New guidance on equality
- Schools preventing a pregnant pupil from taking part in practical science because of health and safety fears could be guilty of discrimination, according to guidance published last week by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Schools Technical Guidance outlines the requirements under the Equality Act 2010 and explains how those working in schools can create an environment in which pupils of all backgrounds and abilities are able to learn and progress. www.equalityhumanrights.com
Statistics on life after university
- Scottish university graduates are more likely to get better jobs than graduates from other parts of the UK, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency. Figures published last week showed that 69 per cent of Scottish university graduates in employment had secured professional occupations within six months, compared with 64 per cent UK-wide. They also commanded slightly higher salaries - #163;21,000 compared with #163;22,000. Meanwhile, 90 per cent were found to be in positive destinations, compared with 86 per cent.
Voting rights in the referendum
- A bill that will give every 16- and 17-year-old the right to vote in next year’s independence referendum was passed last week by the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Bill will ensure that everyone aged 16 and over will be able to participate in the historic vote. Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Young people have the greatest stake in this country’s future and I am very proud that the parliament has given them the right to vote on 18 September 2014.”
Outstanding German teacher
- A Scottish teacher has been named German teacher of the year at a special ceremony in the German Embassy in London. Robbie Kirk, a modern languages teacher at South Ayrshire’s Carrick Academy in Maybole, was presented with the Peter Boaks Award for German Teacher of the Year after being nominated by his principal teacher. As well as being presented with a framed certificate to mark the occasion, Mr Kirk was awarded a scholarship in Germany with the Goethe-Institut.
