education – Page 9 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Heriot-Watt ranks as Scotland’s best university for landing a Big Four Accounting job

These Scottish universities give you the best chance of working for a Big Four Accounting Firm

Heriot-Watt University ranks as the best Scottish university for landing a job at a Big Four Accountancy Firm, with 991 graduates working for PwC, Deloitte, EY or KPMG.
University of St. Andrews and The University of Edinburgh rank second and third respectively in Scotland.
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) ranks as the best university in the UK for landing a Big Four job.

Heriot-Watt University ranks as the best Scottish university for landing a role at a Big Four Accounting Firm (PwC, Deloitte, EY and KPMG) according to a new analysis of LinkedIn data.

As undergraduates return for their final year of university this Autumn, many will have their mind set on a career with some of the UK’s largest and most reputable graduate employers.

However, as places for these graduate roles become more competitive, many will be wondering how their university stacks up in terms of career prospects.

Online trading platform and broker CMC Markets, analysed LinkedIn data for the Big Four Accounting Firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY) and KPMG, to see where their current employees most commonly attended university.

The analysis looked at the UK’s top 60 universities, including all 24 that are members of the Russell Group, to see which universities have the most graduates working for a Big Four Accounting Firm. The figures were also calculated as a proportion of each university’s enrolment size, based on student enrolment for the 2020/21 academic year according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

Scotland Universities ranked for Big Four Accounting Jobs

1. Heriot-Watt University – 991 graduates (8.8% of enrolment size)

Heriot-Watt University ranks as the best Scottish university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four, with a total of 991 university graduates currently employed across these firms. When accounting for the number of students enrolled in a typical academic year at Heriot-Watt, this works out at 8.8% of the total enrolment size placing it top of any Scottish university in the list and 10^th overall in the UK.

2. University of St. Andrews – 927 graduates (8.1% of enrolment size)

University of St. Andrews ranks the second-best Scottish university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a total of 927 graduates currently employed across these firms, which works out at 8.1% of the total enrolment size. St. Andrews ranks 12^th overall in the UK in terms of graduates in Big Four Accounting roles.

3. The University of Edinburgh – 1,983 graduates (5.2% of enrolment size)

The University of Edinburgh ranks as Scotland’s third best university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a larger total of 1,983 graduates currently employed across these firms, which works out at 5.2% of the total enrolment size. Edinburgh ranks 33^rd overall in the UK in terms of graduates in Big Four Accounting roles.

4. University of Strathclyde – 1,202 graduates (4.9% of enrolment size)

University of Strathclyde ranks as Scotland’s fourth best university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a total of 1,202 graduates currently employed across these firms, working out at 4.9% of the total enrolment size. Strathclyde ranks three spots behind at 36^th overall in the UK.

5. University of Aberdeen – 580 graduates (3.6% of enrolment size)

University of Aberdeen ranks as Scotland’s fifth best university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a total of 580 graduates currently employed across these firms, working out at 3.6% of the total enrolment size. Aberdeen ranks 40^th overall in the UK.

6. University of Glasgow – 1,339 graduates (3.6% of enrolment size)

University of Glasgow ranks as Scotland’s sixth best university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a total of 1,339 graduates currently employed across these firms, also working out at 3.6% of the total enrolment size. Glasgow ranks 41^st overall in the UK.

7. University of Stirling – 293 graduates (2.0% of enrolment size)

University of Stirling ranks as Scotland’s seventh best university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a total of 293 graduates currently employed across these firms, working out at 2.0% of the total enrolment size. Stirling ranks 51^st overall in the UK.

8. University of Dundee – 279 graduates (1.7% of enrolment size)

University of Dundee ranks as Scotland’s eight best university to attend if you want to pursue a career at the Big Four. The university has a total of 279 graduates currently employed across these firms, working out at 1.7% of the total enrolment size. Dundee ranks 53^rd overall in the UK, nearing the bottom of the list.

