Curriculum review to cost pound;170K
A review of the Curriculum for Excellence being carried out by a group of international experts will set the government back pound;172,000. TESS discovered the cost of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development review, due to be published in December, through a Freedom of Information request. The figure was “reasonable”, according to Mark Priestley, an expert in curriculum change and deputy head of the University of Stirling’s School of Education. But more research was needed into CfE, he said, adding: “This research is basically a high-level audit of processes, purposes, strategy, and still leaves open the need for more research in this area - particularly work in schools about the forms the practised curriculum is taking and impact on students.”
Lottery grant kick-starts peer-mediation scheme
A Scotland-wide programme was launched this week to support peer-mediation initiatives established in schools. The Scottish Mediation Network has received pound;50,000 from the Young Start programme at the Big Lottery Fund. The money will be used to help schools train pupils in resolving disputes. The new scheme, Young Talk, will offer CPD to teachers and encourage students to share experiences. Coordinator Roxan Nazifishirayi said peer mediation often “falls by the wayside.not because of a lack of enthusiasm or belief that it works but because of time and financial constraints”. Find out more at www.scottishmediation.org.uk
Good governance guide launched for college sector
More than 100 representatives from Scotland’s college boards met this week in Edinburgh at the launch of guidance to support them in meeting their responsibilities. Education secretary Angela Constance unveiled the Guide for Board Members in the College Sector, which was compiled by Colleges Scotland’s good governance group. With board members having responsibility for the planning and delivery of learning, as well as value for money, the document would help to ensure that colleges were governed “effectively”, Ms Constance said.
Sight-loss charity issues advice for families
RNIB Scotland has launched a comprehensive guide for the families of blind children, including information on the support they can expect from schools. The sight-loss charity recently said too many of the 3,000 children and young people in Scotland with significant sight loss were failing to thrive in school. The 40-page document, Sharing Your Journey, offers advice and information on early years education through school and into adulthood (bit.lySharingYourJourney). Topics include helping parents to come to terms with a child’s sight loss, support in schools and making the transition to employment or further education. Dominic Everett, the charity’s education and family services manager, who is registered blind, said: “It is extremely important for families to know and understand how to effectively support their child at the earliest stage of development.”
Careers advice that’s all sewn up
A one-day festival promoting the textile industry to young people will be held at Dumfries House in Ayrshire next week. The Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant and designer Louise Gray will be among those sharing their knowledge at A Stitch in Time on 25 June. The event is part of Future Textiles, a programme initiated at the stately home by Prince Charles in collaboration with Glasgow Clyde and Ayrshire colleges. About 300 pupils are already expected to attend, but places for teachers and secondary pupils are still available (RSVP to leanne@catwalkproductions.com).
