to say that prospect means it’s vital unions are consulted as the plan is put into place.
He said: “The NASUWT recognises that this decision has been made through the democratic processes and that it is now important in the interests of staff and pupils that the States work closely with the NASUWT on the implementation plan to minimise disruption of educational provision and ensure the best outcome for teachers and the young people they teach.”
Reaction has been strong on both sides of the argument following the vote which was passed 28 to 10, and led to all but one member of the Education Committee quitting after their three-school model was rejected.
Over the weekend parents took to the Business Eye CI Facebook page to air their views. Here’s a flavour:
Jennifer said: “The whole States should quit. We have the best system in place. It should not be dismantled. Our academic children are being short changed.The States members should be ashamed of themselves. Political Agenda rears it’s ugly head I fear. They were afraid of education being seen as elitist, well, now it jolly well is.”
Sheila: “People just wasted their time going to meetings because every thing was already done and dusted why couldn’t leave things a they where it’s going to be mayhem with parking , buses and all those children.”
Karen: “If decisions were made based on saving money then I’m appalled but if it is the best way forward for the future of secondary education then I’m sure we’ll all need proof before we can except this decision as our states committees for a few years now have been making some detrimental decisions for our islands.”
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