Student numbers are falling and teacher shortages are mounting. Two trends that have prompted Carmel College and Hondsrug College to investigate further collaboration. How far that goes between the two secondary schools remains to be seen.
According to Rector Louwien Eising of the Carmel College, the investigation has yet to officially start. When asked whether one of the outcomes could be a merger, she immediately slams the brakes. “That goes very far. The cooperation can be light, but it can also take on a completely different dimension. All if-then scenarios are included in the research.”
Both schools call in a consultancy that will talk to all levels of the organization. For example with teachers, the Supervisory Board, the Participation Council and the Board.
Carmel College currently has 1,355 students. Five years ago that was still between 1,700 and 1,800, estimates Eising. The shrinkage is making itself felt and the effect is reflected in the classroom. On the other hand, there is a slight change due to a growing group of non-native speakers. “In the last two years we’ve had two or three groups of about 15 students each.”
There are now six groups. These are mainly migrants from war countries, such as Syria, Ukraine and Somalia. “But teachers also have to stand for these classes and that is a challenge,” says Eising.
Because the increasing teacher shortage in education is another critical point of attention. In any case, there is no risk of any lessons being canceled at the Carmel College. “We are doing well, but it is exciting.”
Wim Jan Renkema, chairman of the board of the Hondsrug College, also expects a decrease in the number of students in the coming years. “Currently we are around 2,000. In the next three to five years, we expect that number to drop to between 1,850 and 1,900.” Not a dramatic drop, says Renkema.
But at the same time, Hondsrug College also feels the shortage of teaching staff. “There is little interest in a subject like Mathematics B. Difficult to organize if only four or five students come to it. Suppose the same problem occurs at the Carmel College. Maybe you can combine the students and you still have half a class.”
Crossing out certain teaching hours is also not an issue at Hondsrug College, says Renkema. “It still works, but it is sometimes very complicated. For subjects such as mathematics, physics and economics, it is difficult to get qualified teachers.”
The Hondsrug College is therefore committed to encouraging a second teaching qualification, among other things. “If an economics teacher crosses the threshold with us, we ask, for example, whether he or she is also interested in teaching mathematics.” Exchanging teachers between the two schools could also be an option, says Renkema. “It’s better to check with the neighbours.”
An exact end date for the investigation has not yet been set. The two schools will coordinate some matters in the run-up to the investigation. Renkema does expect the study to be completed this year.