The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
S2 and 3 pupils in class just one day a week
Pupils in Education Secretary John Swinney’s Perthshire constituency may only attend school one day a week from August.
Under Perth High School’s blended learning model children in S2 and S3 will have only one day a week in classes.
The Oakbank Road school is just a short distance from the edge of Mr Swinney’s Perthshire North constituency and is likely to have pupils from his area.
The deputy first minister has said he expects pupils to be in school for at least half the week when classes resume in August.
But Perth High School parents learned yesterday that their children will be expected to continue to learn from home for four days of the week.
One father said: “This is an outrageous idea and clearly discriminates against two year groups.”
Head teacher Thirza Pupillo told parents yesterday only S1, S2, S5 and S6 pupils will attend during the first week when term starts on August 11.
From August 17 all year groups except S2 and S3 will attend two days a week.
Mrs Pupillo said options would be considered for more face-to-face contact for S2 and S3 pupils on an alternate basis.
The parent, who did not wish to be named, said that whole groups of children were “paying the price” for the condition of the 1960s building which is due to be replaced.
He said: “The teachers have done their best but my child has had no real teaching for the past three months.
“Now we’re expected to miss 80% of the week when the government has pledged at least 50% in school.
“I’m sure a lot of thought has gone into this but they need to think again – this is in no way good enough.”
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesman said: “The safety of pupils and staff in our schools is a priority.
“Each school has created its own timetable depending on a number of factors including capacity, pupil roll, staffing and transport that maximises time in class while keeping our schools safe.
“As a result, some schools are able to offer more time in class than others.
“As set out in the strategic framework, where these issues are challenging for schools, we have prioritised those pupils who are in transition from one phase of education to another, and those pupils who are working toward SQA examinations.
“The roll of Perth High School means that pupils in S2 and S3 will initially attend for one day a week.
“Plans will be put in place to provide additional support through off-site learning experiences and enhanced digital support, including direct access to specialist teachers for those pupils.
“All arrangements will be kept under review and may be subject to change depending on national guidance.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “When schools re-open on August 11, we expect councils to have made arrangements that maximise the time that pupils spend having face-to-face learning safely, and we will work with local authorities to address any resourcing issues.”