Arrests made in Adam Smith College case
Police have made a number of arrests in connection with the ongoing investigation into alleged fraud at the former Adam Smith College in Fife. As TESS went to press, it was unclear how many people had been arrested or who they were, but Det Ch Insp Gordon Crossan said that further details would be available “in due course” when a report was submitted to the procurator fiscal. Police began their enquiries last year after a series of investigations had been made into the finances of the college, which reportedly led to it repaying #163;5.5 million in EU funding. Adam Smith College merged with Carnegie College, incorporating some provision of the former Elmwood College, to form Fife College in August 2013.
Women desert part-time learning
A sharp fall in the number of women studying part-time at further education colleges has prompted the Scottish Conservatives to express concerns about discrimination. Six years ago, almost 182,000 women were studying part-time courses but that number fell to about 102,000 in 2011-12. In the same period, the number of women on full-time courses increased from approximately 37,000 to 43,000. The Scottish government said there had been an increased focus on courses that would improve employability and a move away from very short courses and courses for leisure. Scottish Conservatives’ education spokeswoman Mary Scanlon said: “This approach discriminates against those who want to change career but cannot afford to revert to being a full-time student.”
UWS appoints new head of education school
The University of the West of Scotland has named the new head of its school of education. Donald Gillies, who takes up the post on 3 February, started his career as an English teacher in Glasgow in 1984. He joins UWS from York St John University, where he is professor of education policy.
Oh, yes it does: pantomime aids political studies
A six-part television sitcom from BBC Scotland will use pantomime to stimulate political debate among students in upper primary and lower secondary in the run-up to the independence referendum. Pantocracy was directed by Still Game producer Michael Hines and its writers include comedian Sanjeev Kohli. Jim Beattie, who teaches modern studies at West Dunbartonshire’s Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School, said: “It was about getting the kids motivated for the referendum.”
Glasgow aims to get students saving
All S1 students in Glasgow will be given an account with a community credit union in an attempt to curb the rise of pay-day lenders. The Future Savers scheme, launched by Glasgow City Council last week, is the first of its kind in the UK. Under the initiative, the council will open savings accounts for students with initial deposits of #163;10. It said this would “ensure that every young person in the city has access to a dependable, responsible option for savings and money advice”.
Orkney education stalwart retires
Scotland’s longest-serving education director is to retire in May. Orkney’s Leslie Manson, who is executive director of education, leisure and housing, took up the council’s most senior education job in 1998. He was appointed MBE in 2013 for services to Scottish education and the Orkney community. Chief executive Alistair Buchan said: “Leslie has been a loyal and dedicated servant of the council in a period of service which these days can only be described as outstanding.”
