Music tuition charges likely
Orkney looks likely to introduce charges for instrumental music tuition from next April. The islands’ pupils, a high proportion of whom join the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland, would pay a maximum of pound;120 annually for a minimum 30 lessons, with exemptions for those just starting tuition and looked-after children. A council survey found that 60 per cent of respondents thought charges would dissuade people from taking up an instrument.
`Hub’ school work underway
Building work has started on what is described as Scotland’s first “hub” school. The East Lothian site, which will house Haddington Infant School and St Mary’s Primary, is due for completion next October. It will be the first such school brought about by the Scottish Futures Trust, the body set up by the Scottish Government to get better value from building projects.
College taps into oil and energy
Edinburgh’s Jewel and Esk College is opening a centre of excellence in “engineering and clean technology” to create 1,000 apprenticeships in the energy, oil and gas sector. It is driven by Professor Steve Tinsley, who recently joined the college as innovation and enterprise director. He has over 15 years’ experience in the energy sector.
Sex charges not proven
Charges against a craft and design teacher of having sex and engaging in lewd, indecent and libidinous practices with a pupil under 18 have been found not proven. One charge against Martin Grant was proven: that on various occasions he texted the pupil at Annan Academy in Dumfries and Galloway, despite being told not to contact her. The General Teaching Council for Scotland has ruled that Mr Grant should not take any teaching role concerned principally with pupils’ social or emotional well-being for five years.
Rise in youth unemployment
Youth unemployment has increased in Scotland: all 30 local authorities included in analysis by the Trades Union Congress saw unemployment rise among 18 to 24-year-olds from 2010-11. North Ayrshire and Clackmannanshire have the highest rate. East Ayrshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, Inverclyde, South Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and Falkirk have more than one in 10 unemployed.
