Policy to beat the bullies
All incidents of bullying will be investigated within three days of being reported, East Renfrewshire Council has said. The authority has also appointed a member of staff in each school, usually the equality coordinator, to be responsible for recording and reporting all bullying incidents. The strengthened policy is aimed at improving the way schools deal with the problem and ensuring that all pupils can learn in a safe environment.
`Supercampus’ takes off
Scotland’s largest college will create a new “supercampus” in Glasgow after pound;200m in funding was approved. City of Glasgow College was formed last year through the merger of Central, Metropolitan and Nautical colleges. The new campus, for more than 40,000 students and 1,200 staff, will be based around the existing Cathedral Street and Thistle Street sites. The Scottish Funding Council is contributing pound;193 million, with pound;5.67m coming from the college.
Students’ dismay over fees support
Student leaders voiced disappointment after the Scottish Parliament’s Education Committee voted in favour of proposals for rest-of-UK tuition fees. The committee has backed the Scottish Government’s plan to introduce RUK fees in Scotland from 2013-14 onwards. Robin Parker, NUS Scotland president, said the union would continue fighting against a regime giving Scotland “not just the most expensive degrees in the UK, but the three most expensive universities”.
Triumphs over adversity
Excellence in equality, fair trade and international work were all recognised at Scotland’s Colleges Annual Awards. Forth Valley College won the Learner Engagement prize after achieving Fairtrade status. The Public Value Award went to Kilmarnock College for its Hope, Inspiration and Vision in Education programme, which provides learning space for staff to help young people with individual challenges.
Teen spirit wins St Andrew’s Day award
A teenager who plucked two young children to safety from a pond last year was among three recipients of a national bravery award. Aaron Love, then of Tynecastle High, Edinburgh, was cycling near his Livingston home when he saw the youngsters in trouble and plunged into the water to rescue the brother and sister. Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon presented Aaron, 16, with a St Andrew’s Award medal.