Top UK Universities for Big Four Accounting Jobs

1. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) – 5,776 graduates (42.9% of enrolment size)

2. University of Cambridge – 3,401 graduates (15.4% of enrolment size)

3. Oxford Brookes University – 2,355 graduates (13.2% of enrolment size)

4. Durham University – 2,702 graduates (13.1% of enrolment size)

5. University of Lancaster – 1,732 graduates (9.9% of enrolment size)

University ranking by percentage of alumni who list themselves on LinkedIn as working for a Big Four firm

Rank	UK University	PwC Employees	Deloitte Employees	EY Employees	KPMG Employees	Total	Total student enrolment (for the 20/21 academic year)	Number of alumni working at The Big Four as a percentage of current enrolment size
1.	London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	1,494	1,798	1,477	1,007	5,776	13,455	42.9%
2.	University of Cambridge	893	1,057	844	607	3,401	22,155	15.4%
3.	Oxford Brookes University	563	559	809	424	2,355	17,795	13.2%
4.	Durham University	754	794	588	566	2,702	20,645	13.1%
5.	University of Lancaster	466	435	497	334	1,732	17,470	9.9%
6.	University of Warwick	761	810	614	527	2,712	28,110	9.6%
7.	University of Oxford	661	856	546	504	2,567	27,150	9.5%
8.	Queen’s University Belfast	1,149	488	416	286	2,339	25,365	9.2%
9.	University of Bath	480	500	406	322	1,708	18,555	9.2%
10.	Heriot-Watt University	255	273	270	193	991	11,200	8.8%
11.	University of Nottingham	919	849	625	650	3,043	35,785	8.5%
12.	University of St. Andrews	283	276	202	166	927	11,485	8.1%
13.	Imperial College London	457	545	371	332	1,705	21,370	8.0%
14.	University of Bristol	717	655	515	476	2,363	29,785	7.9%
15.	The University of Manchester	987	1,001	770	729	3,487	44,635	7.8%
16.	University of Birmingham	858	796	576	667	2,897	37,750	7.7%
17.	SOAS University of London	116	138	95	101	450	5,865	7.7%
18.	University of Southampton	423	529	337	308	1,597	21,395	7.5%
19.	University of Leeds	881	717	568	544	2,710	36,840	7.4%
20.	Loughborough University	411	379	290	260	1,340	18,335	7.3%
21.	University of Exeter	620	632	467	472	2,191	30,250	7.2%
22.	Queen Mary University of London	415	526	376	348	1,665	23,870	7.0%
23.	University College London (UCL)	861	999	703	544	3,107	45,715	6.8%
24.	Newcastle University	660	476	366	311	1,813	27,775	6.5%
25.	University of Leicester	272	325	234	181	1,012	16,100	6.3%
26.	Royal Holloway, University of London	210	237	165	127	739	12,295	6.0%
27.	King’s College London	576	699	554	470	2,299	38,445	6.0%
28.	Ulster University

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Music School: Open Day tomorrow

The City of Edinburgh Music School is a national centre of excellence for musicians of any school age (4 – 18).

It is funded by the Scottish Government and does not charge any fees. The Music School is housed within two neighbouring state comprehensive schools – Flora Stevenson Primary and Broughton High School in the Comely Bank area of Edinburgh.

Entry is by audition and students have to be above average ability on an instrument/voice for their age, to be considered.

All instruments and differing styles of music are treated equally.

To find out more visit us at Broughton High School TOMORROW – on Saturday 05th November 2022.

Staff, students and some of their parents will be on hand to show you around, answer questions and demonstrate how this unique form of education works.

No need to book – just drop in any time between 11.00 am and 2pm.

Almost a third of adults in Edinburgh struggled with literacy at school, says global technology company Texthelp

Literacy challenges are affecting everyday lives with almost a quarter of adults from Edinburgh (23%) saying that they find it difficult understanding terms and conditions of applications and contracts
Over two thirds of adults from Edinburgh thought ‘Harrass’ is correct (correct spelling ‘Harass’)

Global assistive technology company, Texthelp, has unveiled new research highlighting the scale and impact that literacy challenges are having on the UK population including Edinburgh.

Almost a third (32%)[1] of adults from Edinburgh have admitted to having reading, writing, grammar, comprehension and spelling difficulties.

