Independence votes for teens
The EIS, Scotland’s largest teaching union, has called for all 16- and 17- year-olds to have a vote in the Scottish independence referendum and all future elections. General secretary Larry Flanagan said: “Extending the franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds will help to foster active citizenship by giving young people a greater say in the decisions that will affect them now and in the future.”
Student Loans chief steps down
The chief executive of the Student Loans Company, who attracted controversy over his tax arrangements, is to stand down. The publicly funded body said Ed Lester will leave his pound;182,000 post when his contract expires early next year. Until February, Mr Lester received his pay package without deductions for tax or national insurance. An outcry over the arrangements led to a review of public sector pay, which identified more than 2,400 cases of public sector staff being employed under similar arrangements.
Religious awards for volunteers
The Catholic Church in Scotland has introduced the Pope Benedict XVI Caritas Award to commemorate the Pope’s visit to Scotland in 2010. The 450 recipients will receive the award tomorrow for volunteering time in their school and faith communities, offering practical support to others and demonstrating that these actions are inspired by their faith. Posthumous awards will be presented to two pupils.
Boy in court over murder
A 14-year-old boy appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court last week in connection with the death of Euan Craig (pictured), also 14, following an incident at Rosshall Academy in Glasgow. Head Alison Mitchell said: “The whole school community obviously feels a deep sense of grief and our thoughts are with his family at this devastating time. We are doing everything that we can to support all of our young people and staff.”
Heads together in Edinburgh
The Association of Headteachers and Deputes in Scotland is hosting the biannual European School Heads Association conference in Edinburgh this year. The Scottish government has given a grant of pound;20,000 to boost attendance of Scottish leaders from pre-five, primary, secondary and college sectors: early bookers for the 29-31 October event will receive a discount of a third, reducing the cost from pound;425 to pound;282.
