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19 May 08 Walk to School week is from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd May 2008. This year's theme will link with Noise Action Week, by exploring the links between noise and walking to school. Over 74 schools in the Highlands are actively taking part in walk to school week, and Edderton and Bonar Bridge Primaries are running a pedometer competition. Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: "The school run has a significant impact on rush-hour traffic. Parents are being encouraged to walk to school with their young children as often as possible during the week and beyond. If the journey is too far to walk, then the message is, drive part way and walk the rest - keep the school gate area clear of traffic." Traditionally, it is a one-week campaign to raise awareness of the problem. It is co-ordinated nationally by TravelWise and Living Streets, and locally by The Highland Council's Road Safety Unit with TEC Services. Councillor John Laing, Chairman of The Highland Council's TEC Services committee said: "The Highland Council through its programme for Administration is committed to encouraging increased healthy and environmental options in school travel and thus increasing the number of children walking and cycling to school. Walk to School Week is a key point in our annual road safety calendar. It is vital to promote road safety issues and drive the message home that we are all responsible for the health and safety of our young people whether we are a parent; driver; pedestrian or pupil we must all teach and learn how to encourage walking to and from school safely." The link to noise explores noise pollution of vehicles on the school run but also addresses the issue of ~good~ and ~bad~ noises for children walking to school. ~Good~ noises could be for example, being alert to the siren of an emergency vehicle approaching; while ~bad~ noises could be from MP3 players and mobile phones which distract people from the other road traffic noise that they should listening to for their own safety. According to a National Travel Survey by the Department for Transport in 2006, the proportion of primary school children walking has dropped from 61% in 1994 to 52% today. Forty-one percent of primary school children are now being driven to school.
21 April 08 26
March 08 Speaking at teaching union NASUWT’s annual conference in Birmingham, Ed Balls announced that he had asked the ‘cyberbullying’ taskforce, which is Chaired Kevin Brennan MP, to report to him by July on what can be done to promote head teachers’ existing powers and help eradicate the growing phenomenon. Cyberbullying is abuse that uses mobile phones, social networking sites or other technology to deliver its message. Such incidents include upsetting emails, unwelcome text messages, silent phone calls and the malicious use of websites and internet chat rooms. A survey conducted last year by Teacher Support Network and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers revealed that 17 per cent of respondents had experienced this type of bullying. Only eight percent of those questioned said that they knew the school had a code of conduct relating to cyberbullying, with 19 percent of this group saying it was ineffectively enforced. Patrick Nash, Chief Executive of Teacher Support Network, said: “We’re pleased that the campaign work the teaching unions and Teacher Support Network have done recently has caught the government’s attention. “We know from helping thousands of teachers through our free support services that this kind of bullying can have a devastating effect on a teacher’s wellbeing and ability to teach, which can cause serious ramifications for the education of his or her pupils. While we can help individuals cope with their circumstances, we need schools, local authorities and national government to tackle the climate that allows such abuse to occur. “We look forward to the report and hope that it will result in serious action from the DCSF.” 18
March 08 The Council's Education, Culture and Sport Service is holding a conference for Highland's parents titled 'Journey to Participation'. The event takes place on Saturday 12th April at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness from 10am to 3.30pm. Topics of discussion on
the day will cover: Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: "Parental involvement in the future partnership between Parent Councils, Schools and the Education, Culture and Sport Service is vital to our children's learning. I hope that by bringing parents together from all over the Highlands we will gain a better understanding of what parents want to see in the future for the education and well-being of their children as well as how schools can best serve their areas." Parent Council members throughout the Highlands have been invited by the Council to attend the conference. The deadline for applications to attend is Monday 31st March, 2008. Anyone who is a Parent Council member that wishes to attend should contact Jackie MacKenzie at The Highland Council on 01463 702074 or email: Jackie.mackenzie@highland.gov.uk 10
