Demand for dance in schools
All children in Scotland should have access to dance teaching in school, a report by the Federation of Scottish Theatre recommended this week. Dance in Scotland found that, while there was currently no Standard grade examination in dance in Scotland and 50 per cent of children did not take part in dance between P6 and S2, 84 per cent of girls and 38 per cent of boys would like to do dance in school.
Brands support careers scheme
A scheme to improve job prospects for school leavers in Edinburgh has been endorsed by blue chip giants, including JP Morgan, Microsoft and the Royal Bank of Scotland. Edinburgh Guarantee, led by Edinburgh City Council, aims to increase the number of jobs, education and training opportunities by creating 50 new apprenticeships and providing training support for a further 80 school leavers. Twenty of these places will be for youngsters who have been in long-term social care.
MSP spat reveals knife figures
More than 450 young people under the age of 18 were bailed for knife crime offences last year, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has said. He released the information in response to a parliamentary question from Labour MSP Siobhan McMahon, who accused Mr MacAskill of taking an obstructive and complacent approach to knife crime by publishing only partial information. Mr MacAskill said figures of how many youngsters were charged with knife crime across Scotland were not held centrally.
SYP backs same-sex marriage
A campaign to urge the Scottish Government to give same-sex couples the right to get married was launched by the Scottish Youth Parliament this week. To promote its message, the SYP has developed promotional materials, including LOVE-branded red silicon wedding rings. It will be hosting a series of events, including national festivals, street campaign activities and meetings with politicians.
MBE heads West Lothian council
Moira Niven has succeeded Gordon Ford as deputy chief executive of West Lothian Council. Ms Niven, previously the council’s head of service - schools with education support, will lead education, planning and area services. She has over 34 years’ experience, having begun her teaching career at Edinburgh’s James Gillespie’s High in 1977. Ms Niven was awarded an MBE for services to education in 2010.
