Letter: thoughts of a parent

Parkwood's Academy proposal; thoughts of a parent

Dear Messenger,

Parkwood High School's academy proposal is not a win-win situation and it will affect your children so you need to be aware and involved in the process.

The school is led by Chris Mallaband but there is at present no guarantee that he will be allowed to stay on as head as an academy. This is not good news as the progress made could be undone by such a radical change. Ofsted rate the school ‘good with outstanding bits’ so why put that at risk?

There are other issues, firstly being perception. Academies have previously been a last gasp attempt to fix failing schools. Parkwood is not a failing school and although academy status is not purely for this type of school there is a stigma attached to it. Is this how we want outsiders to view Parkwood?

The next issue is the building, which is in need of a major facelift. Offering a new build if the school go ‘academy’ seems a crass attempt at blackmail. If a new build is needed (and it is) the status of the school should not come into it.

The council is leading on this proposal and it is they who make the decisions it seems. They have approached a number of schools to become involved in academies in various guises. The option they have chosen for Parkwood is with a private partner which will in effect mean opting out of local control. Why would the council want to lose one of its better performing schools? Perhaps its time for our local councillors to climb off their fences and let us know what they really think.

So what will Academy ‘status’ actually bring to the school? Edutrust can choose the curriculum and bring their expertise to bear on all aspects of the school. Financial gain from being an academy is overstated and in all likelihood the costs will mean less money to spend on education per pupil. Where is the real benefit in that?

One bonus of the proposal is that Sheffield Hallam University it is suggested is going to be a partner too though details is still a bit sketchy.

There is already some vocal opposition to the proposal. Sheffield Anti Academy Alliance has been quite active at in the consultation meetings so far and is pushing for an open debate. Some of their arguments are persuasive, and as a parent I believe they have a right to have their say, even if I don't agree with all they say.

Finally, my message to all involved, don't sit in silence, have your say. It is your children's future at stake. Remember the Ofsted report; it would be a real shame if this great work was undone by making the wrong choice now.

Mick Ibbotson

Longley Resident and Parent