NOW is the time to air your views on proposals to move St Columba’s RC and Woodmill High Schools to a new learning campus, alongside Fife College.

As previously reported by the Press, the proposal is to rebuild both schools on land at the former Shepherd's Offshore site, in Dunfermline, creating a state-of-the-art learning campus with Fife College.

It’s believed that the relocation of the schools to a single site would offer the greatest benefits for both school communities.

Now it’s time to hear from all those involved with the schools to see what they think of the idea.

Shelagh McLean, head of education, said: “Both schools are in need of replacement and we feel that in relocating them to a joint campus site we can offer pupils at both schools an incredible opportunity in terms of cutting edge facilities and advanced learning opportunities. Now it's time to hear from our pupils, parents, staff and others in the school communities again. We want everyone with an interest in the schools to have their say. We want them to let us know what they would like to see for the future of the two schools."

Both schools have been designated as Category C (poor) for condition and replacement for them has been sought for some time. The joint campus proposal would see both schools housed in new, purpose built facilities.

The proposed learning campus would bring together pupils, students and staff at Woodmill High School and St Columba’s RC High School in modern, fit for purpose and low carbon facilities.

Shelagh McLean continued: “The statutory consultation, which began on April 13 (Tuesday), is an important step. It is vitally important that we hear from as many people as possible. Parents should all have received information from their school, which sets out the proposals and explains how to take part in the consultation.

“All the necessary information is also available on line at www.fife.gov.uk/learningcampus"

Live consultation events

There will be three online, live, public consultation events (using Microsoft Teams) along with more informal virtual drop-in events.

Each event link will be published at www.fife.gov.uk/learningcampus, a few days before the date.

The format of the virtual drop-in sessions will allow those who are interested to discuss proposals on an informal basis with Fife Council officers.

The drop-ins will involve short, informal, online, dial-in sessions, where parents, pupils, staff and others can hear about the consultation, chat to officers and ask questions via the chat mechanism.

The timetable of events is:

Public meeting 1 - Live Consultation Event Online - Monday 26 April at 6-7.30 pm

Public meeting 2 - Live Consultation Event Online - Wednesday 5 May at 6-7.30 pm Public meeting 3 - Live Consultation Event Online - Monday 17 May at 6-7.30 pm

To take part in these sessions – email: sustainableschoolestate.enquiries@fife.gov.uk

Informal drop-in sessions will be held via “ Microsoft Teams” on:

Tuesday 20 April – 10.00 – 11.00 am

Thursday 22 April – 2.00 – 3.00 pm

Monday 26 April – 4.00 – 5.00 pm

Thursday 29 April – 10.00 – 11.00 am

Tuesday 11 May – 4.00 – 5.00 pm

Thursday 13 May – 2.00 – 3.00 pm

Wednesday 19 May – 11.00 to 12.00 noon

Friday 21 May – 2.00 – 3.00 pm

Tuesday 25 May – 4.00 – 5.00 pm

The consultation began on Tuesday and will run until Friday, May 28.