Not up to scratch

Published 10 Jun 2011 09:30 Comments 1 Comment

See also:

THE quality of education being offered to pupils at Peebles High School and the poor standard of buildings has been called into question by a senior Scottish Borders councillor.

Portfolio holder for Culture, Sport and Community Learning, Graham Garvie made his feelings known during the monthly meeting of the SBC Executive earlier this week.

Speaking during a debate on the reprofiling of the SBC Capital for 2011/12 to 2016/16, Councillor Garvie urged a rethink on the delay in fixing the games hall roof at Peebles High School.

He told elected members: "In light of the damning report from HMIe and their particular focus on the situation regarding the games hall. I would like to see the spending plans brought forward."

The games hall at the school has been out of action since last September when the problems with the leaking roof first came to light.

Pupils are currently undertaking PE lessons at the Gytes Leisure Centre. While the school assembly hall has also been used for activities.

This arrangement was one of the areas of education to come under the spotlight by HMIe inspectors during their recent visit to the school and their subsequent report.

It is understood that despite some temporary repairs to the games hall roof, the leakage problem still exists.

The inspection concerns were also raised by a concerned parent, who told the Peeblesshire News: "The inspectors identified areas for improvement that will ring very loud bells with many parents, teachers and pupil. There are also issues with leadership, a lack of communications with parents and carers and the poor strategic approach to provision for young people with additional needs."

Speaking to the Peeblesshire News following the meeting, councillor Garvie added: "I am concerned that the capital spending plans to build a new games hall and all-weather sports pitch at Peebles High School are continuing to be pushed back.

"In light of this HMIe report, and the fact that this is a genuine area of concern amongst Peebles residents I would like to see the Council explore all the options available to them to try to bring this unfortunate situation to a conclusion much earlier.

"While I appreciate that money is tight, I feel that the biggest high school in the region, and one that is continuing to grow, should be seen as a top priority."

In reply Glenn Rodger, Director of Education said: "We recognise that the facilities for sport in Peebles High School are not up to the desired standards and because of this, the Council has committed significant funding in the capital programme to address these issues through the provision of games hall facilities as well as a floodlit all-weather pitch."

This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 10 Jun 11

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

j. p. ward
Unregistered User
Jun 10, 14:07
Report comment

Peebles High School Facilities not up to scratch? It was with disbelief that I heard quite some years ago that Greek and Latin were no longer taught at PHS. And now, it seems, no sports. But how is it with English, mathematics and science? Do they still need to be taught? After all, there's the internet, and word processors complete with spelling control for that sort of thing.

TEMPORA MUTANTUR, I suppose, ET NOS MUTAMUR IN ILLIS, as some old codger once said, but what did he know?

Yours truly.

J. P. Ward

Recommend? Yes 3 No 5

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Peeblesshire News Poll

Are you in favour of wind farms?

This Poll is now closed.

Yes (72.7%)

No (27.3%)

Follow @peeblesnews