March 08 Confirming that the Schools of Ambition scheme is to be supported with £11.5m over the next three years, Ms Hyslop said: "We are committed to improving the education of every single child in Scotland. "Children come to school from a wide variety of backgrounds and they all deserve the best possible education to meet their individual needs and achieve their potential. "We need to spread excellence across the whole school system. That way, lessons learned from the Schools of Ambition project can be put into practice across all schools so that all schools can be schools of ambition. "I want to make our position clear. We are continuing to fund the 52 schools currently in the scheme - to the tune of £11.5 million in the current spending review period. This is record funding for the project - an increase of almost £1 million from the previous administration." Ewan Hunter of the Hunter Foundation said: "Having spoken to Fiona Hyslop, we're reassured the Government's plan to accelerate and expand the best practice from Schools of Ambition right across the system means we and they are getting the best from our respective investments. We look forward to working with the Government to announce the detail of what that best practice is, and how it will be embedded across the system. "We remain keen to continue to work with the Government to support their wider efforts on education reform. And we're clear we're both working to the same agenda - improving positive, sustained outcomes for all children in Scottish schools." Ms Hyslop continued: "We are monitoring these schools' progress continuously and drawing out key learning that can be used by other schools in raising ambitions across Scotland. This process will begin at two national conferences being planned for June. "We want every child to be able to benefit from the best possible education." Under the Schools of Ambition programme, schools are supported through a three-year transformational programme, each receiving around £300,000 funding and additional support and challenge throughout. The schools are a mix of already high performing schools wanting to reach even higher, those that need to improve after poor inspection reports, and those that recognise they can move their performance up several gears. Participating schools are encouraged and supported to share emerging learning with their immediate colleagues and are committed to sharing with the wider community. A series of conferences, seminars and publications will be used to promote the lessons learned. Schools of Ambition website: www.schoolsofambition.org.uk
3 February 08 Signing up with Breathing Places Schools is a great way to do your bit for biodiversity in your area while getting pupils excited about the plants and animals around them.
Interested teachers can sign up at
bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces.
Breathing Places is a major BBC Learning campaign to inspire and motivate people to create and care for nature-friendly green spaces where they live.
3 December 07 Drivers travelling near Wick High should be aware that the 20mph part time speed limit applies on school days from: 8.40am to 9.00am; 12.45 to 1.30pm; and 3.30am to 3.45pm. This brings the total number of schools in Caithness operating with 20mph speed limits to 9 out of 20 and the overall total in Highland to 127. Motorists are reminded that if they speed in the vicinity of Highland schools then the penalties will be tough. The Highland Council, Northern Constabulary and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (Highlands and Islands Area) are clear that if motorists are caught speeding near Highland schools where a 20mph limit is in place, then robust enforcement action will be taken by both the Police and the Procurator Fiscal Service.
4 November 07 Space School is designed to increase participation and motivation of school students in science and technology and to help young people to understand how the subjects apply to real career choices. The successful candidates, from Dingwall Academy, Elgin Academy (2), Fortrose Academy(2), Glen Urquhart High, Kingussie High, Lochaber High, Wick High School and Lomond School, are all students of Careers Scotland Space School, a world-leading programme managed by Careers Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government and NASA. 52 pupils from schools across Scotland have been selected from around 3,000 to attend one of two Space Schools in January and September in 2008. The students have all successfully completed a programme of distance learning developed by Careers Scotland in conjunction with NASA scientists. The programme is designed to supplement studies in Higher Grade Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Maths and Space School aims to further develop the young people's skills and knowledge in science, technology and enterprise. The students will spend ten days involved in a full timetable of space related learning activities including lectures and group work with NASA space cadets, astronauts and scientists. They will have the opportunity to visit the space shuttle, NASA laboratories and get a behind the scenes view of the world of space exploration. A further 45 pupils from across Highlands and Islands have been given the opportunity to attend a week long residential summer school either at Edinburgh University or one run jointly between Strathclyde and Glasgow Universities. Members of the NASA team will travel to Scotland to be involved with the Glasgow and Edinburgh summer schools, the content of which is similar to that of the Houston model. Alex Blackwood, of Careers Scotland, said, "Space School is a unique programme for young people that gives them an extraordinary insight into the world of science and education and a taste of the diverse career opportunities available to them. Not only will the young people develop their skills in science and technology but they will also increase their confidence, motivation and self-belief. "It is frequently described as a life changing experience and early indications suggest that the Space School is making a difference to the levels of interest in and the uptake of science among young people in Scotland. In fact more than 80 per cent of participants of the Space School have now gone on, or intend to go on, to study science, technology, engineering and maths at university. "We look forward to the 52 successful pupils from across Scotland, joining us at Careers Scotland Space School next year."
