MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE EDUCATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LIFELONG LEARNING SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON MONDAY, 13 MAY 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mr J F Howe (Chairman), Mrs B D Clough, Mrs D Gardiner, Mr C M Gauntlett, Mr C R Hancock, Mr G S Kendall, Mr A J Mellor, Mr K Pearson, Mr R C Richards

Co-opted :

Ms M Wilson

Spokesperson :

Mrs J L Wareham

Apologies :

Archdeacon M Banting, Mr J A Bowker, Mr C B W Chapman, Mr P D Joyce, Mr N J Mitchell

1.        MINUTES

RESOLVED :

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 8 April 2002 be confirmed.

2.        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations made at this stage.

3.        PROPOSALS FOR A SIX TERM YEAR

The Strategic Director of Education and Community Development outlined the feedback received from the consultation exercise undertaken on proposals for a six term school year. This arose following a request by the Local Government Association for views of Local Education Authorities as had been reported to the 11 February 2002 meeting of the Select Committee.

The Head of Education Planning and Resources, Mr K Johnson, reported on the views expressed by those participating of the consultative meetings. An analysis of the questionnaires completed following each meeting had been undertaken. Although not conclusive there appeared to be an element of support for a six term year. The key points in favour of the proposal related to the evenness of terms, two week break between terms 1 and 2 (in October) and an earlier examination process. Mr Johnson gave an indication of how the six terms could be structured. It was unlikely however that any national change in the examination timetable would occur before 2007.

Key points made against the proposal included : the need for any change being national rather than in isolation; the content of the sixth term, reduction in the teaching time for AS levels, effect of a shorter summer break on the local tourist industry and family holidays.

The Chairman welcomed Amy Glover, a sixth form student, Claire Rivers, a mother of children in the primary, middle and high sectors, and Cathy Foulkes, who was involved in the Ryde Regeneration Project.

Amy Glover expressed her support for even terms and believed that the two week break in October would help students adjust to the new school year. There would be an impact on AS levels which were already operated on a tight schedule. The reduction in the summer holiday could impact upon the ability of students to obtain seasonal work.

Claire Rivers considered that the long summer holiday was an important element of family life. The longer break enabled working parents to take a two week family holiday. She also felt that a two week break in October did not compensate for the loss of one week in the summer. The lack of academic direction in term six was also of concern.

Cathy Foulkes hoped that parents would be involved in any further consultation. It was important not to affect the many leisure activities that took place during the current six week summer holiday. The leisure industry was geared to this period and some facilities were not available during late October.

The Select Committee discussed the points raised and how further consultation on the six term year could be progressed. Members considered that the proposal went beyond educational issues and other factors involving the family, community and economic development should also be taken account of. The initial consultation exercise had refined the key issues that required more detailed research before any decision could be taken.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Executive be advised to communicate broad support for the proposals to the LGA but further research be commissioned together with consultation amongst stakeholders.

4.        FORWARD PLAN

The Select Committee considered issues relating to its areas of scrutiny that were contained within the Forward Plan for May to August 2002.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Forward Plan be noted.

CHAIRMAN