Teams of federation representatives will be knocking on doors, walking the central business district and manning stands at shopping centres.

NSW Teachers Federation deputy president Gary Zadkovich said signatures will be collected throughout the weekend and during the next two weeks.

“The petitions are aimed at people who want to have their say on Dubbo College but don’t want to lodge a full submission as part of the ongoing inquiry process,’’ Mr Zadkovich said.

“Arrangements have been made to present completed petitions to Independent Member for Dubbo Dawn Fardell.’’

Mr Zadkovich was in Dubbo yesterday to meet with local public school teachers.

He said Department of Education management was “disinclined” to brook any criticism of Dubbo College.

“The federation continually receives concerns and complaints that the split-campus system is not working but anyone raising issues are howled down.

“Teachers are told ‘keep your place - management knows best’.

“As a result, an unfortunate culture of conflict has been created in Dubbo. It is not something the federation experiences elsewhere in the State.’’

Mr Zadkovich said the fad of collegiate secondary education erupted in the late 1990s.

“The idea was pushed by people determined to pursue their careers,’’ he said.

“Dubbo High School buildings urgently needed to be replaced but funding was not available. Repeated requests for a new Year 7 to 12 school resulted in funding blackmail. Dubbo was told money would only be made available for a collegiate split-campus secondary education model.

“The system has not worked but this is not acknowledged by the Department of Education and others who continue to ignore data on HSC results and student retention rates.’’

The department was asked to comment on statements made by Mr Zadkovich.