You may know that I hold the Education and Skills portfolio within Wiltshire Council, in addition to my role as representative of The Lavingtons. It was therefore a double-disappointment to hear of the White Horse Federation’s decision to change the post-16 education offering at Devizes School with huge consequences for Lavington School and our local students, present and future.
Years of work went into creating a sixth form for young people in the Lavington area and great progress was still being made. Lavington School was growing thanks to the post-16 offering and as a result our community could offer an additional pathway to our young people.
I am particularly interested in hearing from young people and their families who are impacted by this recent change, or those who moved into the area with post-16 education at Lavington School in mind. Please get in touch to share your thoughts.
I am committed to supporting our local children and young people in their journey through education. I will do everything I can to ensure they have the opportunities that their peers in neighbouring towns have in terms of A-Level and post-16.
I do not agree with our Prime Minister in terms of his ambition to see all students study some form of Maths until 18. We must understand that children hold individual skills and passions which need to be nurtured in schools to encourage great achievement. There is no ‘right’ set of skills to hold, other than the basics required in day-to-day life. Some children will grow to be scientists or mathematicians, some to be musicians or athletes. Pushing all students to study mathematics will be detrimental to those with alternative abilities and passions.
Good teaching is the identification of interest, passion, or ability in a subject, and the nurturing of that ability combined with direction. From Early Years to Further Education, the opportunities for young people to flourish exist at every step. This is why I want to see Lavington School students be able to explore an extensive range of subjects at school beyond the age of 16.
You may contact me about this or any other matter by email to: dominic.muns@wiltshire.gov.uk or by phone on 07585 394 178.
