Forty-two pupils from Edinburgh and the Lothians put their sustainability skills to the test at Musselburgh Grammar as they took part in a pioneering programme aimed at developing the employability skills of the future.
Teams from Musselburgh Grammar, Preston Lodge High School, Lasswade High School, Craigmount, Balerno and Galashiels Academy took part in the Powering Futures Schools Challenge presentations, where they were tasked with finding innovative sustainable solutions to five real-world challenges facing businesses today.
The challenge-setters were Scottish Water, EV charging experts Urban Fox, BritishGas, Newsquest and The Scottish Government, with the challenge topics spanning reducing water consumption, netzero targets for sports clubs and schools, improving transport connectivity and creating trusted media on climate change.
The pupils were tasked with researching the challenges and collaborating to come up with creative solutions.
Drawing on guidance from industry mentors, they presented their creative solutions to a panel of judges including Paul McLennan MSP and Colin Beattie MSP, plus representatives from East Lothian Council, DYW Borders, FutureX, University of Edinburgh, Energy Training Academy, Musselburgh Windsor FC, Lantra, Energy3 and Social Bite at a showcase event for Edinburgh, Lothians and the Borders regions held at Musselburgh Grammar this week – earning a SCQF Level 6 qualification at the end of the process.
Powering Futures was set up in 2020 to empower the young and future workforce with the skills, knowledge and abilities to help the transition to net zero.
The SCQF level 6 accredited Powering Futures Schools Challenge has seen 643 pupils from 43 schools across Scotland participate in 2023-2024 – with Powering Futures aiming to engage a million young people in the programme by 2030.
MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands Gordon MacDonaldsaid: “The Powering Futures Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for young people to shape and develop essential skills for their futures.
“It is an innovative collaboration between businesses and schools which enables participants to use their creativity, problem solving and teamwork to learn about sustainability and how this can be applied through specific projects.
“S5 and S6 Pupils from Balerno High School have been participating in this year’s programme taking on real-world sustainability challenges set by the sponsor, researching and collaborating on a solution, which ends with them presenting it to a panel of industry judges.
“I want to wish them the best of luck and know all their hard work and commitment to the project will provide them with much valued skills as they embark on the world of work or further education.”
Jennifer Tempany, Co-Founder of Powering Futures, said:“We were delighted to have four teams from Craigmount and Balerno High School take part in the Challenge Programme.
“We are always blown away by the innovation and creativity shown by pupils as they tackle some relevant challenges set by industry.
“By empowering young people through our pioneering Powering Futures Challenge Programme, we can help them develop the critical skills that employers are looking for in their future workforce as well as establishing those essential links between the businesses of today and the workers of tomorrow who will power Scotland’s net-zero future.”
Colleges across Scotland are opening their doors from 21 to 28 March to mark the second national Big College Open Week – aka #BigCOW.
A host of exciting activities are taking place in colleges across Scotland during the week. Organised by the College Development Network (CDN) Marketing and Communications Network, the purpose of the week is to demonstrate all that colleges offer – including the wide range of learning pathways and options open to students.
Choosing to study at college is the best way to start, change or develop a new career right on your doorstep. By coming together, Scotland’s colleges will show how they are the right choice for anyone – young and not so young – who wants to start or change their careers, and for businesses looking to develop their workforce.
During the week colleges will be offering taster sessions, tours, the chance to meet course tutors and members of Students’ Associations, who will be on hand to talk about clubs, societies and support. There are taster days and open evenings, and you can ‘learn to student like a pro’ with short talks on careers, the library and admissions.
At Edinburgh College, a number of curriculum areas are showcasing their courses and facilities during open events which also allow perspective students to meet lecturers and ask any questions they may have.
The following events are taking place:
Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS): Monday 25 March, 2-3.30pm at Granton Campus. Information on course areas including: Acting, Costume, Dance, Make up Artistry, Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre.
Enterprise and Commerce: Wednesday 27 March, 6-7pm. This is an online event – a joining link will be emailed to attendees 24 hours before the event starts.
Childhood Practice: Wednesday 27 March, 6-7pm at Sighthill Campus. Online joining is available on request in the form below.