Having literacy difficulties can feed into people’s everyday life. Almost a quarter (23%) of adults from Edinburgh said that they find it difficult understanding terms and conditions of applications and contracts. Over a fifth (21%) also admit to finding it difficult trying to understand paperwork and contracts, such as rental agreements and phone contracts.

When it comes to spelling, the data showed that UK adults struggle to identify the correct spelling of certain common words. Ironically 31 % of adults from Edinburgh thought ‘Mispelt’ is correct (correct spelling ‘Misspelt), with over two thirds (67 %) thinking ‘Harrass’ was the correct spelling (correct spelling ‘’Harass’).

Launched during International Dyslexia Awareness Month (October 2022), the new study by Censuswide, commissioned by Texthelp, surveyed over 2,000 UK adults across the countrywhich included 95 participants from Edinburgh.

Martin McKay, Founder and CEO at Texthelp said: “By carrying out this research, we have found out more about how adults in the UK including Edinburgh feel about literacy challenges.

“We have learned how these barriers impact people every day. We are continuing to provide new products in education and will ensure words won’t hold people back. We are helping in both education and in the workplace. We are committed to helping everyone understand and be understood by providing a suite of literacy and numeracy tools to more people across the globe.”

British TV actor and ‘Derry Girls’ star, Dylan Llewellyn has dyslexia and says that some everyday tasks can be difficult for him.

Dylan said, “Being severely dyslexic meant I found school challenging and was often behind with my classwork. I struggled at mainstream school but as soon as I went to a specialist school it did help me grow in confidence and develop learning techniques.

“Acting with dyslexia has thrown up some challenges, for example, if I have to learn a script quickly then this can be difficult to do. Reading and writing is a part of everyone’s lives, so it’s important that there is support for everybody, not just pupils with dyslexia who attend a specialist school.”

The report forms part of a broader campaign titled “Words Can’t Hold Us Back”, which has been launched to raise awareness of the scale of literacy challenges in the UK, while highlighting the solutions available for Brits to overcome these barriers.

To find out more about Texthelp please visit https://text.help/literacy

Views sought on reform on exam qualifications and assessment

A consultation has been launched on how qualifications and assessment should be reformed to ensure learners’ achievements are fairly recognised.

Young people, parents, carers, teachers, education staff and all learners are among those being encouraged to give their views.

The consultation invites opinions on:

the balance between exams and other forms of assessment
how a wider range of learners’ achievements can be recognised
potential uses of technology in assessment and qualifications
how to ensure that qualifications enable all learners, regardless of their circumstances, to demonstrate their strengths and achievements

The consultation, which will close on 16 December, is part of an independent review of qualifications and assessment announced by Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville in October 2021.

The review is being led by Louise Hayward, Emerita Professor of Educational Assessment and Innovation at Glasgow University, who will provide independent advice for Ministers to consider in March next year.

Professor Hayward said: “This Review of Qualifications and Assessment offers Scotland an opportunity to look to the future.

“We want to ensure that the ways in which we gather evidence about all learners’ achievements, awards and qualifications help every learner to transition positively into the next phase of life, be that in college, employment, university or voluntary work.

“By supporting every learner to become a confident, committed life-long learner, we will help Scotland to grow socially, culturally and economically.”

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The aim of reforming qualifications and assessment is to ensure that all senior phase learners have the best possible opportunity to demonstrate the breadth, depth and relevance of their learning.

“This consultation and the other work being done by Professor Hayward to gather a wide range of opinions is crucially important and I would encourage anyone who has an interest, particularly young people, parents, carers and education staff, to give their views.

“The review, and our other planned education reforms, have the clear purpose of doing all we can to improve the experiences and outcomes of children and young people in Scotland’s education system.”

The consultation on qualifications and assessment will run until 16 December.

Class of 2022: Young people with learning disabilities are Breaking Barriers in education

Edinburgh Napier University hosted a unique graduation ceremony this week for a group of students who successfully completed ENABLE’s Breaking Barriers programme.

The ground-breaking initiative, established by ENABLE in 2018, empowers young people who have a learning disability to access university life whilst being fully supported to thrive. Students can undertake work experience opportunities with a leading global employer and gain a university qualification from a world-class academic institution.

