school estate

The parents of Madras College have now been made aware of the academic limitations of having a split site school by the Her Majesty's Inspector of schools. Not only that, the state of the buildings was also of concern to the Inspectors.

What does bother me a bit is where have they been for years? Did it take a school inspection to highlight this problem? Was it not good enough that staff had raised these issues and did parents not realise that split sites went out with the Ark? As for the fabric of the schools this should have been addressed years ago also. It was a problem mentioned in previous school reports.

I was at a meeting about four years ago when the problems now highlighted were being raised. Fife Council officers were present but only a handful of parents bothered to turn out. Even then I was pushing the need for more direct action. I was told discussions were ongoing. Now, we have all heard this phrase before. It is a political spin meaning nothing is being done.

I fully support the moves now being made not only for the pupils but for the welfare of the staff. Having to rush between buildings and arriving harassed for classes is not really good for staff or students. It also means staff are stressed having to move numerous times between sites during the day, being given ten minutes to leave one class and arrive at another with a mile and a half in between is something that would tax some athletes. Split sites also mean staff have no room where they can leave paperwork. It entails having to carry around heavy bags all the time as they rush around. You try carrying up to ten kilogrammes on your back and rush up and down stairs.

All the best in your endeavours

John Montgomery