29 October
07 Just over 2000 pupils received a “Highland School Meals Welcome Pack” to take home and results have shown that 50% of Primary 1 pupils are now taking a school lunch which is an increase of 20% from this time last year. The Welcome Pack included
Sharon Cameron, Highland Council’s Food Services Co-ordinator said: “School meals in Highland offer young people the opportunity to have a variety of freshly cooked and tasty meals at lunchtime which provide one third of their daily nutritional requirements. Our menus are healthy and nutritious; we consult pupils through their School Nutrition Action Group (SNAG) or Pupil Council about the choices we offer, menus are seasonal using fresh ingredients, and sourced locally wherever possible. “As part of the Scottish Governments drive to improve the health and social well being of children in Scotland, Hungry for Success was established to revitalise the school meals service and set nutritional standards for school lunches . The council comply with these standards by sourcing ingredients which are lower in fat, salt and sugar and by providing a choice of fresh fruit and vegetables, including salad, every day. As part of the councils School Food, Nutrition & Health Policy, guidance is given to parents and carers of children who require special diets. “Pupils are encouraged to sit down together with their friends and have an enjoyable lunch time experience. A well fed child is much more likely to learn and concentrate. What more could any parent or guardian want for their child?” Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: “The results of the free meal voucher pilot are encouraging but I would still urge parents and carers of all Highland pupils, not just primary ones, to take up school meals and join the 15,000 already enjoying them every day. Improving healthy eating is a key aim of the Council’s administration that we are committed to. Having healthy well-fed children will also help to raise levels of attainment in literacy and numeracy among our pupils. “I know that for many working parents, school meals save them a lot of time and trouble. It is much easier to just write out a cheque every week and not to have to bother shopping for and making up sandwiches and filling lunch boxes every morning when they are trying to get to school on time. They can also be happy in the knowledge that school meals are healthy for their children and setting a life long example of healthy eating and healthy choices.” Families who receive income support, job seekers allowance, child tax credit or support under part iv of immigration & asylum act may be entitled to free school meals for their children. Each year, a letter is sent home with every Highland pupil from the Director of Education, Culture and Sport encouraging parents / carers who are entitled to free school meals for their children to claim them. 20
October 07 However, in the course of construction works at Thurso High School, asbestos material was discovered in a ceiling void area of E block. As a result the construction works were halted and a consultant was appointed to carry out air tests within the building, assess the levels of risk and identify the appropriate course of action. The consultants have advised that there is no risk to building users but advised that action should be taken to remove asbestos material from the ceiling voids. An asbestos removal contractor has been appointed and the material in the ceiling void will have been removed prior to reoccupation of the school on Monday 22 October. The rooms in E block will then need to be thoroughly cleaned and made fit for pupil use. This means that the school will not be able to accommodate all pupils on Monday 22 October and Tuesday 23 October. Pupil in S3, S4, S5 and S6 will be accommodated in other parts of the school but pupils in S1 and S2 should not attend the school. The school intends to be open for all pupils on Wednesday 24th October. 20
October 07 Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, in Broughty Ferry today to meet children from an out-of-school club, announced that the First Minister will be writing to all schools asking them to play a part in making this a great day for Scotland, by making it a memorable event for pupils and staff.