Over the course of several months, a group of students have completed a learning programme at Edinburgh Napier University and a work placement with the course’s corporate partner, multinational professional services provider – EY.

The course aims to tackle the widespread lack of opportunities for young people with learning disabilities to enter the workforce. Recent data shows that while 45% of all Scotland’s school leavers go to university, only 8.6% of school leavers who have a learning disability go on to higher education.

The Breaking Barriers business class of 2022 came together this week for joyful celebrations with friends and family in the River Suite at Edinburgh Napier University. All of the students were successful in achieving their Accreditation in Applied Business Skills.

One of the students Gemma told us what the Breaking Barriers experience has meant to her: “I’m so happy to have successfully completed the Breaking Barriers programme, it was such a valuable experience that has benefited me a lot and I now feel ready to take my next step into further education or employment.

“I used to find school and college quite overwhelming but thanks to the support Breaking Barriers offers, I’ve really enjoyed the university environment and the chance to meet lots of new people. It was lovely to all come together on Wednesday to celebrate our achievement with our family and friends.”

ENABLE CEO and co-founder of the Breaking Barriers programme, Theresa Shearer, said: “Since 2018, the Breaking Barriers programme has made it possible for students who have a learning disability to access the life-shaping experience of university that is a rite of passage for so many, yet it is currently available to so few disabled young people.

“Breaking Barriers demonstrates how the public, private and third sectors can work collaboratively to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in education and the workplace. Thanks to our partners at Edinburgh Napier University and EY, I am delighted to see those opportunities extended to even more young people across Scotland, and I congratulate what I am sure will be the first group of many from the programme at Napier.”

Philip Milne, EY Sponsor Partner in Scotland for Breaking Barriers, said: “It was our pleasure to welcome the Breaking Barriers students to our team for six weeks. As part of their work placement, the students rotated across all of our core service lines, showed curiosity by asking pertinent questions, and importantly grew in confidence every week.

“At the graduation event we heard the success stories of students who had been encouraged by their experience, to explore further education and employment – a true example of how breaking barriers down can make a difference.”

ENABLE runs the Breaking Barriers programme through its ENABLE Works division that sets out to break down barriers to employment for people living with a learning disability.

Currently the specialist employability service is embedded within 28 local authorities across Scotland and supports 5,500 people each year. The development programmes are all about getting people of all ages ready for work – and supporting their individual needs every step of the way.

Professor Nazira Karodia, Vice Principal of Learning and Teaching at Edinburgh Napier University said: “We have been delighted to welcome our ENABLE students to our Craiglockhart campus, where our vision is to be the Business School for empowerment, enterprise, and employability for all.

“Our ethos as a university is to be the home for difference makers. Not everyone has an opportunity to change the world, but everyone can make a positive difference to the world around them: working with fantastic partners like ENABLE and EY is truly helping to break down barriers faced by young people with learning difficulties.”

The Breaking Barriers programme, which originated in the West of Scotland, has entered its fifth year and works with corporate partners including STV, Scottish Power and EY, with courses at both Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Strathclyde.

The University of Strathclyde recently expanded the programme offering to include a science cohort, giving young people with learning disabilities the chance to focus on STEM subjects both in a classroom and work placement setting for the first time. This launched in September 2022 and will run for twelve weeks.

For more information on the programme and how to apply please visit:

www.enable.org.uk/breaking-barriers or contact Madeline King at

madeline.king@enable.org.uk

Students and teachers receive the inaugural Saroj Lal Award for City of Edinburgh Schools

The winners of the first ever edition of the Saroj Lal Award for City of Edinburgh Schools were announced at the City Chambers this week.

The ceremony consisted of award judges, the family of Saroj Lal, student/teacher nominees and their families, along with Council colleagues and other invited guests.

Saroj Lal was one of the first BAME women to teach in a Scottish primary school when she began her role at South Morningside Primary School in 1970

. Her many successes included being at the forefront of race relations during a period of immense political and social change, delivering anti-racism training and starting the first local authority interpreting and translating service in Edinburgh.

Following her death in 2020, Saroj’s many achievements in equality, women’s rights, education, and community work are being formally recognised.

