Published: Wednesday, 25th November, 2009 4:57pm
Catholic kids prefer Largs Academy
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Only two pupils from St Mary's Primary School in Largs chose to travel to the new St Matthew's Academy this year. In recent years, the numbers travelling to the recognised Roman Catholic secondary from the local area have dwindled and the trend has continued this year.
St Matthew's Academy is a new school, having been formed as a result of the merger of St Andrew's Academy and St Michael's Academy. They merged in August 2007 on two separate campuses and the first young people moved into the new building in October 2007.
Meanwhile, a total of 29 pupils from St Mary's Primary went to Largs Academy this year.
In terms of West Kilbride, 37 children from the local Primary out of 39 applicants succeeded in winning places at Largs Academy, rather than going to Ardrossan Academy.
A major factor is believed to be the higher than average exam results obtained at the local school.
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Yeltsin
(Unregistered User)
Nov 25 09 21:35
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It has ever been thus. My class from 20 years ago saw five of around 25 go down to St. Andrew's Academy. And I only went cos I thought the bus journey would be 'exciting'. I was right but it was often exciting for the wrong reasons. Good times!
nosurprise
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Nov 26 09 00:08
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So why do we need catholic and non catholic schools?? Leave religious instruction to the parents and church and leave religion out of education.
Interesting to note that that a large number of teaahers at LA are also catholic - so obviously they also know something!! Not that I have a problem with that of course.
notredameus
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Dec 1 09 00:19
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What the parents decide is their own personal business, which is only right. However, on a personal note, I do share a great deal of sympathy for the two kids going down to St Matthew's.
Given the environment down there, they'll have to deal with insults, bullying and ignorance from children who regard Largs as a toffee nosed enclave, jealousy if they come from a settled down family background, and an environment that celebrates all forms thuggery and anti social behaviour.
I encountered this when I was a teenager in the late 80's, only this time travelling from Largs to Greenock to Notre Dame High, and I never even received a bus pass as lived and was educated in two different council zones. So the cost of travel was very expensive.
I never enjoyed those journeys whatsoever. I hated coming home to Largs with a passion as I away from my friends in Greenock, and had no support from anyone from authority whatsoever. In short I felt let down and betrayed.
I hope the children concerned get the best support possible for their secondary education. It's what they and their parents deserve and I hope they'll succeed in their academic life in the years to come.
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