MEMO October 10, 2000

 

 

From: Donald Billingsley

To: Board of Governors

Re: Saconay Option

 

 

Members of the board of Governors will have received position papers outlining three distinct options as respects the educational structure for the fourth (Saconay) campus. The three options can be summarized as follows:

  1. We build a terminal campus encompassing grades 10-13.

    2. Virtues: construction savings, possibility for richer IB and Maturité offerings, reinforcement of French language program, potential for pedagogical harmonization across the Foundation, potential for improved guidance, improved management at the secondary level, more effective use of facilities, less expensive secondary operation, reduced traffic congestion, a novel approach (compared to existing structure).

  2. We build a 1-13 campus.

    3. Virtues: retention of successful programs on existing campuses, potential for far-reaching innovation, potential for new approaches to bilingualism, continued availability of passionate teaching in lower secondary classrooms, positive atmospheric effects of mixed ages on a single campus, avoidance of personnel/human resource nightmare, effective solution for relieving enrolment pressure on existing campuses, parental practical needs better served, opportunity for a special education program.

  3. We build a 6-13 campus.

Virtues: greater flexibility, possible continuation of secondary programs on existing campuses, consolidation of English and IB programs on existing campuses, concentration and improvement of French programs on Saconay campus, opportunity for specialized facilities and programs, an end to fluctuating class offerings at La Chataigneraie and La Grand Boissiére, minimizes potential alienation of alumni, ensures continued utilization of new secondary science and multimedia facilities, continuation of IGCSE examinations, allows a more effective use of land through multi-story construction, an opportunity for renewal.

 

 

It is worth stating that all three options represent potential solutions. In the end the actual benefits, solutions, originality or conventionality will depend on the specific nature of the actual programs adopted, the quality of instruction, and the resourcefulness of campus leadership.

The determination of the academic structure of the Saconay campus is perhaps the most significant decision the Board of Governors will need to take in the current year. For this decision carries with it consequences that, one in effect, cannot easily be undone. It is for this reason that members of the Administrative Council have chosen to present two alternative proposals for the consideration of the Education Committee. Monsieur Streuli had agreed tosummarize  proposal #1, the establishment of a terminal campus, hosting exclusively students in their final three years who are preparing IB, Maturité, and Bac exams. I have presented below the case (proposition #2) for a comprehensive program, admitting grades 1-13. The two propositions are illustrative of a broad spectrum of opinion on the subject - a diversity of viewpoint that will no doubt find its echo in the broader ISG community.

 

Webmaster note see also summary 3 for a 6-13 campus.