Police put on patrol in ‘unsafe’ high school
●Officers to be on duty every day after staff and pupils express fears
Police officers and extra support staff are patrolling the corridors and classrooms of a school in the Borders in an attempt to stem a recent rise in unruly behaviour.
The move comes after claims that antisocial behaviour at Hawick High School has spiralled out of control, leaving staff and pupils feeling unsafe.
Police have confirmed there will be officers in the school every day until Christmas, and Scottish Borders Council is set to draft in four youth workers and an extra deputy head.
Community police constable John Irvine said: “Local officers have been providing support to the school. The issues have been caused by a small minority of children within the school, and the police, who are mainly dedicated school officers, are assisting with youth intervention.”
The four youth workers’ posts were discussed at a meeting of parents and town councillors with the council’s service director for children and young people, Donna Manson, earlier this week.
Hawick and Denholm councillor Clair Ramage said: “Donna Manson talked to the group, as did headteacher Vicky Porteous.
“There will be a daily presence from the council to overview the school and to make sure that there is a calm
environment to allow pupils to study.”
The school’s pupil council will also be reformed in an attempt to give youngsters more of a voice.
Ms Ramage says she has been approached by numerous concerned pupils, parents and staff, adding that such unrest is the main reason she left the school five years ago after 34 years as a teacher.
She said: “These issues are a culmination of ten years of deteriorating behaviour.
“When I first started teaching in the school, we worked as a team, and it was clear how behavioural issues were handled.
“Since I left the school, many experienced teachers have also left, and, on speaking to them it was about the continued deteriorating behaviour. This loss of experience has also added to the problem.”
Ms Ramage also claims a lack of investment might be behind the unruly behaviour.
“Hawick High is not fit for purpose as many of our buildings have outlived their supposed life,” she added.
“The raising of the school leaving age found buildings being erected on a temporary basis to house the sudden increase in the pupil pop- ulation. These were to last no more than 20 years, but 40-plus years later they are still standing but leaking and not up to the standard expected of the 21st century.
“Our pupils need to feel valued and to understand right from wrong.” Last week Ms Manson attempted to reassure parents by sending out a letter saying the council is making “rapid progress” in tackling the issue.
She wrote: “I am aware that there have been concerns voiced on social media regarding some antisocial behaviour in the school and wish to reassure you that, in close partnership with the police, social workers and youth workers, we are making rapid progress in eliminating this unacceptable behaviour.
“This involves the support of local police, on and off the school campus, and close engagement with families where appropriate.”