Day: September 11, 2016

Education reforms: Putting teachers in charge

Decentralisation drives improvement plan

“Decision-making must rest with schools” – John Swinney

Education stock

Empowering schools to take the decisions necessary to improve children’s attainment will be at the heart of reforms being consulted on in the Scottish Government’s governance review, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said today.

Mr Swinney will formally launch the review on Tuesday, setting out the goal of making schools the key decision makers on children’s education and consulting on how to make that a reality. The review will consider how to best decentralise management to schools and how best to support teachers and headteachers in exercising their new responsibilities.

The Deputy First Minister said: “Our relentless focus will be on how we can build on the many strengths in Scottish education to close the attainment gap and deliver excellence and equity in our schools. We believe that the key to achieving this for all children depends on the quality of teaching and the relationship between teachers and children. That is why we are taking forward our commitment to make schools, their teachers and parents, the key decision makers in a child’s education.

“We have already initiated a range of targeted actions to close the equity gap and reduce classroom workload, but we want to go further. We want to ensure that the whole education system in Scotland is focused on supporting teachers do what they do best – teaching our young people.

“Our starting point is schools must have the flexibility to take the decisions that matter for children’s education. The governance review I will publish this week will begin with the presumption that decision-making must rest with schools. This approach poses the question of how the rest of the system can support teachers, headteachers and parents in that extended role.

“It will also consider how we can involve parents and the wider community better in the life of schools, because we know that there is strong global evidence that greater parental and community involvement promotes children’s attainment and achievement.”

Countdown to Octoberfest

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With less than a month until Edinburgh’s fourth Oktoberfest, event organisers reveal the secrets to ‘absolutely enjoy’ the event:

#1: Let’s get bier!

Oktoberfest is fundamentally about beer. On offer is the one-and-only
Oktoberfest beer called Bavarian Festbeer. It is a dark golden lager with
brownish hue and comes with a touch of sweetness and a strong and slightly
bitter aftertaste. The beer has traveled 993 miles from a respected brewery in
Bavaria to Edinburgh in a 24-thousand-liter beer tanker. During the whole
process, the beer is always kept cool in 2°C to guarantee its freshness. Then,
it is pumped into guests’ glasses through a refined craft system.

#2: Get yourself stuffed

“Oktoberfest is much more than just beer”, claims Carsten Raun, festival
director. A selection of typical Oktoberfest food is on offer such as Hendl
(grilled chicken), Schweinebraten (roast pork), Brezel (bread), and of course,
a lot of wurst (pork sausages). Don’t forget to try Bratwurst, German-specialty
pork sausage, pan-roasted and served hot with slightly-pungent yellow mustard
and fermented sauerkraut (cabbage). A cold beer from tap with a plate of
sizzling Bratwurst would complete your Oktoberfest experience.

#3: Dress to impress

No suit or evening gown needed, you can still impress by wearing traditional
Lederhosen and Dirndl. Lederhosen, short or knee-length leather breeches, is
traditionally made for Bavarian men. Mostly considered as leisurewear nowadays,
it is a perfect costume for Oktoberfest. Dirndl, a classical-looking outfit for
Bavarian women, consists of a bodice, blouse, full dress and an apron. It is
believed that the apron knot implies the woman’s marital status. Make sure you
send out the right signal!

#4: The early bird gets … the best seat
The party tent is limited to 3300 people and tickets for the weekend are selling
quickly, so if you want to attend the fabulous party, remember to book tickets
as soon as possible. Tickets are also available at door if the event is not sold
out beforehand. Don’t forget to turn up early to guarantee entry!

#5: “Cash up”

Even though you can pay by card at the events, it is advisory to bring cash on
hand. It will save you unnecessary hassle and spare you more time to enjoy the
wunderbar atmosphere!
General information:

Date: 5- 10 October | Venue: Princes Streets Gardens West, Red Square
Ticket info: Edinburgh-oktoberfest.co.uk
Email: info@edinburgh-oktoberfest.co.uk
Phone: +44 20 3239 5070 | Press: +44 20 3239 5032

Letter: Cycle Friendly? No appetite to tackle transport issues

 

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Dear Editor

As both a driver and cyclist within the city I share many of the concerns regarding the poor state of road surfaces. I want to focus this letter on Ferry Road which is a major transport artery. It is full or ruts and is generally poorly maintained and where there have been attempts at ad hoc repairs they are of a very poor quality.  There is indeed an irony that on the one hand the council tries to encourage people to walk and cycle – yet the road network is not friendly towards cycle users – or cars, for that matter!

Now I hear some voices saying: use the cycle way – of course that is a good option, however there are occasions when that is not viable due to the destination.

Let me focus on a particular issue that highlights an apparent contradiction in policy towards cycling.  There is a lined cycle way  that runs from Crewe Toll to Granton Road – both sides.  However that does not stop cars parking on the pavement and across the ‘dedicated’ cycle route beside Stewarts Melville rugby when there are matches on. It appears that there is no appetite to do anything about this. That gets at the heart of my cynicism. This double standard where there is a policy of promotion of cycling on the one hand whilst not dealing with an issue that is in direct conflict with the same policy.

I attended the recent Forth Neighbourhood Partnership meeting. The issue of transport was raised at the meeting in light of the growth of the Granton Harbour developments going forward.  The issue of increased traffic growth and in particular concerns that residents on Lower Granton Road have had for years is still outstanding and won’t go away.  Local Community Councils and community groups have been calling for a review of the transport plan for this area for at least two years – again there appears no appetite for this to happen.

Yours faithfully

Dave Macnab

West Ferryfield, Edinburgh