Our universities prove popular
- Scottish universities are experiencing large increases in applications from England and Northern Ireland, despite students from other parts of the UK facing fees of up to #163;9,000. Admissions body Ucas shows applications from England rising by 14.7 per cent (24,519 to 28,133); from Northern Ireland up 17.3 per cent (5,128 to 6,014); and from within Scotland up 2.1 per cent, to 39,358.
TESS reporters impress judges
- TESS enjoyed success at the UK-wide CIPR Education Journalism Awards, at the House of Commons. Reporters Julia Belgutay and Henry Hepburn were runners-up for, respectively, Outstanding FE Journalism and Outstanding School Journalism. Judges praised Julia, who submitted a piece on college-sector reform, for “a thoroughly researched and well-constructed article on a subject that has received little coverage”. Henry submitted an article on girls’ physical inactivity; judges praised a “skilful use of sources and engaging style (that) puts together a compelling case for change”.
Working group on child exploitation
- Scotland’s first national working group on child exploitation has been announced by Aileen Campbell, minister for children and young people. The group, whose membership has yet to be determined, will report by the end of the year after considering a range of issues, including what makes some children more vulnerable than others. Lessons had to be learned from elsewhere in the UK, the minister said.
GTCS recognition for creative staff
- Teachers who brought the Year of Creative Scotland into classrooms have been awarded “professional recognition” by the GTCS, at a joint ceremony with Creative Scotland and Education Scotland. Professional recognition gives teachers credit for focusing CPD on particular areas of interest, using their expertise in the classroom, and sharing knowledge with colleagues. Some 24 teachers received the award, for work in a variety of areas.
Marjon appoints its new chief
- The University of Edinburgh’s Cara Aitchison has been appointed the first vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of St Mark and St John (Marjon), in Plymouth. Professor Aitchison is currently head of Moray House school of education and chair in social and environmental justice, and one of the world’s leading scholars in leisure and tourism.
