The education service in Angus is the latest to win plaudits from the inspectorate five out of seven areas of performance rated very good and the remaining two as good. It is said to have “a clear capacity for improvement”, but HMIE want to see attainment raised further, ensure there is more consistency in the quality of teaching and learning across schools and implement fully the introduction of vocational courses in secondary schools.
The new anti-bullying service in Scotland, respectme, launched its first national awareness-raising campaign on Monday. “It’s Never Acceptable” reinforces the message that bullying can never be justified and is not a normal part of growing up. The key slogan is that young people “must respect each other, respect difference and respect diversity”.
The General Teaching Council for Scotland has issued a new information leaflet on how to select mentors for probationer teachers. Ron Clarke, GTC Scotland’s professional officer for probation, said the aim was to develop consistency in the way mentors were selected and, therefore, in the way probationers were supported.
One of the UK’s leading childcare charities, the Daycare Trust, has issued a warning not to place too much store by the research findings of academics at Durham University on the alleged failure of government investment in the early years to improve educational performance. The trust said the study was a snapshot of children at a particular point in their development, and contrasts with other research which showed the value of high-quality nursery education.
The Headteachers’ Association of Scotland, which represents secondary heads, is looking for a new general secretary; the present incumbent, Bill McGregor, retires next August. His departure coincides with another search for a new name. It is seeking suggestions, among the options being School Leaders Scotland and variations on the theme which underlines the point that the HAS membership is no longer exclusively made up of headteachers.
Formal driver education could be introduced in Scottish secondary schools. The rising number of road deaths involving young drivers will be the focus of a high-profile event next week, where improved driver education is one of several ideas to be considered. The Young Driver Strategy Summit, organised by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, will be held at Tayside Police headquarters on September 6.
