Conditions from the 19th century

THE case for refurbishment of the two 19th century buildings which are home to St Angela’s College was first examined in 1999.

But no progress on the Department of Education feasibility plan was made until four months ago.

The department had expressed concerns about the confined nature of the site on St Patrick’s Hill in Cork city. It bought the Ursuline Convent building next to the school last February but, as the 500-plus students begin their holidays this week, school authorities are still waiting to hear what plans are being put in place for refurbishment.

“The department has agreed that we need a new school building but that’s not the problem. What they are not saying is that we need it urgently,” said school principal Rosalie Moloney.

The students and their teachers are crammed into small classrooms with poor lighting and ventilation every day. In the winter, the school is damp but there is little air to breathe in summer, and mould grows on the walls all year round. Many of the corridors and stairways are so narrow that students have to walk them in single file.

Despite the Government’s stated goal of improving science education at second-level, one of the school’s laboratories is so cramped that some science students have to sit in makeshift desks.

In 2006, a Department of Education and Science home economics inspector visited the school and reported that “immediate and ongoing investment, in both the kitchen and its facilities and equipment, is urgently required”.

“The refurbishment of the kitchen is also pertinent, not only in light of the practical work that is now required at both junior and senior levels, but also because of the current potential risks posed to the health and safety of the students and teachers who are required to operate in the room,” the inspector wrote.

The home economics kitchen is accessed by a dangerously steep flight of steps, according to Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) officers, which recently visited the school.

Ms Moloney said that, despite the unacceptable conditions, parents are supportive and continue to send their children to the school.

“We already have more than 360 applications for 90 places in September 2009. We have a reputation for delivering an excellent education in Cork city,” she said.

ASTI school steward Ann Galvin said St Angela’s is a great school to work in.

“But to have to work in these conditions every day, after spending so long campaigning for something better, is just demoralising,” she said.

During a recent visit, ASTI officers found dark and narrow corridors and stairs, with some areas closed off for safety reasons.

Classes are located in eight different buildings and half of the school’s classrooms are in prefabs.

Some classrooms in the main buildings are separated by thin glass partitions in place since 1888. The main staircase was designed for use by a family, rather than by hundreds of students.

The physical education hall is just one-tenth of the recommended size for the school and outdoor sports facilities have to be hired weekly.

A prefab houses the art room at St Angela’s College and it has just a minimal amount of natural light.

The lack of space also means that the school’s two secretaries must share a desk, and the staff kitchen is still located in a corridor.

* Parts of this article are reproduced from ASTI’s newsletter.