Pupils: 483; to our, roughly, 1650. They have 27 staff in total: 1 principal, 2 department heads, 14 teachers, 2 librarians, 2 sports coaches and 6 non-teaching staff (including cleaners, catering staff and a secretary). Balwearie has fundraised to provide the two librarians and two sports coaches, so their budget actually allows them 23 staff.
At Balwearie we have around 120 teaching staff, including management, 30 or so pupil support assistants, 20 or so non-teaching staff (not including cleaners or catering staff). Our staffing allows for Guidance and Learning Support provision. We have access to educational psychologists, social workers and off-campus Pupil Support placements.
At Welcome if a teacher is unwell a parent may be paid (around £3) to cover a class for the day, or a class will have to look after itself for some of the day. Funding for Welcome depends on the economic background of its pupils, taking into account things like whether or not they have running water at home, a sturdy roof over their heads and the materials used to build their home, which tells its own story. The school has no money for many of the things we would take for granted, and virtually nothing at all for any of the supports that help our pupils overcome challenges and get an education.
Comparing a primary and secondary school is not ideal, but the numbers are still instructive.
Seeing the enthusiasm here, it is clear that the staff and pupils at Welcome make the very best of the hand they have been dealt, but most striking of all, when watching from the edge of the classroom, is the enormous sense of potential. It is palpable.
Chris Jacobs and I don't have time to discuss in depth everything we would like to, but there will be time for that. The link between our schools is just starting and we have a great deal to learn from each other. It's much more than just a numbers game.
Mr Booth
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