Rise in uptake of religious subjects
- Secularism is on the rise but this week the Church of Scotland welcomed news that more pupils are sitting exams in religious subjects. Entries for Higher religious, moral and philosophical studies hit 4,136 this year, up from 4,053 last year. Meanwhile, there were 33 more entries for the religious studies Standard grade. The Scottish Qualifications Authority’s award in religion, belief and values also had significant uptake in its first year, according to the Church’s moderator.
Student project a hit with NHS
- A book created by S6 students from Greenwood Academy and Stanecastle School in North Ayrshire has sold almost 200 copies and been endorsed by the NHS. Ollie’s Tails teaches children about health and well-being issues, including road safety and healthy eating. The initial order of 100 books sold out within four days. An interactive iBook version has also been created.
Edinburgh Book fest for children
- Tomorrow marks the beginning of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, with the schools programme due to start on 19 August. As well as continuing professional development events for teachers, the programme gives pupils the chance to meet their favourite authors and explore books and reading. For younger pupils, the emphasis is on events with opportunities to join in. For older students, there is a plethora of grittier subjects. www.edbookfest.co.uk
Tennis champ mum: ‘Get active’
- Judy Murray, the mother of Wimbledon champion Andy, has urged parents to take an active role in their children’s physical development. Ms Murray made her comments on Wednesday to mark the national Playday, when events took place across the country designed to instil a love of activity in young people. In the school year 2010-11, more than a fifth of P1 pupils in Scotland were classified as overweight.
Historic reading and writing kits
- Archaeology Scotland has created four new writing and storytelling kits for teachers. The first storytelling kit contains four objects, each with its own story and pictures of how it was made, found and used; a medieval writing kit allows learners to create their own Gothic calligraphy; a Roman writing kit contains wax tablets and wooden styluses; and a fourth kit explores historic stationery. They are all available to borrow. www.archaeology scotland.org.uk.
