‘St Sampson’s High is good, but don’t let the rest fall behind’

By Juliet Pouteaux

National executive member of the NUT Mike Lerry, left, and its south-west secretary Andy Woolley with Education minister Carol Steere on a visit to St Sampson’s High yesterday. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0674009)

ST SAMPSON’S High School is impressive, but the rest of Guernsey’s schools need to catch up, according to a recent visit by members of the National Union of Teachers.

South-west regional secretary Andy Woolley, national executive member Mick Lerry and south-west regional officer Wendy Hollingworth were among the delegation to visit the island.

‘We’re very impressed with St Sampson’s,’ said Mr Woolley. ‘There is a great feeling of space, so people are able to get on with learning without too much intrusion.’

However, while the new, well-equipped school is the sort of facility the representatives want for students, they are worried about the future of Les Beaucamps and La Mare de Carteret high schools.

‘Rebuilding the schools is an ongoing project,’ said Mr Woolley. ‘We don’t want to see the others lagging behind. They need to be developed as well.’

There are also concerns about the cost put into the construction of the new school.

‘We need quality facilities, but we also need quality learning,’ said Mr Woolley.

‘It is important to have good teachers, as well as good buildings.’

Mr Lerry said he was particularly interested in the school’s layout. His school in Somerset is also looking to combine facilities of the secondary with a special-needs school.

‘We like the idea of having a special school on the same campus,’ he said.

‘Then they can work together and share resources.’

He felt the schools’ layout has been well thought out.

‘Often, bullying takes place in the bathrooms, and in some schools children don’t drink all day to avoid having to visit these rooms.

‘However, the toilets here are laid out so this shouldn’t be an issue.’

He hopes the new school will not only be of help to students.

‘Good teachers enjoy working in a good environment, so it is important to give them new schools to work in.’

This was the second group of NUT representatives that Education minister Carol Steere has met.

‘It was great to have them visit and hear how impressed they were with the new school,’ said Deputy Steere.

‘It’s also good to know that feedback from our staff is positive as well.

‘It is encouraging that people from outside the island see that the education in Guernsey is going well.

‘It’s now our goal to see the same at the other schools.’