PPP school closures: independent inquiry confirmed

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The city council has confirmed that an independent inquiry into school closures will commence after the summer holidays. Continue reading PPP school closures: independent inquiry confirmed

Stepping back in time: Botanic Cottage throws open it’s doors

From Leith to Inverleith: A glorious stone-by-stone reconstruction for new generations to enjoy

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The Botanic Cottage at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh opened its doors to its first visitors – local school pupils, volunteers with an edible gardening project and even a former resident of the building – yesterday. Continue reading Stepping back in time: Botanic Cottage throws open it’s doors

A time to make new friends

School closure offers unexpected opportunities

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Last month’s closure of 17 PPP1 schools caused much anxiety – for council officers, for school staff and particularly for families and for children. And while the saga rumbles on, many local parents and carers still don’t know when their child will return to his or her own school. Continue reading A time to make new friends

Local schools to stay closed until after summer holidays

Council confirms local schools will be closed for months

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Parents and carers worst fears were realised with the announcement this afternoon that local primary schools Craigroyston, Forthview, Pirniehall and St Davids are to remain closed until after the summer holidays. Rowanfield, too, will stay shut until August. Continue reading Local schools to stay closed until after summer holidays

Pilton Retreat safe … for now

Stay of execution for Ratho haven

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Pilton Retreat has been spared – for now. The community resource at Ratho has received one year’s support – but must use that time to explore other sources of  funding. Continue reading Pilton Retreat safe … for now

Exam arrangements now in place

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The city council has confirmed alternative arrangements for pupils sitting exams next month who are affected by the current school closures.

The contingency plans have been put together as exams start in the first week of May, and all pupils will be sitting their exams in the schools they are currently attending.

The arrangements are:

  • Royal High, Drummond and Firrhill pupils will use their own schools
  • Gracemount and Craigmount will be sitting their exams at their host schools of Liberton and Tynecastle respectively

Individual schools will update pupils and parents regarding their specific arrangements.

Over the past week the Council has had very positive discussions with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) about exams and the contingency arrangements.

Education Convener Councillor Paul Godzik said: “With the first exams only a few weeks away it is absolutely vital that we have these plans in place and pupils are given notice as to where they will be sitting their exams.

“Pupils have enough to do with their studying preparations without additional worry over where they may be sitting them. Despite the hugely challenging situation the Council have tried to ensure our pupils are given every chance to prepare properly and that as far as possible they are not impacted by the school closures.

“We will be outlining in detail to the SQA the arrangements we have put in place and how this has affected pupils, as well as providing additional study support to pupils where we feel this is necessary.”

Jean Blair, SQA Director of Operations, said: “Clearly our primary concern is for all the young people involved. We continue to work closely with City of Edinburgh Council and the individual schools to support them in the practical arrangements for the exams, which begin on Wednesday 4 May.

“The national timetable of exams will continue as planned and pupils should continue with their studies in preparation to sit their exams on the dates in the published exam timetable.”

The programme of structural surveys arranged by the Edinburgh Schools Partnership is continuing. Parents will be provided with further information on individual school surveys once the full reports are received and assessed.