Sarah Fanet, Highland Councillor for Fort William and Ardnamurchan and Rebecca Machin, candidate for the same ward in the upcoming by-election, share many experiences in common: both were born outside Scotland and both began their teaching careers south of the border.
Sarah and Rebecca met at Kinlochleven High School where Rebecca was the head teacher and Sarah a member of the community helping to stage music for a school show.
Sarah had begun as a Languages teacher, trained at the University of Kent, in Canterbury.
Dislike of the 11-plus and divisive grammar school model saw her move towards the comprehensive system.
Likewise, Rebecca also began teaching south of the border.
Machin began her career teaching science in some of the toughest areas of Bristol and the West Midlands before heading north to Kinlochbervie.
Those experiences have allowed both to fashion informed opinions about the two education systems.
Both feel that there has been an erosion of relationships at the heart of education in England.
“Data at the expense of the child,” is Sarah’s verdict on what it was like, and Rebecca agrees.
“When education goes wrong in Highland, it is because relationships are not being placed at the centre of the process like in England,” she says.
Both agree that this is also true at management level.
“There is an inconsistency of accountability for head teachers south of the border,” says Sarah.
“It is better here, although not perfect, as potentially there is greater control from the centre than is strictly necessary.
“We are aiming for the right balance although we’re not there yet.”
“Not having OFSTED,” adds Sarah, “is also hugely important.”
Rebecca points towards the wider experiences young people are entitled to as being vital.
“Having taught in five high schools in Highland and led a primary school for a time, I can, hand on heart, say Highland has some excellent, well-motivated, enthusiastic, sector-leading staff,” she says.
However, neither Sarah nor Rebecca believe the situation is perfect.
“Staffing is controlled at the centre and headteachers often do not have a say as to the new staff they employ,” says Rebecca.
“Some people at the top don’t trust teachers.
“And this is important – because if you don’t trust them, you have to ask why and what is being done about it by the centre to address this?”
She adds:
“Of course, balancing the books is important.
“But, it should not be at the expense of what is best for the pupils within the school.”
Sarah agrees with this assessment and wants to see the role of councillors beefed up.
“Always, throughout my career, I wanted to be consulted,” she says.
“I deplore that there is no direct mechanism as councillors for us to do that.
“A framework which allowed us to do that is a huge goal for me in my new role.”
Both teachers feel that, throughout their careers, they saw themselves as classroom teachers first.
“I loved being in the classroom,” Rebecca said, “but I was aware that too many senior managers would lose touch with the young people and I wanted to prove to the staff, the pupils and the parents, that schools can be child-centric, have high standards for young people and provide the perceived benefits of a private education but free at the point of delivery, universally for all children.”
Sarah agrees completely.
“As a councillor, I wanted to bring to the table that I know how difficult it is and how disconnected you can feel from policies and data produced somewhere else.”
Rebecca thinks that is hugely important.
“Policies made in good faith at the centre can be hugely detrimental elsewhere, especially in Highland,” she says.
“A decision which is right for Merkinch Primary School in Inverness, just doesn’t – and can’t – be suitable in Kilchoan, Duror or Lundavra.
“And my experience across the whole of Highland means I believe I can advocate well for each of the school communities within the Fort William and Ardnamurchan ward and build consensus and relationships that improve education for everyone working in partnership with people like Sarah.”
Once again, Sarah agrees.
“Rebecca will be able to ask the questions others can’t,” she says.
“Because of her background, experiences and knowledge of Additional Support Needs, she has a level of insight and expertise which many councillors will appreciate.”
