Page 1819 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 30 May 1990
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previously amalgamated schools, came up with in relation to amalgamations. On the positive side, a number of interesting comments were made. Firstly, the comment was made about the greater diversity of talent and professional expertise with a larger staff. Comments were made that it stimulated professional interchange and discussion, developed an awareness of educational issues and enhanced decision making and policy development. It also provided the opportunity for individual teachers to nominate their curriculum skills and interest to work in particular areas of curriculum development.
A further advantage was seen in changes in philosophy, curriculum and school policies. Amalgamation provided the opportunity for the community, parents and teachers to review their educational philosophy and beliefs and to have those incorporated into the new school charter, choosing to retain what was considered best in the previous schools. They would have greater opportunities for collegial and collaborative operations.
Another advantage was the opportunity to provide additional curriculum options. Specialist programs were possible and economical with larger numbers of students. There were advantages in playground supervision and extracurricular duties. Generally, the larger the staff, the easier it is to spread the load. In addition, out-of-class activities were possible because the workload had been spread amongst a greater number of teachers. Yet another advantage identified was greater flexibility for class placements for students. When there are a number of classes at the one year level this provides the opportunity to keep social and developmental groups together or indeed to separate groups if that is felt to be desirable.
A further advantage was a consolidation of resources. The amalgamations resulted in enhanced resources for the new school, particularly for valuable and expensive items like computers, pianos, video recorders and library books. Indeed, it was ascertained that a lot of older schools also had a lot of out-of-date stock. Also, in relation to financial allocations, the larger per capita grants resulting from a bigger school population allowed greater flexibility in budgeting.
Also, on the question of amalgamations of high schools, some advantages were ascertained from the principals of those schools. Those included refurbishment of some areas; equipment gains; library computerisation; opportunity for rethinking and renewal; impetus for change; some very able, committed students to swell the ranks; access to a larger group for potential new friends, membership of sporting teams and big bands; and access to broader curriculum offerings and excursion programs.
In considering the need to close some schools, there are a number of ways in which education expenditure can be cut. Educational programs could be reduced, but this would
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