Striking St Aloysius’ College teachers in plea to save school
Staff go to firm’s offices to ask for demolition delay
Published: 02 July, 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB
TEACHERS from St Aloysius’ College continued their campaign for a safer school building yesterday (Thursday) when they invaded the headquarters of developers Balfour Beatty.
The group of 30 staff, who picketed the school in the morning before heading for the developers’ offices in Victoria, believe the new school building by Balfour Beatty – who are redeveloping the borough’s schools under the former Labour government’s Building Schools for the Future project – are not “fit for purpose”. The are particularly unhappy about L-shaped design and technology classrooms which they say do not allow sufficient space between tools.
The teachers have called on the company to postpone the demolition of an older block until the dispute is settled and have asked the contractor not to fine the Archway school for any delays.
The teachers plan to lobby Islington Council’s executive meeting at the Town Hall next Thursday, and are considering a two-day strike.
Ken Muller, assistant secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: “Teachers know they are right and have the support of many St Aloysius’ parents. We’re determined to continue to campaign until we achieve a school that’s fit for purpose and 20th-century education. We’re keen to meet all parties involved.”
He called on supporters to join next Thursday’s lobby.
An Islington Council spokeswoman said the Town Hall was mediating between the school and Balfour Beatty to find a solution.
A Balfour Beatty spokeswoman said: “Health and safety of the students, teachers and community at St Aloysius’ School is and always has been Balfour Beatty’s main priority. In developing the design we have met and delivered the council’s requirements.”