(Photograph) - Changing attitudes in the pupil support base at Trinity Academy in Edinburgh, chosen to launch HMI’s report on indiscipline. With a roll of 1,000, unauthorised absenteeism last year running at 2.5 per cent and 13 per cent of pupils entitled to free meals, it is as close to the typical Scottish secondary as there could be.
Agnes MacKenzie, head of pupil support, emphasises that the pupil base is for all pupils who need support, not just those who are disruptive. “We are careful not to see this as a ‘sin bin’ because it is important that some see others doing good work,” Ms MacKenzie said. “It’s not healthy to group the same kind of youngsters together.”
She added: “It all comes down to the bread and butter issue: the relationship between pupil and teacher in the class.”
