League tables don’t reflect our schools’ amazing work

A school feels ‘under attack’ when put at the bottom of a narrow-focused league table, says Craigroyston headteacher Shelley McLaren

Each year the release of newspaper school league tables for Scotland is a day I dread, and the publication of the 2021 results yesterday was no different. The language of the headlines – “Which school is the best in Scotland?” and “Scotland’s schools ranked best to worst” – is both incredibly damaging and demoralising for staff, pupils, parents and school communities across the country, not to mention the reputational harm it can cause for years to come (writes SHELLEY McLAREN).

The stories will continue today in the local news, where it feels like we need to put on our armour and prepare for attack. No matter how much we’ve done in all other parts of school life throughout the year, the focus to determine our worth and whether we are a “good” school seems to rest singlehandedly on the one measure of how many young people achieve five Highers in one sitting.

As a school, we pick up the pieces from this for months to come – only for it to come around again next year. It is not, of course, that we do not focus on trying to improve by the measure of five Highers, but, because of context and, indeed, probably our own vision and values, we will always be near the “bottom”.

Our main aims are educating our young people out of poverty and instilling in them the belief that no matter where you come from or the challenges you have faced in your life, you can still achieve your dreams and be the best you can be. University, a modern apprenticeship or a job are all given equal weighting; the most important thing is that the young person has achieved the best they can – and, believe me, every day we support, challenge, motivate, nurture and push high expectations to ensure this happens.

League tables aren’t fair on schools

I congratulate those top-performing schools where up to 86 per cent of young people have achieved the “gold standard” of five Highers. It is an incredible achievement and should be celebrated – but everything is about context, and schools should and need to be measured on so much more.

I am not shirking accountability or responsibility as a headteacher – the measure of five Highers is important – but if closing the attainment gap simply meant improving this one measure, and that determined whether we were a “good” or “bad” school, we would have used our Pupil Equity Fund (PEF) and Scottish Attainment Challenge funding very differently – and probably not made that many gains.

I could concentrate on the fact that 70 per cent of our young people live in SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) 1 and 2 or that 20 per cent of each cohort arrive at us with a reading age of 8 or below, or that nearly 40 per cent of our students are on free school meals. This would make it easy to excuse why we are one of the “worst” schools in the league table – but I won’t, because that is not what we base our views of children on.

What I will focus on is that, in 2020, nearly 95 per cent of our young people left school to go into a positive destination – above the national average of 93.3 per cent – and that last session 100 per cent of our young people in S4 achieved five or more national qualifications (nobody was “left behind”, regardless of any barrier) and that this year 23 of our young people (almost a third of the cohort) are heading off to universities across the country – the same group of young people who didn’t achieve five Highers in one sitting.

I implore you, please don’t judge our incredible young people or our amazing school, filled with dedicated, passionate staff, on this one measure of five Highers – know that we are doing everything possible to ensure that our students are given a gold-star service to prepare them to have the best life possible after school, with or without the achievement of the “gold standard”.

Are we one of the “worst” schools in the country? Of course we’re not – and I would vehemently challenge anyone who considers this to be the case.

Shelley McLaren is headteacher at Craigroyston Community High School

This article first appeared in TES

Pennywell bus attack: Police follow a positive line of enquiry

Around 7.10pm last night (Wednesday 5 May), police received a report of a bus window being smashed in Pennywell Gardens, after a stone was thrown by a group of youths.

Enquiries are continuing and officers are following a positive line of enquiry.

What does living in North Edinburgh mean to you?

Fresh Start, with the Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership, are running online events on 12th & 13th May to allow residents to discuss how our services can adapt to fit what matters to you, the people that live and work in the area!

Join the conversation on Wednesday 12th May, 1-2.30pm by registering here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZYsd…

Or Thursday 13th May, 7pm – 8.30pm, by registering here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZ0qcu…

Please share around your networks and get the conversation going!

Outdoor face to face adult education courses to resume at Craigroyston

Just to update you on the CEC Adult Education programme – we are about to launch our first face to face courses in over a year and are very excited to offer up our outdoor courses, starting from 10th May. 

The courses will be limited to a maximum of 8 people to make sure the tutor and learners are kept safe and so early booking is recommended. The tutors are friendly, welcoming and will ensure the courses boost skills for lifelong enjoyment, as well as being safe and fun. 

To find out more about each class and to book a place, please go to www.joininedinburgh.org

There is an added bonus of being outdoors because growing research is showing a real benefit of being out in nature, for mental and physical wellbeing.

In addition, birdsong is now considered to be one of the biggest factors in focusing the mind and stopping stressful anxiety. There is a link to hearing birdsong and feeling connected to nature as well as a sense of safety because the birds are all around (and would fly off in times of danger). 

Our fees are available at standard rate, concession for students and senior citizens and reduced for people receiving benefits. 