Glasgow's 2014 Bid Team is preparing an online educational resource that will be available to all Scottish schools, encouraging pupils to watch the 2014 decision live on television on 9 November and take part in sporting activities to participate in decision day. Ms Sturgeon said: "Scotland will be holding its breath as we discover if we have won the race to host the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. "There is a real buzz
building across the whole country as our bid to "The impact of hosting the Games in Scotland is potentially greatest for our children and that is why we want school pupils and their teachers across Scotland to share in the anticipation and hopefully, the celebration." Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "November 9 will be an incredibly exciting day for all the people of Glasgow as we wait to find out if all our hard work has paid off. "I sincerely hope that children across Scotland, some of whom may themselves be participants at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, will be able to share that experience - and then hopefully join with us as we celebrate." Councillor Laurie Bidwell,
Dundee City Council Convener of Education Glasgow 2014 Bid Director
Derek Casey said: "I'm delighted the First Minister is writing to each
school asking them to allow pupils to watch the decision on November 9th.
"We want as many young people as possible to have the chance to watch the
bid decision, as a Scottish Commonwealth Games would be a fantastic event
to look forward to over the next few years. "This generation of
young Scots are the ones who would make a Commonwealth Games in Scotland a
reality, whether they are competing, volunteering or gain the benefits of
legacy of facilities and venues left by the Games. "In just one month we
will find out if we are successful or not, and it School teachers can download the online educational pack on 22 October by visiting www.glasgow2014.com 6
October 07 Around 100 primary schools are taking part in the workshops being run by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as part of its year-long public information campaign to deepen understanding about the role of renewable energy. The first workshops got underway this month at Pulteneytown Academy Primary in Wick and Miller Academy and Pennyland Primary Schools in Thurso. Elaine Hanton, head of renewables at HIE said: "The purpose of these workshops is to make learning fun while at the same time encouraging youngsters to take seriously things such as energy efficiency and the development of different kinds of renewable energy technologies. "We tested out the format of the workshops in a number of centres and got very positive feedback, so we are confident the content will really engage and enthuse young people." Each workshop includes a series of games about climate change and energy efficiency plus simple science-based experiments. Children also get to make a wind turbine and try out an anemometer so they can measure wind speeds at their schools. The workshops are being co-ordinated by Community Service Volunteers (CSV) on behalf of HIE. Elanor Gordon, project co-ordinator for CSV, said of the first workshops: "The children were fully engaged in the range of activities and learnt plenty about the importance of reducing carbon emissions by being energy efficient and changing to renewable sources of energy. "The feedback from their teachers also showed them to be enthused and empowered to teach pupils further on this topic." The workshops will be running across the Highlands and Islands until Christmas. 24
August 07 An EMA is a weekly payment of up to £30, paid directly to eligible young people who stay on in school after they reach statutory leaving age. Young people may also be eligible for two bonuses of £150 if they remain on their course and make the necessary progress with their learning. EMAs were introduced nationally by the Scottish Executive in August 2004 to provide financial support to young people from low income families staying on at school. Highland Council’s EMA Co-ordinator, Katie MacLean said: "Eligibility for the academic year 2007/08 is dependent on your household income and date of birth. You must also live within the Highland Council area, meet residency criteria and attend a Highland Council school or be home educated for over 21 hours a week. Payments are dependent on students completing a Learning Agreement with their school and complying with it for the full academic year." The income eligibility
levels for the 2007/08 academic year are as follows: Application forms and further information are available throughout the Highland Council area from Secondary Schools and Service Points. 13
