Pupils: Don’t merge schools (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Pupils: Don’t merge schools

3:34pm Thursday 7th January 2010

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FIFTH formers at a local school threatened with amalgamation collected a petition asking the council to change its mind.

The pupils at St Joseph’s RC High School in Whitefield said the effects of any amalgamation with neighbours St Peter's would be “disastrous”.

Two representatives of the school, Lisa Mangan, who was the head girl, and Jane Reynolds, handed in the petition to Labour Cllr Derek Boden and the Conservative Mervyn Turnberg. Copies were sent to every other member of the council.

“Although both schools are of an excellent standard, we wish to present our case on behalf of our fellow pupils,” said fifth formers.

“St Joseph’s has served the local community for 25 years and has earned an excellent reputation.

“The proposition made by the Catholic Schools Commission would inevitably have disastrous effects, not only on the present third year, who will then be in their examination year, but also on the rest of the junior pupils, both here and at St Peter’s.” They also pointed out that, although St Joseph’s was the smallest school in Bury, it had the best attendance record, one of the best academic success rates and was happy and well disciplined. After describing some of the achievements in charitable work, on the sports field and in grasping micro technology, the petitions concluded: “It is saddening to realise that the lower section of our school will not reap the benefits of receiving their education in a warm Catholic environment as we have done during the last four-and-a-half-years.”

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