Education boost for Claremont as primary schools amalgamate

East Claremont and Claremont primary schools will amalgamate at the beginning of the 2011 school year.

Education Minister Liz Constable said the amalgamation, which was proposed by the schools' councils, would boost class sizes and ensure the long-term viability of public education in the Claremont area.

"The amalgamation of the two schools will give students as wide a range of programs as possible and also help to address gender imbalances and boost the number of students in each year group," Dr Constable said

"Student numbers at both schools have been declining during the past few years, especially in upper primary.

"There have also been a number of occasions when other year groups are very small.  There is currently only one year two student at East Claremont Primary School and four year five students at Claremont Primary School.

"Higher student numbers in classes allow students to experience a full curriculum and the benefits of greater social interaction which helps them learn.

"This will ensure the long-term viability of the new school into the future."

The Minister said the new school would operate initially from two campuses and a master planning study would determine the facilities needed for the future.

"Planning the future infrastructure needs of the school will take time and a great deal of community consultation," she said.

"To ensure community input, an implementation committee will be established and chaired by a senior executive from the Department of Education."

Cottesloe MLA Colin Barnett welcomed the news and said the new school would offer greater educational opportunities for local students.

"Both schools are more than 100-years-old and of considerable heritage significance so I am pleased the two campuses will be retained," Mr Barnett said.

"I have met with parents from the two schools and support their proposal to merge - this is a good outcome for the future education of children in the Claremont area."