Social Services: Wednesday 27 March, 6-7pm at Sighthill Campus.
Photography: Thursday 28 March, 1-3pm at Sighthill Campus.
Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal, said: “We are delighted to be taking part in this year’s Big College Open Week, which is an important campaign for Scotland’s colleges to showcase our first-class courses and facilities.
“We look forward to welcoming prospective students on to our campuses to find out more about study options we have available here at Scotland’s Capital College.”
Marie Hendry, Chief Executive, CDN, said: “We are really excited for this year’s Big College Open Week. It’s all part of the Choose College campaign and aims to highlight the incredible opportunities colleges offer.
“The week will showcase the support and expertise that has helped countless pupils, school leavers, career changers, career developers, employers, graduates and apprentices to take the next steps in their journey.
“We want to get the message out to parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, mature students and school pupils that college is so much more than a course – it offers pathways, experiences and qualifications that lead to real careers and future success.”
Decline in the number of specialist ASN teachers by 392 since 2013
Near doubling in the number of pupils with additional support needs since 2013
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, has called for greater resourcing to support those with additional support needs (ASN).
The call comes as new figures from the Scottish Government’s annual teacher census indicate that while the number of specialist ASN teachers has fallen to 2,898 in 2023, the number of those pupils with ASN has soared to a record high.
Between 2013 and 2023 the number of ASN teachers (publicly funded primary, secondary, special and centrally employed) has fallen from 3,290 to 2,898, a decrease of 392 teachers, representing a cut of 11.9 per cent.1
This fall is against the background of an increase of 96.8 per cent increase between 2013 and 2023 in the number of pupils identified with ASN, from 131,593 to 259,036, amounting to 123,628 individuals. This includes those with mental health problems, learning disability, autism and dyslexia, and currentlyrepresents more than a third of all pupils (36.7 per cent).2
In 2013, while each ASN teacher was supporting 40 pupils with ASN, by 2023 this figure had risen to each teacher supporting 89 such pupils.
Against a background of spending cuts and reduction in specialist support, the SCSC has called for greater resourcing from both the Scottish Government and local authorities to ensure that those with ASN, who are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods, are getting the care and support that they need.
The coalition has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of a presumption of mainstreaming, meaning that all pupils are educated in a mainstream educational environment unless exceptional circumstances apply, without the necessary support.
A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “It is vital that those with ASN get the care and support they need. This is also key if we are to genuinely close the educational attainment gap as we know that those with ASN are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods.
“With cuts in support, including in the number of specialist teachers, it is going to be extremely challenging to reduce the current inequalities faced by those with ASN.
“While we also support the presumption of mainstreaming, which means that all children and young people are educated in a mainstream educational environment unless exceptional circumstances apply, it is clearly difficult to see how this is functioning properly given the fall in specialist support and increase in the number of those with ASN.
“The Scottish Government and local authorities need to work together to provide the necessary resourcing to address the needs of those children and young people with ASN, who represent some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. “
Marginalised groups in Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia to benefit
Support to make quality education accessible to all in Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia has been strengthened with funding of £356,000 from Scottish Government for the Inclusive Education Policy Academy.
The Academy forms part of the World Bank’s Foundational Learning Compact (FLC) programme and is a hands-on professional development programme designed to improve access to education for some of these countries’ most marginalised groups, such as learners with additional support needs and women.
The launch marks the Scottish Government’s first participation in a World Bank programme and underlines the Programme for Government commitment to fostering inclusive education practices globally and supporting its partner countries in achieving equitable access to quality education.
International Development Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “We’re committed to supporting inclusive education worldwide and the World Bank’s FLC programme will help us take a significant step towards providing quality education for all in Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia, including marginalised groups.
“By providing resources into this transformative initiative, we will empower educators in our Global South partner countries to create environments where every learner can thrive.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact the Academy will have on the lives of millions of people across the world, and particularly in our partner countries through our new partnership and funding.
“The support fits with our broader commitment to education programming as we strive towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals, particularly with increasing access for marginalised groups, which include girls and learners with additional support needs.”
Luis Benveniste, World Bank Global Director for Education, said: “We are thrilled that the FLC is the first World Bank fund to receive support from the Scottish Government.