Just book online. If you’d like more information, feel free to email:

adult.education@ea.edin.sch.uk

There are 8 week and 5 week courses as well as several one-day Saturday or Sunday courses. 

Hope you can find something that appeals. 

Walks: Suburban Strolls – All – (11/5) – OUT63912MALL11/05/2021Tuesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Green Woodwork in the Woods – All – (11/5) – OUT62312MALL11/05/2021Tuesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Foraging – All – (11/5) – OUT61712MALL11/05/2021Tuesday13:00 – 15:00
Walks: Over 50s Walking Group – All – (12/5) – OUT63413MALL12/05/2021Wednesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Over 50s Walking Group – All – (12/5) – OUT63423MALL12/05/2021Wednesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Woodland Management & Tree ID – All – (13/5) – OUT64614MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:00 – 12:00
Craft: Carving a Wooden Spoon – All – (29/5) – OUT31486MALL29/05/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Walks: Through Edinburgh’s Old & New Towns – All – (10/5) – OUT64211MALL10/05/2021Monday10:00 – 11:30
Art(PR): Sketchbook Adventures – All – (13/5) – OUT18714MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:00 – 12:00
Art(PR): Sketching Outdoors – Mixed Media – All – (13/5) – OUT19114MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:00 – 12:00
Wellbeing: Journalling Adventures with Plants – All – (13/5) – OUT64714MALL13/05/2021Thursday13:00 – 15:00
Walks: Old & New Towns – All – (14/5) – OUT63315MALL14/05/2021Friday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Navigation – Low Level Hillwalking – Beginner – (5/6) – OUT63286JBEG05/06/2021Saturday09:30 – 16:30
Walks: Navigation – Hillwalking – Beginner – (6/6) – OUT63187JBEG06/06/2021Sunday09:30 – 16:30
Art(PR): Cityscapes – All – (11/5) – OUT11712MALL11/05/2021Tuesday14:00 – 15:30
Walks: Birdwatching – All – (12/5) – OUT61413MALL12/05/2021Wednesday10:30 – 12:30
Art(PR): Sketching the City in Watercolour, Pen & Pencil – All – (13/5) – OUT19314MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:30 – 12:00
Walks: Historical Walks in Royal Mile – All – (11/5) – OUT62512MALL11/05/2021Tuesday10:00 – 12:00
Walks: Edinburgh History Walks – All – (12/5) – OUT61513MALL12/05/2021Wednesday13:00 – 14:30
Walks: Historical Walks in Central Edinburgh – All – (13/5) – OUT62414MALL13/05/2021Thursday10:00 – 12:00
Photography Workshop: Edinburgh Old Town – All – (29/5) – OUT53986MALL29/05/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Photography Workshop: in the Dean Village – All – (12/6) – OUT53886JALL12/06/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Walks: History & Archaeology of Cammo Estate – All – (29/5) – OUT62686MALL29/05/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Art(PR): Sketching in Saughton Park – All – (29/5) – OUT18986MALL29/05/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Walks: History & Archaeology of Cammo Estate – All – (12/6) – OUT62686JALL12/06/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Art(PR): Sketching Seascapes – All – (13/5) – OUT19214MALL13/05/2021Thursday11:00 – 13:00
Art(PR): Sketching Outdoors – All – (13/5) – OUT19014MALL13/05/2021Thursday14:00 – 16:00
Art(PR): Sketching in Leith – All – (12/6) – OUT18886JALL12/06/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Walks: Foraging for Medicinal Plants – All – (12/6) – OUT61886JALL12/06/2021Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Tai Chi – All – (12/5) – OUT60313MALL12/05/2021Wednesday10:00 – 11:30
Art(PR): Sketching Outdoors – All – (14/5) – OUT19015MALL14/05/2021Friday15:00 – 17:00

FIONA HENDERSON 

Lifelong learning development officer for Adult Education 

Police Scotland: Taking a tough stand against antisocial youth?

Although the Meadows is not part of my policing command area, seeing the disgraceful scenes over the Easter weekend made it clear that a visible and robust police presence was required in green spaces in the north west of the city to deter this type of behaviour (writes Chief Inspector SARAH TAYLOR).

Although the Meadows is not part of my policing command area, seeing the disgraceful scenes unfold over the Easter Weekend made it clear to me that a visible and robust police presence was required in our green spaces within the North West of the city to deter this type of behaviour being replicated.

Communities living near to our own popular beauty spots such as Cramond, South Queensferry, Inverleith Park and Lauriston Castle can be reassured that targeted patrols are being conducted in these areas to ensure that every opportunity is made to disrupt and prevent such behaviours from taking place.

Officers will engage with the public, offer relevant advice if current COVID legislation is being breached and take appropriate enforcement action for any criminal offences we observe.

Please keep adhering to the existing Scottish government guidelines and help ensure the swiftest possible route out of lockdown.

