First Minister launches new app for teen readers

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined Portobello High School students from S1-S3 yesterday to launch a new app, Bookzilla, at Portobello Library.

Developed by Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, and digital agency Dubit, Bookzilla is aimed at early secondary school students in Scotland. The app encourages pupils to read for pleasure, whether they are already regular readers or just embarking on their reading journey. Continue reading First Minister launches new app for teen readers

Exam Results Day: help is at hand

Thousands of young people will have access to information, advice and support when the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) exam results helpline opens.

Expert careers advisers will be on hand to discuss next steps with young people receiving their results and to provide more information to parents and carers who are keen to understand the choices available.

The helpline will be available from 8am to 8pm today and tomorrow (Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 August), and from 9am to 5pm weekdays from Thursday 8 until Wednesday 14 August. The number to call is 0808 100 8000.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney met some of the advisers who will be standing by to provide dedicated support. He said: “I want to wish everyone receiving exam results the very best of luck and offer my congratulations on the culmination of all your hard work.

“This is an extremely significant time but it is important to remember that this is the start of a journey, not the end. If your results are what you hoped for that is great news but if you miss out on the grades you were looking for, or do even better than expected, there is a huge variety of options available to you that the SDS careers advisers are on hand to talk through.”

James Russell, Skills Development Scotland’s Director of Career Information, Advice & Guidance Operations, said: “If your results aren’t what you expected don’t panic, you have lots of options. 

“Skills Development Scotland is Scotland’s career service and our experienced advisers are here to help you and your parents and carers with information on all the options and opportunities available to you.”

The helpline is free to call however some operator charges may apply. Get in touch with the helpline via Facebook or Twitter.

Results information and advice is also available on Scotland’s careers website My World of Work.

Find out more about the role of a Skills Development Scotland careers adviser.

Weird and wonderful street science in Muirhouse

Spectacular street science entertained children in North Edinburgh yesterday. 

Busking Bikes
Edinburgh Science Festival ‘Busking Bikes’ were in the area entertaining children from four local primary schools as well as having a public show in the new ‘town centre’ by Muirhouse Library.

Continue reading Weird and wonderful street science in Muirhouse

Trinity students win Scotland title in national schools science competition

A team of five S3 students from Trinity Academy in Edinburgh has fought off tough competition from hundreds of schools across Great Britain to win the Scotland prize in Shell’s national schools’ competition, The Bright Ideas Challenge. Continue reading Trinity students win Scotland title in national schools science competition

Craigroyston Summer Fair’s on Saturday

Saturday 15th June 10am – 3pm

Summer Fair to fundraise for our Tanzania 2020 trip! 🇹🇿

Stalls will include hot food 🌭, face painting 🎨, cake and candy 🍰, tombola 🎟, clothes rail 👗, jewellery💍, henna painting 🖍, nail painting💅🏼, games🥇 etc.

Fun for all the family! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Be sure to share the event, come along and bring as many friends as you can! 👍🏼

‘The new Three Rs should be Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’

As Westminster Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner calls for climate change to be included in the National Curriculum, a leading education company made up of former school teachers has said the subject should be taught from the start of primary school.  Continue reading ‘The new Three Rs should be Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’

Bear with Me: Forthview parents produce fabulous new book

Forthview Primary School parents proudly unveiled their latest story ‘Bear with Me’ at a launch at the City Chambers on Wednesday. Continue reading Bear with Me: Forthview parents produce fabulous new book

Lose, lose: Scottish state schools cut number of exams pupils are allowed to sit

Reform Scotland says sharp reduction in National 4s and 5s available in many schools is narrowing educational opportunity for children.

New research released today by Reform Scotland, the independent think tank, exposes a disturbing decline in the number of National 4s and 5s school pupils are being allowed to sit. Continue reading Lose, lose: Scottish state schools cut number of exams pupils are allowed to sit