“Children everywhere will welcome this new ally in the fight to strengthen and improve inclusive access to quality education. We look forward to working with our Scottish partners on this critical initiative.”
Scotland’s leading all boys boarding school, Merchiston Castle School, is opening its doors for an Information Morning on Saturday 9th of March.
Prospective families are invited to discover more about Merchiston, meet Department heads, and experience the world-class education Merchiston provide.
Held in the school’s impressive Memorial Hall, the Information Morning will be styled as a department fair offering families the chance to chat to Merchiston’s teachers, listen to students enthusing about their favourite subjects, speak to the Academic Leadership Team and find out more about what Merchiston can offer their son.
Merchiston’s Admission Team will be on hand to answer any questions parents may have and guide them through the admission process.
Edinburgh Pentlands SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed the news higher education students can now apply to spread their student financial support package over a 12-month period for the first time this coming academic year.
The year-long package of support will be available for eligible undergraduate students from August 2024. The change will ensure that payments of relevant student loans and bursaries can continue throughout the summer months. This follows a successful two-year programme, which saw care experienced students being given the option of 12-month support.
Care-Experienced students will continue to receive additional support for their living costs under the Summer Accommodation Grant from Summer 2024. Students eligible for the grant – which will replace the Care-Experienced Accommodation Grant – will be entitled to a payment of up to £1,330 to help ensure they do not fall into rent arrears over the summer.
These changes will coincide with the £2,400 increase to the annual support package, which sees the main undergraduate funding package rise up to £11,400.
Commenting on the announcement Mr Macdonald said: “Coping financially as a student in Edinburgh can be extremely difficult but the changes announced to the way students can receive their funding will make a huge difference across the summer months.
“This is another example of the actions being taken by the Scottish Government to support students through the cost of living crisis. Scotland already has the lowest student debt levels in the UK, thanks to the commitment to free tuition and enhanced student support.
“We have a record number of students from Scotland’s most deprived areas applying to study at university and these changes to the student support package will contribute further in breaking down barriers and ensuring that access to our world-class institutions is not denied to anyone, whatever their background.”
Plans unveiled to maximise Scotland’s reputation globally
Promoting Scotland’s world leading university research and economic potential is at the core of the country’s first International Education Strategy (IES).
The IES sets out plans to attract more academic staff, and to encourage and support international students to stay in Scotland after qualifying to work in key growth economies.
As part of the strategy, activity will be increased to promote universities and colleges internationally to prospective students, with global alumni communities and the wider Scottish diaspora being engaged.
Work to develop a Scottish Exchange Programme will continue, building on the current Test and Learn project, and a Talent Attraction and Migration Service will be launched in 2024 providing information and advice for students considering staying in Scotland post-qualifying.
Launching the strategy at Edinburgh Napier University, Higher and Further Education Minister Graeme Dey said: “Scotland already has more top universities per head of population than any other country in the world. This strategy sets out our collective aim to create the conditions for our universities and colleges to continue to flourish.
“In the coming months and years, we will continue to work with Scotland’s universities and colleges to help them diversify their international student, research, and staff population by enhancing our reputation as a world-leading safe and inclusive country, with open-minded social policies.
“We will help maximise the social and economic benefits of international higher education, and we will continue to promote Scotland’s world leading research and knowledge exchange sector on the global stage.”
Professor Andrea Nolan, Universities Scotland International Committee Convener, said: “This is Scotland’s first international education strategy, and it gives us a platform, working together with Government and other partners, to further develop these positive links to strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy, society and culture.
“It also looks to deepen support for the full breadth of universities’ international role.
“We’re already known internationally for the quality of our higher and further education, but what may be less well understood is the role our universities and colleges play as major contributors to inwards investment, and the attraction of talented people who want to live and work in here.
“Working in partnership we will build on all elements of our international work to grow our reach and impact.”
Diplomatic missions call on Israel to halt demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian houses and property in the West Bank
Representatives of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Union together with the Palestinian Ministry of Education call on Israel to rescind its recent decision of the Israeli Civil Administration to demolish a donor-funded school in Amera, Hebron.
