TEACHING and learning at Hanham Woods Academy has been disrupted not only by the hot weather this summer but by industrial action.
Members of the NEU at the secondary school went on strike for four days: June 18, 19, 22 and 23 , with more walkouts planned for July pending a ballot result.
The strikes are a continuation of union action from the start of the academic year over concerns about financial cuts and changes to behaviour policy.
On its Facebook page, Bristol NEU said of the Hanham action: “Constant cuts have led to a poor curriculum; rising behaviour needs and workload through the roof. “
Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 were moved to home learning on some strike days while Year 10s were just in school for exams.
Senior principal Kath Cooper kept parents updated by letters last month and thanked students and families for their support. On June 26, she wrote: “It remains our firm belief that issues raised by the NEU members can be best resolved with all parties in school, and that progress has been made within the school regarding the issues raised by union members. Regardless of the outcome of the ballot, we have assured the team at Hanham that we will continue to work constructively together to address the concerns they
HWA is part of the Cabot Learning Federation. A CLF spokesperson said: ‘We remain committed to working constructively with NEU representatives to resolve the current industrial dispute.
“Our priority remains to ensure a safe, consistent environment for staff and students and to minimise disruption to pupils’ education. We continue to focus on delivering practical improvements and engaging positively with staff.”