Anderson High School Parent Council - PDF - Shetland Islands ...

ANDERSON HIGH SCHOOL PARENT COUNCILChairperson:Mr Alex Fullerton8 Helendale DriveLERWICKShetlandZE1 ORZTel: 01595 696634Email: alex@afeng.plus.comClerk:Mrs Zoe Anderson66 Breiwick RoadLERWICKShetlandZE1 0DBTel: 01595 693540/07887 501 301Email: zoe.anderson@shetland.gov.ukBlueprint for Education: Response to Statutory ConsultationResponse to Impact of Scalloway Secondary ClosureThe Anderson High School Parent Council does not perceive a negative ordetrimental impact to the Anderson High School in the Scalloway SecondaryClosure proposals. The Anderson High School has, in previous years, had aschool roll with more pupils than the present AHS and Scalloway Secondaryadded together, so while numbers stay below nation guidelines we cannotraise concerns over capacity.However, we wish that the following points be noted:• We recognise the issues relating to the current Anderson High Schoolestate, and the potential detrimental effect on the quality of educationfor all pupils if the school estate cannot be maintained, and that thecondition and function of the building will need to be carefully monitoredwith an increased school roll. We understand current changes andplans around social and eating areas in AHS have improved theexperience for students out of the classroom.• AHS PC will continue to press for completion of a new school for all itsstudents as a matter of urgency.• Evidence supports our belief that the Anderson High provides a highstandard of education – including evidence from the recent HMIeInspection Report.• The range of subjects and extra curricular activities the AHS offers isexcellent.• Around 40% of Scalloway catchment area pupils currently come toAnderson High.It is vital that all secondary children in Shetland have access to a wide rangeand high standard of courses to give them choices compatible with theirmainland contemporaries whether competing for university places or followingvocational pathways. As school rolls fall, across Shetland, and cuts have to be

made, it is vital the Council make decisions appropriate to maintain availableresources, protect against depreciation in the future and provide a sustainableeducation to secondary students all over Shetland.All schools are struggling to meet budget cuts this year and projected cuts forthe next academic year will make matters much harder. There are no currentproposals outlining what the practical implications in schools will be withoutcuts to the current estate.We are also keen to see the Blueprint’s planned assessment of costs andpotential savings and cuts within the internal management of the SchoolsService as this also impacts heavily on the budget for education as a whole,and on islander’s views regarding both affordable education provision andclosures.Alex FullertonChairpersonAnderson High School Parent Council