Israeli authorities issued a final demolition order against the school on Education Day (24th January), leaving the school at imminent risk of demolition. Should the demolition go ahead, 39 Palestinian school children will be deprived of their basic right to education.
The nearest alternative schools are approximately 5km away. Without adequate transport, students must make the long journey by foot, exposed to settler attacks, a heavily trafficked road and inclement weather. Under these conditions, girls and children with disabilities in particular are at a high risk of dropping out.
Palestinian schools in Area C – including those funded by donors – remain vulnerable to Israeli demolitions and settler violence. Since 2022, Israeli authorities have demolished three donor-funded schools. In addition, three donor-funded schools have been vandalised by Israeli settlers and are currently not operational.
Under international law, Israel, as occupying power, has an obligation to ensure that the occupied civilian population has adequate access to basic education.
Palestinian children’s right to an education is undermined by Israel’s planning and zoning system in Area C which prevents Palestinian development, and construction of schools in Area C.
Representatives of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Union call on Israel to halt demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian houses and property in accordance with its obligations as an occupying power under international humanitarian law, and to cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, of designating land for exclusive Israeli use and of denying Palestinian development.
Failure to do so seriously undermines a two state solution and is a major impediment to peace and security.
Around 20,000 pupils are expected to benefit from anti-racism and equality projects based in school libraries across Scotland.
A total of 21 schools will be awarded a share of £200,000 from the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).
Projects include:
books to support children who have recently arrived in East Ayrshire from countries including Ukraine
teaching pupils Black, Asian and minority ethnic history as part of learning on historical links to slavery in Inverclyde
a Holistic Inclusion Hub to support parents and pupils from diverse backgrounds to feel more included in the school community in Edinburgh.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth announced the funding during a visit to Annette Street Primary School in Glasgow, which will use the investment to support children from the Roma community.
Ms Gilruth said: “School libraries play a key role in our efforts to further boost literacy and continue improving attainment but they are also places where positive values can be developed and celebrated.
“Projects supported by this funding will help young people to understand the harmful consequences of racism and ensure they feel empowered to challenge discrimination.
“Scotland’s school libraries are a vital resource and all children should have access to the opportunities they provide. This funding will help ensure that young people from all backgrounds feel the full benefits.”
Chief Executive of Scottish Library and Information Council Pamela Tulloch said: “School libraries play a key role in accelerating education and learning, and ensuring every young person has the chance to fulfil their full potential by enabling access to information and creative opportunities.
“We’re particularly proud to award support to those advocating for anti-racism and anti-discrimination through this year’s Fund, with many projects aiming to increase access and support for pupils who may experience barriers to learning, including those with Additional Support Needs (ASN) and pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL).
“Involving children and young people, and their families, in defining the school library service creates a flexible space for reflection and conversation where learning and creativity are encouraged in a nurturing environment. We look forward to seeing these initiatives come to life.”
Glasgow City Council’s Convener for Education and Early Years, Councillor Christina Cannon said: “Our schools and teachers are always looking at ways in which to support our children and young people – particularly pupils with English as additional language – and this additional funding will help provide resources to complement this work.
“Our diversity is something that we celebrate and we are proud to have more than 113 languages spoken across the city.”
The NSPCC’s ‘Game Safe’ festival features a range of workshops and an in-person esports safeguarding conference which covers child protection within the gaming industry.
Professionals, parents and gamers are invited to attend sessions which educate individuals on how to keep children safe when gaming online.
Childline continues to be here for young people who are concerned about experiences on gaming platforms.
Staff from NSPCC Scotland will lead a workshop on keeping children safe while gaming as part of a new ‘Game Safe’ festival.
The children protection charity is inviting professional, parents and gamers to attend the festival, which aims to raise awareness and educate parents, carers and professionals on how to keep children safe while playing games online, as well as provide opportunities to fundraise for the charity.
The NSPCC’s ‘Game Safe’ festival features a range of workshops and an in-person esports safeguarding conference which covers child protection within the gaming industry.
Euan Graham (above), a Local Campaigns Officer in Scotland, will lead an online workshop on 7th February. More than 900 people have signed up so far.
