Consultation on Tarbert Academy catchment area
Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:09 pmCOUNCIL LAUNCHES CONSULTATION ON TARBERT ACADEMY CATCHMENT AREA
Argyll and Bute has launched the public consultation on the proposal to change the catchment area of Tarbert Academy’s Secondary Department to include the island of Gigha.
All comments must be returned by June 2, 2010.
Historically, secondary aged pupils from Gigha had the option of attending either Campbeltown Grammar School (and lodging in the town) or Oban High School (and staying in the school’s hostel).
This was due to the traditional ferry timetable not enabling pupils to arrive at school on time if they travelled daily from the island.
However, since the change to the ferry timetable several years ago, all Gigha secondary aged pupils have travelled daily to the mainland for school.
Councillor Isobel Strong, spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Pupils from the Tayinloan area, where the Gigha ferry comes in, have traditionally had the option of travelling north to Tarbert or South to Campbeltown for their secondary education.
“We are now seeking the views of all interested parties on the proposal to extend this choice to secondary aged pupils from Gigha, at the same time as removing the option to attend Oban High School.”
The consultation exercise will include a public meeting at a time and place yet to be agreed.
Among the parties to which the consultative document is being issued are the parents of pupils at any of the affected schools or of any children expected to attend any of the affected schools within two years, the Parent Council of any affected school, staff at any affected school, trade unions, Community Councils and the Police.
Written comments should be made by to Carol Walker, Head of Education, Argyll House, Alexandra Parade, Dunoon PA23 8AJ by Wednesday, June 2.
Once the consultation period has finished, the matter will be referred to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) which will then have up to three weeks in which to report back to the Council.
Argyll and Bute’s Executive must then publish a Consultation Report. The Council cannot take a decision on the proposal until three weeks have elapsed after this Report’s publication.
If agreed, the change will be implemented for the start of the new session in August 2010.
ENDS
Argyll and Bute has launched the public consultation on the proposal to change the catchment area of Tarbert Academy’s Secondary Department to include the island of Gigha.
All comments must be returned by June 2, 2010.
Historically, secondary aged pupils from Gigha had the option of attending either Campbeltown Grammar School (and lodging in the town) or Oban High School (and staying in the school’s hostel).
This was due to the traditional ferry timetable not enabling pupils to arrive at school on time if they travelled daily from the island.
However, since the change to the ferry timetable several years ago, all Gigha secondary aged pupils have travelled daily to the mainland for school.
Councillor Isobel Strong, spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Pupils from the Tayinloan area, where the Gigha ferry comes in, have traditionally had the option of travelling north to Tarbert or South to Campbeltown for their secondary education.
“We are now seeking the views of all interested parties on the proposal to extend this choice to secondary aged pupils from Gigha, at the same time as removing the option to attend Oban High School.”
The consultation exercise will include a public meeting at a time and place yet to be agreed.
Among the parties to which the consultative document is being issued are the parents of pupils at any of the affected schools or of any children expected to attend any of the affected schools within two years, the Parent Council of any affected school, staff at any affected school, trade unions, Community Councils and the Police.
Written comments should be made by to Carol Walker, Head of Education, Argyll House, Alexandra Parade, Dunoon PA23 8AJ by Wednesday, June 2.
Once the consultation period has finished, the matter will be referred to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) which will then have up to three weeks in which to report back to the Council.
Argyll and Bute’s Executive must then publish a Consultation Report. The Council cannot take a decision on the proposal until three weeks have elapsed after this Report’s publication.
If agreed, the change will be implemented for the start of the new session in August 2010.
ENDS