First aid issues

PSHE

- First aid training should be mandatory for Scottish pupils, according to a firm that provides it. Aid Training surveyed 1,500 pupils and found seven in 10 would not know how to help in an emergency. First aid is mandatory for pupils in Wales and Northern Ireland, but in England and Scotland it is only an option within the curriculum.

www.aid-training.co.uk

A cut above

Vocational

- Edinburgh’s Pilrig Park School has opened a hairdressing training salon. Ellen Muir, head of the special secondary, said: “Salon skills are hugely popular and we’ve had interest from learners at other city schools.”

Hairdressing is one of many options open to Pilrig pupils, including various trades and, next year, a cafe teaching skills within a small business.