The festival, taking place on the 5th – 11th February, is launched with several key partners. Vodafone has partnered with the festival and will feature across the week to promote the work they are doing with the NSPCC to ensure every child has a happy and safe online life. Also supporting is The British Esports Federation, who is advising on the esports activation.
The festival comes as a recent report by the NSPCC saw an 82% rise in online grooming crimes against children in the last 5 years. With 89% of children in the UK playing video games, the NSPCC is committed to ensuring that online protections extend to gaming platforms.
One of the key opportunities within the festival is the Safeguarding in Esports Conference, an in-person event being held at Confetti X in Nottingham on the 9th February. This gives esports industry professionals the opportunity to learn more from safeguarding experts about how to protect children who take part in esports competitions. There are also virtual tickets for those unable to attend in person.
The conference features a panel of experts who will share insight on the world of esports, including:
NSPCC’s CEO, Sir Peter Wanless
Wolves FC / Wolves Esports Head of Safeguarding, Lisa Carter
Child Protection in Sport Service Head, Michelle North
Sport England Head of Children, Alex Moore
Alongside the esports conference, there are a variety of online workshops for parents, carers and professionals working with children. These sessions will tackle the topic of keeping children safe when gaming online.
All events will be designed to equip people with the tools and confidence they need to protect young players, bring together key industry stakeholders to improve safeguarding practices across the sector and encourage everyone to fundraise for the charity.
Visitors will also be able to bid for exciting auction prizes. During the week, creators and streamers will be offering prizes during livestreaming, including state-of-the-art gaming furniture and equipment. Another prize is the opportunity for two winners to watch the senior Cymru men’s team train as they prepare for the Euro 24 play off, semi-final against Finland.
Tickets for all Game Safe Festival events can be found here.
Childline counsellors are listening to concerns from children who contact the free helpline, as well as hearing how young people play games online to relax, they are also hearing cases of abuse in the virtual world.
The most commonly mentioned gaming consoles in 2022/23 were Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo (including the Switch) and the top gaming sites discussed Minecraft, Roblox and Fortnite.
One boy aged 18 told Childline: “I’m contacting Childline today because of something I’ve seen online… I was invited to a Discord group chat room by someone on Reddit who I didn’t know and in this group chat they were sharing naked photos of underage children!
“I left the chat as soon as I realised what it was and reported it to Discord. But then I discover that Discord had banned MY account?! Now I’m scared I’m going to get in trouble for it even though I’ve not done anything wrong!”
One young person aged 13 told Childline:“During the break from school I was spending lots of time on Roblox. These two older guys were talking to and flirting with me, they complimented my selfies but then made me send sexy pictures to them. I feel so stupid for doing it.
“My parents helped me report it and everything, but I don’t want to go back to school now. I feel like everyone knows what I did.”
Euan Graham, Local Campaigns Officer at NSPCC Scotland, said: “Gaming and technology is a huge part of young people’s lives, so it is crucial parents and carers to better understand what their children enjoy about gaming so they can better support them to navigate these digital spaces safely.
“Gaming is an increasingly social activity, meaning it is more important than ever that parents and carers have the skills and resources to keep children safe while gaming.
“Parents and carers will finish the workshop with more confidence and knowledge and come away with practical skills to ensure they are well equipped to help keep their children safe.”
Lewie Procter, Associate Head of Gaming at the NSPCC, said: “The NSPCC is thrilled to announce the launch of Game Safe, our new gaming festival. A huge number of young people use gaming platforms, and so it is crucial that they are designed with child safety in mind.
“The NSPCC is dedicated to protecting children from abuse both online and in person. Our esports conference is a fantastic opportunity for professionals to learn more about the industry, and the role we all have in keeping young people safe.”
Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at Vodafone UK,said: “As a partner of NSPCC, we are proud to be supporting the Game Safe Festival 2024 and bringing more people into the online safety conversation through the event.
“At Vodafone we have been committed to the online safety space for 14 years and have been working with the NSPCC since early 2023 to create new resources and support via the Vodafone UK Digital Parenting platform, helping equip parents and carers with the information and tools they need to help ensure children are safe and happy online.
“We’re proud to be launching a new online toolkit together in the coming weeks to further support families feeling confident about starting their online journey together.”
Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC Helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.
Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.
