Student walkout hits Surrey high school

Hundreds of students at South Surrey's Earl Marriott Secondary say chronic overcrowding at the school prompted a walkout and rally Tuesday.

Students spilled out of classrooms at about 2 p.m. PT, carrying signs and chanting for more space.

The demonstration was sparked by a recent decision to extend their timetable schedule to accommodate more students.

The school's websitesaysit has 1,860 students, although one parent told CBC News the actual number is about 1,975 and is over capacity by about 300 students.

Grade 9 student Steven Derro said that walking through the hallways is harder and lunchtimes have become more difficult.

"If you have an hour and a half break, they don't want you inside the school. You have to go away," said Derro.

Eight portables have been set up to try to deal with the overflow, but school officials said they're an expensive investment and the school cannot afford to put in more.

The officials also are considering staggering student attendance through the day, but the students said that's not a solution.

Surrey is one of the fastest-growing cities in the province, with up to 1,000 people per month moving into the city -- and 30 per cent of them are under the age of 19.