A week in primary: 16 December 2016

16th December 2016, 12:00am
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A week in primary: 16 December 2016

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archived/week-primary-16-december-2016

Primary class sizes continue to inch upwards, new government figures show. The average class size has increased marginally to 23.5, up from 23.4 last year and 22.5 in 2010. The P1-3 average, however, has remained steady since last year, at 23.3. Bringing in smaller class sizes was a key SNP pledge for many years, but that has been quietly sidelined in recent times. Meanwhile, the number of full-time teachers has increased by 253 to 50,970 - although a rise of 495 primary teachers was tempered by a fall of 102 in secondary. The pupil-teacher ratio remained at 13.7 for the third year in a row. To find more of the latest government education statistics click here.

Thousands of primary pupils will perform an opera based on one of Robert Burns’ most iconic poems. Scottish Opera’s annual primary schools tour starts in January with The Tale o’ Tam o’ Shanter, a show created to introduce P5-7s to the works of Scotland’s bard. A team of performers and arts education specialists will spend a day helping pupils prepare for a choreographed, fully-costumed performance for family and friends.

Nominations have opened for the 2017 Scottish Education Awards. There are 17 categories, covering contributions not only from teachers, but also from parents and community organisations. Education Scotland’s Alan Armstrong encouraged “all those involved in education” to make nominations for the awards. Last year’s Teacher of the Year was Danielle Timmons, of St Vincent Primary School in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire. Nominations will be taken until 15 February at scottisheducationawards.co.uk

Schools across Lanarkshire will be invaded by baby hippos as part of an ambitious education project. The BIG Stampede, a sprawling art trail, will involve more than 80 schools and nurseries. Sculptures of elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos and rhinos will appear in Hamilton next summer to raise funds for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. Schools will receive education resources spanning numeracy, literacy, art, conservation and the environment.

@Henry_Hepburn

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