GUERNSEY’S schools have in place already the ideas put forward by the Labour Government in its five-year plan. Uniforms, the house system and competitive sport are all integral parts of school life here.

‘The uniform creates a sense of identity. The interaction between people within a school and the curriculum that is followed are extremely important but we like to set standards and create a sense of identity,’ said Education deputy minister Wendy Morgan.

She said that the island’s schools also had a house system and competitive sports activities.

She said that competition was an important part of island life and this filtered through to the schools.

‘We are a very competitive island per se. Therefore the sports that are played are always competitive and it is that ethos that has helped produce excellent sports men and women for an island of our size.

‘The house system is a tool that can be used to help in competition and also gives teachers a chance to interact with children out of the classroom environment.’

Grammar School head teacher Dennis Balls said the UK was returning to what was agreed to be good education practice.

He said that schools in Guernsey had always been based on these values and all had a uniform.

‘We certainly have a house system. But you have to be careful what you mean by that. The term traditionally came out of public schools and boarding schools so it was related to the pastoral system.

‘That is not entirely appropriate to many schools today. Some still use it that way but most schools use it for internal competition aspects, including sports.’

Mr Balls said that wearing a uniform was also important.

‘The uniform gives an obvious sign of belonging while also putting everyone on an equal footing. There is no pressure to show that you have the most expensive trainers or clothing, which makes it easier for the parents.

‘They don’t wear uniform in the sixth form. It is only two years and it is a bit much to ask people to buy clothing just for that.

‘They are also older and it is all part of growing up, gaining your own identity and taking responsibility in the same way people over 16 who go to work have to know how to dress appropriately.’

Deputy Morgan was critical of the number of changes to the UK education system.

‘The point is that there have been so many changes over the years in the UK that they seem like fish floundering out of water. This has been hailed as the greatest innovation in the last 60 years but that remains to be seen. Of course, some schools have been implementing these practices all the time,’ she said.

She added that the more important aspect of the announced changes was the move towards ‘each child having a course tailored to their needs and abilities’.

‘We are discussing proposals that include raising the school leaving age and then creating courses that will fit each individual. The bright pupils will still be stretched while there will still be less-academic courses that will be tailored training that will lead to employment.’

The UK Government this week announced a return to traditional school values.

The back to basics agenda forms part of Labour’s five-year plan to reform comprehensives and make them more like sought-after fee-paying schools.