Royal rewards for Scottish educators
The Queen has honoured a number of Scots in her Birthday Honours list for their work with children and young people. The Rev Norman Drummond, founder of youth charity Columba 1400, was appointed CBE, while Heather Dunk, principal of Ayrshire College, and Glasgow Clyde College’s Susan Walsh were both appointed OBE. Among the numerous educators appointed MBE was Suzann Barr, learning coordinator at Abriachan Forest School, who was recognised for her services to vulnerable children in the Highlands. Ian Hart, chair of the Children’s Panel Chairmen’s Group, and Albert Henderson, Inverclyde Council’s former director for education and communities, also received the accolade.
Figures reveal more schools hitting PE targets
Nine out of 10 school-leavers go on to work, further education or training, according to new statistics published by the Scottish government this week. The figures also show that only 1.5 per cent of students now leave school without the equivalent of a Standard Grade Foundation or Access Level 3. In addition, the statistics reveal that the number of schools meeting the target of two hours or periods of PE per week increased significantly between 2013 and 2014, from 85 per cent to 96 per cent.
Plaudits for student-run school magazine
A magazine edited by independent-school students has picked up four prestigious awards. The Galley, a magazine created by students at the Dollar Academy in Clackmannanshire, triumphed in four of 13 categories at the Scottish School Media Awards in Edinburgh last Friday. The publication was recognised as Scottish School Magazine of the Year, as well as taking the prizes for best cover, best design and best editorial. The award for outstanding pupil, sponsored by TESS, went to Robert Guthrie of Wallace Hall Academy in Dumfriesshire. The newspaper of the year was Am Paipear Gaidhealach from The Glasgow Gaelic School, while Larbert High’s Larbert Link was judged to be the winning newsletter.
Back to Bannockburn for bloodthirsty pupils
A Scottish school is being transformed into a medieval war zone next week as pupils take part in a re-enactment of the Battle of Bannockburn. The 200 students and their teachers at Lathallan School in Johnshaven will mark the 700th anniversary of the historic conflict with choreographed reconstructions of defining moments in the infamous battle between the Scots and the English, including the grisly defeat of English knight Henry de Bohun by the Scottish king, Robert the Bruce. Pupils will be dressed in authentic costumes and carrying weaponry that they have created themselves. Demonstrations of weaving and jewellery-making will also be given.
Extra funding announced for vulnerable families
Thousands of Scotland’s most disadvantaged children and their families are set to benefit from pound;15 million of extra funding over the next year. The government announced this week that pound;10 million will be given to charity projects aimed at improving educational opportunities for young people and parenting skills for their mothers and fathers. The remaining pound;5 million will be allocated to public sector schemes that better the life chances of young people.