You may all be aware that in the past few months we have received an increasing number of reports relating to criminality occurring on, and towards, Lothian Bus services across the city and a number of services have been temporarily suspended as a result.

Sadly, the North West has been one of the main areas where such instances have been reported. Officers have responded to incidents in Clermiston, Drumbrae and Drylaw where buses have been struck by objects.

Operation Proust aims to address these issues through joint community patrols with Lothian Buses, providing reassurance to drivers and members of the public, as well as speaking to youths about the dangers and consequences associated with this type of reckless behaviour.

We have now charged 30 young people in relation to these incidents. I would urge parents and guardians to speak to their children about the dangers associated with throwing objects at vehicles, as well as making sure they know where they are and what they are doing.

Sadly, this is not the only type of only antisocial behaviour we’ve experienced in the North West as of late.

Local residents in South Queensferry and Clermiston have been in touch to report a number of incidents of youth-related antisocial behaviour and as such we’ve carried out a range initiatives to identify those responsible, prevent further offences and divert youths away from getting involved in crime. We will share more about these initiatives and their progress via our social media channels.

Community safety remains an established priority and we continue to work with our partners including City of Edinburgh Council to combat antisocial behaviour in all its forms.

In addition to our commitment to tackling antisocial behaviour throughout the North West, we remain steadfast in our efforts to combat the harm caused by drugs within our local communities.

Over the past six weeks we have worked in partnership with relevant partners and other specialist resources across the Drylaw, Muirhouse and Pilton areas to target and disrupt those involved in drug supply.

Together, we have undertaken a range of enforcement and disruption activities that have resulted in various drug seizures being made, including the recovery of £25,000 of cannabis at one property.

The public continue to play a vital role in assisting investigations into drug crime and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns about drug-related activity, or has any information about those involved in drugs, to contact police on 101 or make an anonymous report to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

CI Sarah Taylor is Local Area Commander for North West Edinburgh.

Scran Van’s back on the road today

The Scran Van Easter Roadshow continues this week with stops at:

LIFT / MUIRHOUSE MILLENNIUM CENTRE, Muirhouse Medway: Monday 12 – 1.30pm

SHE SCOTLAND, Muirhouse Park: Tuesday 4 – 6pm

GOODTREES NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE, Moredunvale Place Wednesday 12 – 3pm.

‘No one is untouchable’ – but less than five years for ‘significant’ North Edinburgh drugs pair

A man and a woman have today (Thursday, 8 April) been sentenced for the supply of Class A and Class B drugs in North Edinburgh.

Moses Irungu (40) was sentenced to four and half years in prison, and Nontuthuzelo Halana (44) was sentenced to 8 months, at the High Court in Aberdeen following an intelligence led operation that led to the seizure of over £350,000 worth of controlled drugs being taken off the streets.

The operation began in May 2020, during when officers searched properties in Edinburgh on Pilton Drive North and Steads Place in Leith. Twenty-two kilograms of amphetamine, two kilograms of heroin and £10,000 cash were recovered. 

Irungu was subsequently arrested in connection.

A further search at a property in Ferry Gait Crescent in Muirhouse in June 2020 led to the recovery of items including mixing agent, crack cocaine and over £4,000 cash.

Halana was also traced at this address and arrested in connection with this and the previous seizures.

Both previously appeared at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday, 1 March, 2021 where they pled guilty to drug supply offences.

Detective Inspector Gary Reid from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit said: “We welcome the conviction and today’s sentencing of Irungu and Halana for their involvement in the supply of controlled drugs.

“This intelligence led operation resulted in over £350,000 worth of controlled drugs being seized. We would like to send a clear message to anyone who is involved in the supply of drugs onto the streets of Scotland that if you expect to profit from other people’s misery, expect to be targeted by law enforcement.

“It’s clear Irungu and Halana were operating at a significant level in the drugs supply chain and bringing offenders to court, recovering illegal substances and disrupting the supply chain is our highest priority. No one is untouchable.

“The public continue to play a vital role in assisting our investigations into drug related activity and anyone with any concerns about drugs, or who has information about those involved in the drugs, should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Art Buds outdoor art sessions for children in Muirhouse

North Edinburgh Arts and Art Buds Collective will shortly be offering outdoor art sessions for children aged 3-5 years and 6-9 years old, living in the Muirhouse area.

The classes will focus on creative processes inspired by nature, and will be led by Art Buds artists and educators. Classes are free of charge and children attend without parents or carers.

You can visit Art Bud Collective’s website to learn more about what they do:

 www.artbudscollective.com

To help Art Buds and North Edinburgh Arts plan the sessions, we would like to ask you five quick questions. It will take 1-2 minutes to complete this survey.

Complete the survey!

All responses will be held confidentially and your personal information will be kept safely in line with the current Data Protection regulations. We will not share your information with any third parties.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We read every response and we really appreciate your time and feedback!