Claim flawed figures used to support closures

The Herald

- A council at the centre of a controversial series of primary school closures has been accused of using flawed figures to support the proposals. The SNP claimed Labour-led East Dunbartonshire Council had overestimated the value of land it could sell as part of the #163;67 million plan. Refurbishing schools also needed to be considered, the party argued.

Bones of a book deal for Jake, 11

Scotland on Sunday

- A Scottish schoolboy who has amassed a collection of 1,500 bones has been offered a “substantial” worldwide book deal to write about his archaeological adventures. Jake McGowan-Lowe, 11, has already made a name for himself through his exploits finding animal remains in the countryside near his Perthshire home.

Fight to save geology in Scots schools

Sunday Herald

- Scientists, students and teachers are fighting to save geology in Scottish high schools. Education secretary Michael Russell is facing mounting pressure to reverse a decision to abandon Higher geology qualifications in 2015. Ironically, geology as a science was founded in Scotland.

Bagpipes hit right note with schools

Sunday Express

- Soaring numbers of state pupils are choosing to learn to play the bagpipes, according to a leading pipe major. David Johnston, organiser of the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championship, revealed that more than half of the contestants in the inaugural competition this month are from mainstream schools where until recently piping had almost “died out”.

Headmaster quits over taunt shame

Daily Record

- A headmaster has resigned after insulting a teacher in a retirement message. Mark Dunning called English and French master Roger Clark a “wanker” by using the first letter of six words in a sentence. Mr Dunning, 50, wrote on the website of Orley Farm School in Harrow, London: “We all now know every really great teacher has to finish one day and Mr Clark will do so at the end of this term.”