August 07 63 probationers have been allocated to secondary schools and 66 to primary schools – 19 in Caithness, 9 in Sutherland, 41 in Inverness, 23 in Ross and Cromarty, 12 in Nairn, 7 in Skye and Lochalsh, 15 in Lochaber, and 3 in Badenoch and Strathspey. Three of the primary probationers will be teaching in Gaelic Medium schools, and two secondary probationers have been allocated to teach Gaelic in high schools. Councillor Bren Gormley, Vice Chairman of the Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee welcomed the probationer teachers at their induction day on Friday 10 August. He said: “I am delighted to welcome our new probationary teachers to Highland. This is a very exciting time in education and we have a real opportunity to make a difference to the lives of young people in the Highlands. “I hope that all of our probationer teachers will have a positive experience on our schools and I wish them all the very best at the start of their career in this very important profession.” The probationer induction day is the first of four in-service training days throughout the year specifically allocated to probationer teacher induction and training. Three new schools will open their doors this week as 34,750 Highland nursery primary and secondary pupils begin the new school session. Scotland’s first purpose built Gaelic Medium School opens on Tuesday (14 August) at Slackbuie, near Inverness Royal Academy. The £4 million Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis will be a focal point for Gaelic learning in the Inverness area, being available for a wide range of Gaelic-related events and performances. It will open with 100 pupils and 45 nursery pupils. Also opening on Tueday is the nearby Inshes Primary School, Inverness. The £6.6 million school is the first new primary school to be built for a generation to accommodate a new community. Inshes will welcome 301 pupils from more than 20 schools, including 100 from Drakies. And on Thursday, a new £4.7 million primary school opens at Cawdor. To mark the occasion, pupils will be led by a piper from the old school to the new school, which will feature hugely enhanced provision, including six classrooms, a nursery room and a multi purpose hall. The schools are among 11 being built by Alpha Schools (Highland) Ltd, a consortium of Morrison PLC and Noble Fund Managers, in a second education PPP scheme, valued at £134 million. Resolis and Culbokie primary schools opened in April of this year. Next year; Portree High and Dingwall Academy will open in May; Kinlochleven Primary and Kinlochleven High School and Drummond School, Inverness, will open in June; and Millburn Academy, Inverness, will open in September. Hugh Fraser, Director of Education Culture and Sport, said he was delighted with the opening of the three new schools. He said: “We are delighted that these schools are coming on stream on time. It demonstrates our commitment to providing our communities with modern schools which are available to everyone in the community to use.” 24
May 07 An EMA is a weekly payment of up to £30, paid directly to eligible young people who stay on in school after they reach statutory leaving age. Young people may also be eligible for two bonuses of £150 if they remain on their course and make the necessary progress with their learning. EMAs were introduced nationally by the Scottish Executive in August 2004 to provide financial support to young people from low income families staying on at school. The Highland Council's EMA Co-ordinator said: "Eligibility for the academic year 2007/08 is dependent on your household income and date of birth. You must also live within the Highland Council area, meet residency criteria and attend a Highland Council school or be home educated for over 21 hours a week. Payments are dependent on students completing a Learning Agreement with their school and complying with it for the full academic year." The income eligibility levels for the 2007/08 academic year are as follows: Household income weekly
payment Application forms and further information are available throughout the Highland Council area from Secondary Schools and Service Points. 1
May 07 The inspectors encouraged the staff and the authority to strive to continue to provide the high quality and improving standard of education they found during their visit. They noted in their report that the school is in a strong position to develop further approaches to involve pupils in improving their learning across the curriculum. While the resources in the school were generally highly commended, inspectors would like to see improved facilities to develop pupils' skills with information and communication technology. At a more basic level, they proposed that the authority should plan to improve the toilet facilities. Mrs Linsey Mackay, head teacher, commented: "I am extremely pleased that the report recognises the effort that staff and pupils have put into creating a school we are all very proud of. The inspection was a valuable experience for all of us and the points for action will be included in our School Development Plan for the coming session. Some work has already begun to address the main points for action." On reading the report, the
Chair of the School Board, said: "The school is very well supported by
parents, carers and the local community. As the school progresses towards
more parental involvement we expect it to go from strength to strength.
The HMIE report has given us tremendous encouragement to continue working
at increasing the strong links between the parent body and the school for
the benefit of everyone involved." |
