First, there was a list of seven primary schools under threat of closure. Though in or near Edeirnion, two fell broadly within Rhuthun/Ruthin's sphere of influence—Ysgolion Betws GG a Bro Elwern (Gwyddelwern).
Secondly, under the county council's modernising education agendum, the local media speculated about the future of all primaries with fewer than 80 pupils. In the Rhuthun area, this included Ysgolion Bro Cinmeirch (Llanrhaeadr), Rhewl, Cyffylliog, Clocaenog, Bryn Clwyd (Llandyrnog) a Phentrecleyn.
Thirdly, we heard that Schola Ruthinensis (Ruthin School) was losing its pre-preparatory and preparatory departments and in so doing will henceforward concentrate solely on secondary education.
As such, Ruthin School will become senior only from September 2011. For those who don't remember, the preparatory department opened in September 1971 to much fanfare and the pre-preparatory department after that. This gives the junior side a 40-year history. The admission of younger children accompanied quite some growth in the senior school at the time and the governors at Ruthin School felt it was right to extend the school's opportunities to junior pupils who would then feed the senior school.
Numbers then were rosy. The fact that it was open only to boys means that the growth was the more remarkable. Ruthin School became co-educational 20 years ago and even a mix of boys and girls can no longer sustain the lower forms.
Is there a common theme, here? One reason why Ruthin School says it's concentrating on secondary education is an increase in demand for its senior school. Whether this is from locals, those who travel from a wide catchment or international boarders is unclear. It's believed that it is the last of these.
But there is another reason. Demographics. It seems that the decision to close down the preparatory departments is also because of falling demand. This is the common thread with the state sector. There are more places than pupils. Put in economic terms, supply of spaces exceeds demand for them. Ruthin School is tackling this in rather an unrelenting way but it has the luxury of doing so.
It's more difficult for the state sector to react to this imbalance. Yet, the Welsh assembly seems to expect change as part of future investment. With pressure from parents mounting on one side and from the assembly on the other, you get the feeling that that the term "cleft stick" comes to mind.
Secondly, under the county council's modernising education agendum, the local media speculated about the future of all primaries with fewer than 80 pupils. In the Rhuthun area, this included Ysgolion Bro Cinmeirch (Llanrhaeadr), Rhewl, Cyffylliog, Clocaenog, Bryn Clwyd (Llandyrnog) a Phentrecleyn.
Thirdly, we heard that Schola Ruthinensis (Ruthin School) was losing its pre-preparatory and preparatory departments and in so doing will henceforward concentrate solely on secondary education.As such, Ruthin School will become senior only from September 2011. For those who don't remember, the preparatory department opened in September 1971 to much fanfare and the pre-preparatory department after that. This gives the junior side a 40-year history. The admission of younger children accompanied quite some growth in the senior school at the time and the governors at Ruthin School felt it was right to extend the school's opportunities to junior pupils who would then feed the senior school.
Numbers then were rosy. The fact that it was open only to boys means that the growth was the more remarkable. Ruthin School became co-educational 20 years ago and even a mix of boys and girls can no longer sustain the lower forms.
Is there a common theme, here? One reason why Ruthin School says it's concentrating on secondary education is an increase in demand for its senior school. Whether this is from locals, those who travel from a wide catchment or international boarders is unclear. It's believed that it is the last of these.
But there is another reason. Demographics. It seems that the decision to close down the preparatory departments is also because of falling demand. This is the common thread with the state sector. There are more places than pupils. Put in economic terms, supply of spaces exceeds demand for them. Ruthin School is tackling this in rather an unrelenting way but it has the luxury of doing so.
It's more difficult for the state sector to react to this imbalance. Yet, the Welsh assembly seems to expect change as part of future investment. With pressure from parents mounting on one side and from the assembly on the other, you get the feeling that that the term "cleft stick" comes to mind.
Tags:
Education