All City of Edinburgh schools were invited to nominate pupil work relating to any aspect of equalities, in any artform. Headteachers were also invited to nominate staff, whose collaborative work around equalities has taken a creative approach and had an impact.

All nominated work will be used to start building a resource bank for schools. There were 9 schools who nominated, with 13 pupil/pupil group nominations and 4 teacher nominations submitted.

All work submitted was considered by a panel of judges, comprising Saroj Lal’s son Vineet Lal, Debora Kayembe (Rector of The University of Edinburgh), Theo Ogbhemhe (teacher in Orkney who was winner of the first GTCS Saroj Lal Award), and young person, Alanah Walker.

The award categories for students were as follows:

Proud to be Me: Communicates the young person’s personal expression of pride their heritage, in their own culture and/or identity.
How Prejudice Makes Me Feel: Expresses young people’s feelings about any form prejudice inflicted on themselves or others.
Artivism: Art expresses their views on social justice and challenges others to change and/or act differently.

All the nominated work was celebrated at the ceremony hosted by Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener.

The winner for the Proud to be Me category was Anum Shezad of The Royal High School.

In the How Prejudice Makes Me Feel category the winner was Freya Wilson of The Flora Stevenson Primary School.

For the Artivism category the winner was the Rights Respecting Schools Group, comprising four senior pupils from Firrhill High School namely Jess Daly, Alisha McLeod, Sara McLeod and Jane Williams.

The staff winner was Rory Murray, again of Firrhill High School, with the special Judges’ Commendation going to Jane O’Thy, of Boroughmuir High School.

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “I am incredibly proud to oversee the inaugural Saroj Lal Award for City of Edinburgh Schools as Education, Children and Families Convener.

“These pupils and their achievements are a testament to the rich legacy that Saroj Lal left in her decades of pioneering work in Edinburgh and beyond. This award provides an opportunity to reflect not only on the life on a seminal and inspiring woman in Saroj Lal but an opportunity to look ahead to the future with pupils across the Capital showing their passion for equality, diversity and social justice.”

Vineet Lal, son of Saroj Lal, and one of the Award judges said: “I have been blown away by the sheer creativity and depth of thought demonstrated by all those pupils and staff nominated for the inaugural Saroj Lal Award for Schools.

“I have been truly amazed by the variety and originality with which they have embraced the spirit of equality and diversity and captured that spirit so beautifully in their submissions.

“Saroj was a pioneering force in the struggle for justice and fairness for all, and I think she would have been very proud indeed that her trailblazing work in the City of Edinburgh and beyond should inspire new generations to champion those same values.”

Aims of The Saroj Lal Award for City of Edinburgh Schools:

Mark the important legacy of Saroj Lal’s life and work.
Inspire action and promote equalities work in the widest sense.
Ensure pupils’ views, ideas and experiences are central and communicated widely through creative approaches.
Create a bank of resources for schools to use and share.
Challenge perceptions, remove stigma and celebrate diversity.

Dyslexia Awareness Week: How to support your child if they have a learning difficulty

This week is Dyslexia Awareness Week (4^th– 10^th October) and an education expert has shared five pieces of advice on how to support children if they have learning disabilities.

Interestingly, research conducted by Oxford Home Schooling revealed that while overseeing their children’s learning during lockdown, many parents spotted potential signs of a learning difficulty.

Nearly half (47%) identified symptoms of dyslexia (difficulty reading, writing and spelling), whilst more than one in four (29%) observed possible indicators of dysgraphia (impaired handwriting or spelling).

To help parents who now think their child may have a learning difficulty, Greg Smith, Head of Operations at Oxford Home Schooling, has put together a guide on how best to support your child and what your next steps should be.

1. Get your child diagnosed

If your child’s difficulties are having a significant impact on their learning, it’s a good idea to have them tested for a condition and diagnosed.

A diagnosis can open the door for your child to receive appropriate learning support in school. This includes allowing them extra time in exams and being supported by a teaching assistant, so it’s a good idea to look into this as early as possible.

If you’ve observed signs that your child may have a learning difficulty, you should speak to your GP, who can either make the diagnosis themselves, or refer the child for the appropriate tests.

