By Kerryn Williams
CANBERRA — A recent Education Department review recommends the relocation of the School without Walls (SWOW) to Dickson College. On August 14, a public meeting at SWOW to discuss the proposal was attended by more than 80 people.
Students, staff, parents and supporters were angry at the review, and expressed a willingness to fight it. Clive Haggar of the Australian Education Union and Kerrie Tucker of the ACT Greens also attended. But while both criticised the review process, neither gave a real commitment to oppose the relocation.
Some argued that due to lack of funding of public education, SWOW couldn't expect to survive and therefore compromises would need to be made. The majority of the meeting, however, was in favour of saving SWOW, and a committee of all interested persons was set up to organise an ongoing campaign.
Three students at SWOW, Cleo Macdonald, Sky Dekker and Jessica Nelson, talked to Green Left Weekly about the recommendation and what it will mean for students.
Question: How does SWOW differ from mainstream schools?
Jessica: It's the only alternative school in Canberra. It's non-hierarchical, run by teachers and students, has more choice in what you can study while covering the eight key curriculum areas, is based on trust and functions really well. SWOW has 45 high school students and 20 college (years 11-12) students and has existed for 25 years.
Cleo: A lot of students come to SWOW because they're harassed at other schools and colleges. Some students with learning difficulties find it easier to study at SWOW, because it has varied learning methods, and more discussion and participation. If SWOW closes, there is no guarantee that students with learning difficulties will have access to teaching styles which suit them.
Question: What does the Education Department review propose?
Jessica: The proposal is to phase out provisions for years 11 and 12, and to develop specific programs to cater more efficiently for students from years 8 to 10. The report also recommends that SWOW be relocated. They claim that they'll cushion the blow by giving students a free bus pass and counselling.
Sky: They don't care what this will do to students, in particular year 12s, some of whom may not be able to get certificates if this goes ahead.
Question: What sort of consultation took place in the preparation of this review?
Jessica: The review panel went to the school at 9am one morning in the last week of semester, when most students had finished their assessment and weren't present. They claimed they listened to students, but they obviously didn't take into account what they said. Three or four weeks ago, before the review started, we were told what the outcome would be, so we felt a bit powerless. The review itself says, "Not one student or parent wants SWOW to move to Dickson." So why did they do the review?
Sky: There has been talk about closing SWOW for some time, but the idea has been chucked each time. The department said they rang up parents, but parents had to ring them up to tell them what they thought.
Question: What's your plan of attack against the proposed relocation?
Jessica: We've spoken to the media and some local MPs. We've put out petitions and leaflets and have organised meetings. We are going to fight it any way we can.
Sky: Some people think that whatever we do is just adding fuel to the fire, that we should just shut up about it because most people will want to close us down. But when we got leaflets out, people were amazed and they want to help. We can't just sit back and let them do this.