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| Key College :: Challenges |
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External challenges for Key College remain around its size and cost. Its existence is reliant on Youth Off The Streets and, while the school has its full commitment and support, that remains dependent on donations for its financial operation. Key College is committed to remaining small in order to achieve its goals. It is therefore relatively expensive in terms of staffing.
Secondly, there are challenges for the school in terms of its physical premises. They are small and limited in terms of equipment. That means that specific facilities that would be necessary for studies such as automotive, food technology, design and technology, or specialist science are lacking - and students miss these. However, the location of the College is important in relation to transport and centrality to community resources. This remains an unresolved (and perhaps unresolvable) issue.
Thirdly, the range of other tasks carried out by staff place pressure on their teaching. In particular, the numbers of queries and contacts within a small school - the constant ringing of the phone - creates a distraction to preparation and teaching. While one staff member works with the group of students, the other tends to be 'on call' in the office. Many other bureaucratic requirements - now associated with being a registered school - also remain challenges for staff: "Much of the paperwork I have to do - I can't see it benefiting anyone. It's just jumping through hurdles." Perhaps in this way, Key College shares concerns with many other schools.
Fourthly, the small student size exaggerates the importance of positive role models within that group. It is noted that the atmosphere, tone and commitment of the school depends so much on the make-up of the current group of students, particularly those who have been there for some time - the senior students. "We're lucky in having some strong leaders," says a teacher, "but so much depends on who is there."
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