2. Speak to your GP

Once a child is diagnosed with a learning difficulty, you should consult your GP. They will then be able to recommend and refer you to an appropriate specialist for support¹.

Specialists can include speech and language therapists, educational and clinical psychologists and paediatricians, among others.

3. Make the school aware

Once you have an idea of the areas where your child is struggling, you will need to make their school and teachers aware of the situation.

This will allow the school to put extra support in place should your child require it. They will need time to consider how the condition might affect the child’s learning and work out how best to adapt their teaching.

4. Talk to others

Many parents find it difficult to process the diagnosis of a learning difficulty and it can be a challenge to adapt to your child’s new needs.

Don’t be afraid to seek out the support of other parents who have experienced similar situations. There are many support groups and forums out there for advice, and you and your child can even build new friendships.

5. Support your child

The important thing to remember is that you need to support your child, whether this is with their learning, or any other aspects of life that they struggle with.

Being diagnosed with a learning difficulty is by no means the end of the world and children with such conditions go on to enjoy rich and fulfilling lives.

You will need to be patient, and it may be challenging at times, but with the correct support system in place your child will be fine.

For information on the benefits of homeschooling for children with learning disabilities and special educational needs, head to this page:

https://www.oxfordhomeschooling.co.uk/special-situations/

Maths Week Scotland returns for sixth year

Maths Week Scotland returns for its sixth and biggest-ever annual event from 26 September to 2 October 2022. This week, pupils, community groups and families in Edinburgh and the Lothians will be enjoying an exciting range of maths-themed activities and events across local schools, science centres and museums.

Part of the Scottish Government’s drive to encourage positive attitudes to numeracy and maths, Maths Weeks Scotland is developed and delivered by National Museums Scotland. This year, the Small Grants Fund – a partnership between the Edinburgh Mathematical Society, the Glasgow Mathematical Journal Trust and the Scottish Government – has supported 67 different classroom activities for schools across the country to encourage pupils to think about maths in a creative way.

The theme for 2022 is the beauty of maths, focusing on the creative and inspiring side of the subject, and how maths plays a vital role in art, music and design. School pupils across Edinburgh and the Lothians will be encouraged to think about maths in a creative way through activities such as art and sculpture exhibitions, budgeting projects, and outdoor learning.

Science centres and museums across Scotland have also received support from Maths Week Scotland for large-scale family activities and workshops as well as programming for schools and community groups that encourage innovation and participation while linking maths with the arts.

Alongside in-person events, Maths Week Scotland has created a fun online programme to inspire and intrigue people of all ages, from schools and educators to families and adults. The virtual programme includes using coding to create art, ideas for hands-on classroom activities, and a mathematical art workshop by mathematician Lucy Rycroft-Smith with a free kit posted to participants.

The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is organising an exciting programme of maths-themed family events, including free art exhibition (2 October) and a schools programme of renewable energy workshops.

Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh is launching the ‘Maths Attack’ trail around the estate to teach pupils about how to use and make their own set of Napier’s Bones – a calculation device for multiplying large numbers.

Edinburgh’s National Galleries of Scotland is showcasing Scotland’s art through a mathematical lens with an online resource for schools and gallery visits to Modern One.

The University of Edinburgh is organising an exciting programme of events, with a display of geometric illuminations and optical illusions at James Clerk Maxwell Building (1 October) as well as virtual (27-28 September) and hands-on (1 October) maths activities for families. The university is also providing workshops for teachers and educators to inspire ideas for practical maths activities in the classroom.

Museum on the Mound is hosting online and in-person ‘Money Maths’ workshops to explore different money around the world.

On 29 September, Surgeons’ Hall Museum is arranging school workshops on using investigating bones and surgical equipment as well as a drop-in session for the general public on 1 October.

Stockbridge Library and Moredun Library are hosting Bookbug sessions and art activities for individuals and families.

Katie Oldfield, Maths Week Scotland co-ordinator, said: “We are thrilled to be launching Maths Week Scotland for its sixth consecutive year with such a bang.

