While it seems the political fight against massive council cuts has been lost, one local community group at least has continued to fight to retain essential council services. Royston Wardieburn’s Power to the People group say the cuts – and the ongoing council ‘transformation’ – will damage services and hit poorer communities particularly hard. Continue reading Never give up: Power to the People group challenges council cuts
New analysis shows greater proportion of pupils from deprived areas are entering higher education
A new analysis of school leaver destination statistics published by the Scottish Government reveals that the poverty-related attainment gap has begun to narrow over the past five years. The figures show that the proportion of young people entering higher education at college or university directly from school has increased faster among those from the most deprived areas in Scotland when compared to the least deprived.
In 2012, 20.4% of school leavers in the 20% most deprived areas went straight into higher education from school, compared to 58.6% of pupils from the 20% least deprived. In 2016, the percentage of school leavers entering higher education from the most deprived areas had risen to 24%, with the percentage entering from the least deprived up to 60.5%.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney welcomed the analysis but said more needed to be done to widen access to higher education, given the figures also demonstrated that young people from Scotland’s least deprived areas are more than 2.5 times more likely to go into higher education straight from school than their counterparts from the most deprived areas.
Mr Swinney said: “I want every child to have an equal opportunity to go to college and university and to succeed in life, no matter their circumstances. This new, detailed analysis provides welcome evidence that we are beginning to make progress in that aim and closing the poverty-related attainment gap.
“However, it also demonstrates the scale of the challenge in creating equity and excellence in our education system. The status quo is not an option – change is needed, and indeed change is happening.
“We need to reform our approach to get the whole system pulling in the same direction with an integrated framework that meets the needs of all young people at every stage of their journey through education.
“We are taking forward the actions recommended by the Commission on Widening Access, including the appointment of the Fair Access Commissioner to drive the whole system approach needed in this area. We are also reviewing the learner journey from 15 to 24 to ensure that the system of post-school education works effectively and efficiently to provide support to those who need it the most. This breakdown helps to show what we are beginning to get it right and what more we need to do.”
Supplementary analysis of last month’s school leaver destination statistics shows:
Scottish Funding Council figures published in March showed an increase, in 2015-16, to the proportion of entrants to higher education from the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland, with wide variation among universities and colleges.
Scots are being reminded to take a little breathing space and look after their mental health this Easter. Continue reading Take a little Breathing Space this Easter
Cruelty Free International has welcomed the support of local MEP David Martin in calling for a global ban on cosmetics testing on animals. David Martin, one of the six MEPs representing Scotland in Brussels, has backed the Cruelty Free International campaign seeking a UN resolution to end the suffering of animals for cosmetics worldwide. Continue reading Local MEP David Martin tells the UN to unite for cruelty free cosmetics
While we all know that exercise is good for us, life is hectic. For those unable to commit to a monthly or annual gym membership, Edinburgh Leisure’s Discount Card might be the solution. For a one-off annual payment of £29.90 (less than 60p a week) is all you need to pay to save all year long.
The Discount Card gives unlimited access to all Edinburgh Leisure’s venues across the city, with savings of up to 25% across a huge range of activities including gym visits, swimming, fitness classes, golf, racquet sports and much more (*exceptions apply – see below).
It also lets you book classes or courts eight days in advance, ensuring you don’t miss out on your favourite session. And for those purchasing a card before 30 April, a free swim or gym visit is given as an incentive to get you started.
With over 30+ venues offering 1 climbing centre, 15 gyms, 700+ fitness classes per week, 23 tennis courts, 6 golf courses, 10 swimming pools, Edinburgh Leisure is ‘the biggest club in town’.
The Discount Card is available to buy online at Edinburgh Leisure’s website or from any one of Edinburgh Leisure’s venues. The discount lasts for 12 months and anyone signing up before 16 April will receive a free gym or swim.
*There is no discount on the following activities: soft play, Clip ‘n Climb, all climbing activities with the exception of casual climb and bouldering; sauna, steam room, shower and Turkish Bath; hall hire for football, basketball, volleyball etc; outdoor football; bowling and putting.
A clear plan is needed for the successful transfer of welfare powers according to a joint letter issued today by Holyrood’s Social Security Committee and Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee. Continue reading Clear plan needed for transfer of social security powers
Would you like to be part of this year’s Luminate?
Now it’s the time to think about whether your group or organisation would like to get involved. The festival will take place from 1st to 31st October across Scotland and will feature events and activities which prove that creativity has no age, bringing together older people and those from younger generations.
Each year we invite individuals, groups and organisations to put forward events for the festival programme. If your event is included, you will be featured in the brochure which is distributed Scotland-wide, and you will appear on the Luminate website and in our press and media campaign.
