The new joint Head Teacher for the Isles of Scilly Schools, Paul Mulligan, has been talking to the Western Morning News, prior to his arrival in the Islands.
In the article published in the Western Morning News newspaper (4/2/02), Mr. Mulligan cites the Federated system which will be implemented, as ‘part of the job’s appeal’, he also labels it “a real challenge”. This will be the fourth Headship for Paul Mulligan, who is also qualified as an Ofsted inspector, and he recognises that one of the primary benefits of a federated system will be a smoother transition from Primary to Secondary, especially for Off-Islands students. He also says that the continuity will help them track the pupils progress and enable teachers to “foster them as individuals”.
Computer aided learning is thought to play an important role in the new system as it will allow the schools, based on five different sites, to learn from each other and share resources. He also says that a federated system, unique in England, would provide greater flexibility. The federated Schools could lead to similar projects in mainland Britain if successful, so all eyes in the teaching profession will be on the Islands in a sense.
Scilly News has been unable to secure an independent interview with Mr. Mulligan. He moves to the Islands from his previous school in Bristol next week and is due to take up his new post after the half term break. This is by far the biggest challenge ever faced by the Islands system. In effect, the project will be the Guinea Pig for similar developments on the mainland. For many years now, children on the Islands have been laboured with this cruellest of Animal association; hopefully this time will be the final chapter in what has been a troubled existence for the system.