“Mathematicians often refer to the subject as ‘beautiful’, and our aim is to inspire families, schools and community groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians to view maths in a new way and to find it in unexpected places, such as art and music.

“We are so excited to be bringing back more interactive, in-person events at schools and public venues across the country. It’s brilliant to see that so many schools have devised fun and engaging activities for pupils to discover how creative maths can be.”

The schools programme is core to Maths Week Scotland. Schools and community projects receiving grants in Edinburgh and the Lothians are:

Edinburgh:

· Ferryhill Primary School – Skatepark Maths: Pupils P1-7 will create their own skateparks for finger skateboards

· Edinburgh Council Libraries: Three primary schools exploring outdoor space at Newington Library

· Bruntsfield Primary School: Creation of an exciting outdoor learning space

· Gilmerton Primary School – Financial and Budgeting: Pupils will be given a budget and go shopping for ingredients to create a nutritious meal

· Number Berries Maths Play Club: Mini Exhibition of art and sculptures inspired by manmade structures and nature

· Corstorphine Primary School: Beauty of Maths exhibition

Lothians:

· Cedarbank School: Exhibition of numeracy themed artwork created by pupils and their families

· Polkemmet Primary School: Beauty of Maths art exhibition for families

· Pinewood School – Maths Week Scotland Sale: Materials will be purchased to craft items to sell at a Maths Week Scotland sale to practice recognising coins and budgeting

Maths Week Scotland is supported by winner of The Great British Bake Off 2020, Peter Sawkins.

Maths Week Scotland has a supporting year-round programme for schools, families, adults, and community groups. This is part of an ongoing drive to transform Scotland into a maths-positive nation through raising the profile of maths and encouraging enthusiasm for maths across the country.

National Museums Scotland is working with a wide range of organisations and collaborators to support and deliver Maths Week Scotland activity across Scotland.

For a full list of contributors and to view the whole programme, visit:

www.mathsweek.scot

A National Discussion: Let’s Talk Scottish Education

Young people invited to take part in National Discussion

Every child and young person in Scotland is being encouraged to get involved in a National Discussion on education.

Let’s Talk Scottish Education invites those aged three to 18 to share their ideas, views and experiences.

Feedback from young people, as well as from parents, carers, teachers and others working in education and beyond, will play a vital part in shaping the future of education. This will include the reform programme that will see the creation of three new education bodies and a review of qualifications and assessment.

The National Discussion, which is being co-convened by COSLA, will run until 5 December. It is being independently facilitated by Professor Carol Campbell and Professor Alma Harris, who will report their findings to Ministers and COSLA in spring 2023.

Schools are being invited to take part in the Discussion in ways that best suit them and their learners. This may be through classroom discussions, homework tasks or by encouraging children and young people to have discussions at home or with friends. Discussion guides have been issued to schools to help encourage involvement.

Children and young people can also contribute by emailing the Scottish Government or through social media, using the hashtag #TalkScottishEducation.

More information will be available over the coming weeks on other ways that young people can get involved in online and regional events.

Ahead of launching the Discussion during a visit to Carnegie Primary School in Dunfermline, Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “It has been 20 years since Scotland last held a national debate on the future of education. Since then, the education landscape has changed beyond recognition, as has the world around us. It’s time for a new National Discussion.

“Our reform programme will build on all that is good in Scottish education and deliver real change and improvement. Our children and young people hold the biggest stake in the education system so it is right that their views should be at the centre of those plans.

“We are inviting every child and young person to get involved. We want to hear all voices, particularly those who feel they haven’t been heard in the past.

“Resources have been developed to help prompt discussions around the country; within organisations, around kitchen tables and in our schools and youth settings.

“The vision which is created following the National Discussion will set out what education in Scotland needs to look like not only in the near future but 20 years from now – so Let’s Talk Education.”

COSLA Children and Young People Spokesperson Councillor Tony Buchanan said: “I’m delighted that we are launching the National Discussion and pleased that COSLA will co-convene the discussion with the Scottish Government, reflecting the importance we place on learning in Scotland, and the joint responsibility we have when it comes to education.

“This is an exciting opportunity for children and young people, staff in our schools, families and wider communities to get involved and make their voices heard. I hope that everyone who has something to say on how we deliver education in Scotland takes the time to get involved in the months ahead.”

