Inverness school head voices concern over impact of Unison strikes on Culloden Academy pupils as Google Classrooms work laid on
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An Inverness secondary school headteacher has spoken of concern at the disruptive impact of looming strikes and school closures on pupils' progress.
Dr James Vance of Culloden Academy was reacting ahead of three days of action by non-teaching staff members of Unison next week.
A majority of schools across the Highland Council area will shut completely on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, although it is understood some 27 smaller and rural schools - mostly primaries - will remain open.
RELATED STORY: 27 Highland schools could avoid strike disruption as Unison non-teaching staff press on with action over pay
Dr Vance said all teaching staff would be expected to attend the school as usual and supply extra learning back-up for children at home.
The strike, after a rejected COSLA pay increase offer of 5.5 per cent, follows several periods of closure earlier this year and last year during teacher union strike action.
It also hits a good many children who lost significant schooling time during the Covid pandemic.
Some secondary schools, including Culloden and Inverness Royal Academy, posted details of learning materials being put on Google Classrooms.
Dr Vance, in a social media message to parents and pupils, made his concerns clear.
“Teaching staff will be in the building (during strike days) and while there is no expectation from Highland Council of live delivery, we are keen to minimise the loss of momentum in learning.
“For that reason, all teachers will be expected to upload some independent learning materials to Google Classroom for all classes each day.
“Beyond that, teachers will respond to queries and emails when available.
“It has been a really good start to term and I am concerned about the impact this disruption will have and the lost time for completing courses.”
Dr Vance urged parents to ensure their youngsters did log in to Google Classrooms to take advantage of the extra work.
RELATED STORY: Schools across Highlands to be closed for THREE days next week for strike action
Inverness Royal Academy headteacher Nigel Engstrand also indicated there would be additional learning materials made available.
The IRA’s social media page said: “We have to now work on the assumption that the school will be closed to all pupils on those dates next week.
“The school will be open as usual to pupils on Monday and Friday.
“For the three closure days, work will be posted on google classrooms by teachers to try and minimise the impact on our pupils' education.
“Should the position change over the weekend or on Monday we will inform you through the usual channels of communication.”
