Canterbury: NSW Police called to control crowd of parents at children’s exam sitting

A stampede of “unruly’’ parents intimidated and yelled at staff employed at an exam for gifted students in Sydney’s southwest – forcing police to bring the crowd of 2600 under control.

A mass exam for talented students vying to gain access into an opportunity class spiralled out of control at Canterbury on Friday, when staff were intimidated by “extremely-poor” behaved parents.

Burwood police were called out to control a crowd of 2600 parents and students waiting to get into and exit the exam at Canterbury Park Racecourse about noon.

The Education Department outsourced management of the exam, which saw hundreds of gifted students aiming to qualify for a year 5 and 6 opportunity class converge outside the Clyde Kennedy Stand while they waited to file into the facility.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, described the chaos that unfolded and said staff barricaded doors when parents became aggressive.

He said a “vast majority” of the staff were elderly, female or “quite small”.

There was a massive crowd at Canterbury Park Racecourse. It is not suggested the people in this picture are accused of any wrongdoing.

“And the ones dealing with the public weren’t in charge – just trying to help get the kids out in a bad situation – they were scared for their own safety as well.’’

Earlier reports from the public suggested a staff member had been assaulted but police said no injuries had been reported or arrests made.

The father said the problems arose from poor organisation with drop-off points not “thought out” properly when children left the exam.

“Parents wouldn’t listen to staff and some helpful parents assisted whilst a majority just surged to the one door, intimidating staff and yelling at them for their child,’’ he said.

The man said despite children being released in alphabetical order, parents still tried to push their way past staff to collect their children from inside the venue.

“The kids were terrified of parents yelling at staff just trying to do their jobs.

A huge crowd trying to enter and exit the exams.

“Eventually they split with some going out the back – this was initially well organised – but as the more unruly parents made their way it became chaos as well.’’

The police were called but parents grew more hostile.

“More kids were released but parents continually didn’t listen to staff and were aggressive, trying to push in the front door,’’ the witness said.

“It was just bad planning and extremely poor behaviour by a lot of parents.’’

A NSW Police spokesman said police were called to the King St racecourse after reports of traffic and crowd control issues.

“Officers attached to Burwood Police Area Command were told about 1300 students had finished exams and were trying to leave with their parents, while another 1300 students plus parents attempted to enter the facility,’’ he said.

“Police assisted with movement of crowds and traffic to ensure safety at the scene. Traffic has now returned to normal.

“We haven’t been notified of injuries so far.”

Education Minister Prue Car has called for a review following the incident. Picture: Christian Gilles

Education Minister Prue Car apologised to families and students who turned up for “the important day in their lives”.

“Taking an exam is stressful enough as it is and this isn’t good enough,’’ she said.

“I have asked the Department of Education for an urgent review and it is working quickly to address the situation.”

The Education Department secretary Murat Dizdar said concerns over crowd control at Canterbury Park Racecourse, along with exam centres at Randwick and Sydney Olympic Park, meant tests scheduled for the weekend had been postponed.

“Testing will go ahead as planned at the other 104 testing sites across the state,’’ he said.

“I want parents and carers to know that we are committed to rectifying this situation.

“The department will be in direct contact with a range of options for make up tests.”

The department website states opportunity classes are for high potential and gifted students in years 5 and 6.

“Parents apply when students are at the end of year 3 or the beginning of year 4 for placement in year 5,’’ it states.

“It is a two-year program (year 5 to 6). Parents cannot apply for year 6 placement only.’’

Originally published as Canterbury: NSW Police called to control crowd of parents at children’s exam sitting