Patrick McGlinchey, Executive Director of national parents group Connect, said: “We welcome the launch of the National Discussion and look forward to supporting learners and their families to participate fully.

“Connect will work hard to ensure children, young people, and their families are heard loud and clear during the national discussion, and that the future of Scottish education is child-centred, with parents by their side.”

Penguin and Twinkl to donate over 55,000 books by authors of colour to UK primary schools

Penguin Books UK and Twinkl are coming together to increase primary school pupils’ access to books by writers of colour, by giving away books including by Sharna Jackson and Malala Yousafzai to 500 schools across the UK.
Twinkl are producing a range of learning resources to accompany titles in the donation, to support teachers to integrate the new texts into their teaching.
Schools can apply to receive the books at https://www.penguin.co.uk/lit-in-colour/twinkl-partnership

Penguin Books have joined forces with Twinkl Educational Publishing to donate books by authors of colour to 500 UK primary schools.

The donation of books from Penguin, Puffin, Ladybird, and Vintage and Andersen Press forms part of Penguin’s Lit in Colour campaign, and aims to give pupils access to a wider range of authors, characters and books to tackle their stark underrepresentation in UK schools.

Each participating school will receive 100 books, covering a range of titles across fiction, non-fiction, poetry and mythology; from much-loved classics to new voices. Authors included in the selection are Matthew A. Cherry, Malala Yousafzai, Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali and more. Each school will also receive a class set of The Good Turn by Sharna Jackson.

Research by Lit in Colour, carried out by Penguin Books and the Runnymede Trust in 2021, revealed a stark picture of under-representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic authors in the teaching of English Literature in this country.

This is relative both to these authors’ place in contemporary British literary excellence and school population demographics. According to the research, 82% of young people do not ever recall studying a book by a Black, Asian or minority ethnic author, while 70% agree that diversity is part of British society and should be represented in the school curriculum.

The research also found that a key barrier for primary school teachers was a lack of ready-made resources available from teaching sites that are focused on diverse texts. This is a significant challenge for educators who rely on these for the basis of their planning.

In response to this, Twinkl are producing a comprehensive set of learning resources that aim to make it as easy as possible for educators to create a full lesson around these titles and immerse learners through a selection of activity sheets to be used alongside the books and as follow-on activities.

Twinkl’s comprehensive series of educational resources will cover 20 titles that will support bringing new literature to classrooms. The learning materials will consist of various worksheets and activity packs. These include 60-second reading activities, to biography fact files and writing packs. These resources will be available to freely access online and can be used in connection with Penguin’s Lit in Colour book list.

Zaahida Nabagereka, Penguin Random House’s Head of Social Impact, said: “Partnering with Twinkl on this first ever UK wide Lit in Colour Primary School donation is a really significant step in addressing the barriers the Lit in Colour report identified in 2021.

“We are committed to supporting teachers to take diverse books into their classrooms with confidence, and key to that is resources. This collaboration strengthens the argument that we can achieve more when we tackle systemic issues together.”

David Angrave, Twinkl’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “As a global education publisher, we are delighted to work with Penguin on such a meaningful campaign. Our Lit in Colour resources aim to engage learners in a wide variety of diverse titles in the classroom. Through a range of voices in books, children can discover different cultures and identifiable characters.

“We are looking forward to continuing to collaborate with Penguin with this campaign and help build an inclusive outlook which celebrates differences and what brings us together.”

Sharna Jackson, author of The Good Turn, “When I was younger, there was a pronounced lack of access to many books that reflected my experience – as part of the curriculum, or in my school library.

“It’s why I wholeheartedly support the transformative work that Lit in Colour does to expand and enrich the curriculum. I am so incredibly proud that The Good Turn can be a small part of this change, as this donation from Lit in Colour and Twinkl will make an enormous difference to thousands of young readers who deserve to see themselves and their experience reflected in the books stocked on their school library shelves.”

To find out more about how your school can get involved with the Lit in Colour book giveaway, please visit our website.

Primary teachers can apply by completing this short form by Friday 30th September.