Teachers lay down marker in school row

Jun 16 2009 by Nicola Juncar, The Journal

The letter, sent by NUT representative Tony Dabb and signed by almost 130 supporters, states: “We acknowledge the council considers Hookergate School’s position to be untenable in the future, and that this will present a difficult transition period for both staff and students at that school.

“However, we do not believe the best solution to this problem can be found either in closing both schools or in moving Hookergate students to Ryton only to then make the suggested move to an as yet unspecified site in the Greenside area. We feel that we would be able to welcome Hookergate students and staff and provide greater continuity of education without the disruption which the formation of a new school would cause.”

The teachers are also concerned that a move to a new site in Greenside would lead to more students having to rely on cars and buses.

The letter adds: “More than half of our students currently travel to school on foot. We think that a new site in Greenside would have a much greater transport cost and also, as a result, a far greater environmental impact.”

The council says the consultation process has only just begun and it is open to suggestions from teachers and parents.

Group director for learning and children at Gateshead Council, Maggie Atkinson, said: “It is a long-term process and, although it will involve some extremely difficult decisions, we need to consider the big picture to assess how we can deliver the very best, state-of-the-art secondary education which enables every pupil to fulfil their full potential.”