Report on our attachment to a British school : Highbury Primary School, 30th October - 10th November 1995

Abstract

During the period 30th October to 10th November we were attached to a school in Portsmouth, England, to observe and reflect upon administrative practice in British schools. We were keen to have this opportunity of observing the British State Administration and Management in Education from the inside and thus be in a position to evaluate to what extent it can be applicable to the situation in Malta. We were sure that this would prove to be a very enriching experience. According to Rowland S: "To have become a participant observer, one can no longer look or listen with unquestioning eyes and ears" ("Classroom Enquiry as a Way of Understanding Learning", From Rowland S, 1986, "An Approach to Understanding Children" in Hustler D. et al., Action Research in Classrooms and Schools, London, Allen and Union, pp.29-31) We also had the opportunity of being invited to a Secondary school to which one of our friends was attached. This was Crookhorn Community School. We were shown round the school premises and saw some teachers and pupils at work. Later, we were the guests of the Headteacher. Mr. Adam, to lunch for which Mr. B. Lloyd Jones who is a L.E.A Divisional Officer was also present. We had an interesting discussion with Mr. Adam and Mr. Jones who also explained how the British State Education system works, with special reference to the Hampshire County Council responsibilities for Education. We were attached to Highbury Primary School in Dover Court Road, Cosham. As is the practice in Malta, this school caters for primary aged pupils, that is from reception classes (4 year olds) to year 6 (10-11 year olds). It is a Local Education Authority maintained school and its Headteacher is thus responsible and accountable to the Local Education Authority. Highbury Primary School was built at the same time that the housing estate was being built, that is in the early fifties. It received its first pupils in September 1954. In fact, last year it celebrated its fortieth anniversary. The school is meant to cater for about 360 pupils, but this year's population is only 350. The first Headteacher, Mr. Law, occupied the post for more than ten years while the present one, Mr. Eric Patterson, is the fourth Headteacher.