Tag: First Minister

Reading Challenge now open to all pupils

Challenge expands to include secondary schools

The First Minister’s Reading Challenge is now open to all pupils across primary and secondary schools in Scotland.

Secondary schools, libraries and community groups can now register to take part in the challenge which has been running in primary schools since 2016 and is delivered by Scottish Book Trust.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launched the third year of the challenge at Renfrew High School, one of the secondary schools that took part in a pilot last year.

She said: “I set up the First Minister’s Reading Challenge to instil a love of reading from an early age. Reading not only opens up a whole new world of adventure, but also helps develop and improve children’s literacy.

“The evaluation of the programme showed it has been well received by pupils, schools and parents in primary schools.   It is important we build on that enthusiasm and encourage young people to continue reading as they progress through their education into secondary school.

“Registration for this year’s challenge is now open and I’m looking forward to seeing pupils from P1 to S6 getting involved.”

Headteacher of Renfrew High School Billy Burke said: “We were delighted to participate in the secondary pilot of the First Minister’s Reading Challenge and I have been hugely impressed by how our young people have embraced the opportunity.

“Particularly through the outstanding work of our school library with a variety of external partners, we have developed a vibrant culture of creativity and reading for pleasure throughout the school.

“Literacy unlocks the wider curriculum, and it is fantastic to see our pupils enjoying, embracing and leading in this area of their learning.”

Edinburgh Northern & Laith MSP Ben Macpherson has welcomed the announcement. He said: “The First Minister’s Reading Challenge is a great opportunity to get more children and young people excited about reading. 

“With the increasing use of smartphones and computers, it is more important than ever that we promote reading and its power to accelerate learning and boost attainment.

“Following the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for School Libraries announced last week, the Reading Challenge is a great chance for schools and other groups to join a national reading movement.

“I encourage all schools, libraries and reading groups in the constituency to get involved.”

Registration for the First Minister’s Reading challenge is now open

The First Minister’s Reading Challenge is delivered through Scottish Book Trust, funded by the Scottish Government.

995 schools registered for the challenge last year with 235,000 children taking part.

The evaluation of the First Minister’s Reading Challenge is available online.

 

 

MSPs to quiz First Minister

Holyrood’s Committee Conveners is to quiz the First Minister on her Government’s programme and priorities. In what will now be a bi-annual 90 minute session, the First Minister will face questions on a broad range of issues. The session will take place at 12.30pm on Wednesday (18 April).

Speaking as the session was announced, Chair of the Conveners Group, Christine Grahame MSP, said: “Committees often hear from Government Ministers and officials as they undertake detailed scrutiny of legislation and policy. However this session enables Conveners to question the First Minister directly on the broad spectrum of the Government’s programme.

“There are relatively few opportunities for Conveners to question the First Minister in this way so the addition of an extra session each year is a welcome development.

“This session is not about political theatre. It is an important mechanism through which Parliament can hold the Government to account and I expect Conveners will make full use of the opportunity.”

The session is open to the public, and tickets can be booked via the Parliament’s Visitor Services. The session will also be streamed live on both Facebook and Parliament TV. To watch live, select Committee Room 2 on Parliament TV.

It will take place between 12:30 and 2pm, on Wednesdayl, and will be chaired by Deputy Presiding Officer Christine Grahame MSP.

The last session took place on 25 October 2017.

First Mentor initiative to run again

The ‘First Mentor’ initiative, which gives a young woman aged between 18-23 a chance to be mentored by the First Minister, will run again in 2018.  Following the success of the 2017-18 opportunity, a new round of applications opens today. Continue reading First Mentor initiative to run again

Scotland on track to recruit 27,000 Modern Apprentices

The push by employers to recruit more apprentices is on track to deliver 27,000 new Modern Apprenticeship starts by the end of this year, the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has revealed. To end of December 2017, more than 18,700 apprentices were recorded as having started training across the country. Continue reading Scotland on track to recruit 27,000 Modern Apprentices

First Minister praises care and response services

The First Minister has praised the efforts and resilience of those involved in responding to the recent extreme weather conditions. The worst may be over, but Scotland is still expected to face difficult conditions at the start of the new working week. Continue reading First Minister praises care and response services

Burns Night: First Minister reflects on importance of Scotland’s national bard

Looking ahead to Burns Night 2018, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We’re very proud in Scotland that Burns Night is celebrated every year in towns and cities right around the world – from New Zealand to Norway and from Mexico to Malawi.

“Here in Scotland, there are events taking place the length and breadth of the country: from Dumfries’s Big Burns Supper, an 11 day festival, to Inverness’ Stramash – a celebration of Burns which this year has a special focus on children and young people. And of course Burns suppers will be taking place in homes and social venues throughout the land.

“I always think it’s remarkable and admirable that Scotland’s most celebrated national figure isn’t a politician, a soldier, or a king or queen, but is instead a writer – someone whose songs and poems have enriched millions of people’s lives.

“I think that says something about the continuing importance of culture in our lives. And of course it also highlights the enduring value of Burns’ work – the way his sympathy, humour and passion still speak profoundly to us today.

“For those qualities, and many more, Burns will be remembered and celebrated, ‘till a the seas gang dry.’

“So wherever you are, in Scotland or around the world, I hope you have a fantastic Burns Night.  And I hope you’ll join me in taking time to toast the immortal memory of the great Rabbie Burns.”

Information and tips on celebrating Burns Night is available online.

There’s a local opportunity to celebrate the life and works of Rabbie Burns at North Edinburgh’s very own Community Ceilidh on Saturday 3 February at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

Tickets are still available – see below for details:

 

 

 

First Minister pledges support to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to support the work of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) in 2018 after visiting the charity’s exhibit at Holyrood and meeting with its Chief Executive. Continue reading First Minister pledges support to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity