UNISON and EIS surveys published today paint a bleak picture of the violence in Edinburgh’s schools and classes suffered by teachers, nursery nurses and pupil support assistants. Many staff report experiencing violence daily at work and a third of support staff say they do not feel safe at work. Continue reading Unions call for action as surveys show level of violence towards staff in Edinburgh schools
STANLEY Security, one of the most trusted names in security and responsible for securing thousands of schools worldwide, is pleased to announce the return of its ‘Together for Safer Education ‘ competition which gives nurseries, schools and colleges the opportunity to win up to £10k in security products and services. Continue reading STANLEY Security ‘Safer Education’ competition
John Swinney visits Craigroyston Primary School
Continue reading Read, Write, Count: Teachers and parents welcome gift bags for P2 and P3 pupils.
Calling all schools! Leading Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland has joined forces with STV News to launch its eagerly-awaited Learning Competition for 2018 which calls on P4-S3 pupils to produce their own news story by imagining how they would report the end of the First World War if it happened today. Continue reading Breaking News! Poppyscotland launches learning competition
Praise for Active Schools programme
Active Schools is going from strength to strength with figures at an all-time high and 7.3 million participant sessions delivered in 2017/18, an increase of 6% from 2016/17. Local politicians have welcomed the latest figures. Continue reading Record number of schools win SportScotland awards
Recognition Express and BRAKE are making a last call to primary school children to enter their Road Safety Week design a road safety banner competition. Continue reading Last call for entries in schools road safety banner competition
OPEN MEETING at VICTORIA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Thursday 4th October 7 – 9pm
Forrester High School in Edinburgh has been chosen to receive an author residency from Scottish Book Trust. Author Victoria Williamson will work with the school on a specific creative project. Continue reading High School receives free author residency
Pupils shape strategy to help improve literacy and boost attainment
Hundreds of young people have informed the development of a new joint strategy to ensure every child in Scotland will have access to a dynamic school library.
The national strategy for school libraries is the first of its kind in the UK. The strategy includes 20 action points to support the improvement of literacy and numeracy, boost attainment across the curriculum, and enable opportunities for family learning.
The strategy will ensure school library services:
Pupils shared experiences of how their school librarian had built their confidence in reading and highlighted how the school library supports their wellbeing, a key theme in the strategy:
“I found people like me at the library” – S1, Inverclyde Academy
“The library is my second home” – S5, Inverclyde Academy
“Coming to the library is my favourite part of school” – P6, Aviemore Primary
“If you’re in the library, you can clear your mind by reading a book” – P6, Aviemore Primary
A specialist group will now be formed from key stakeholders to oversee the implementation of the strategy’s aims and report on progress.
Speaking ahead of the publication on International Literacy Day, Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, said: “School libraries have a vital part to play, throughout the learner journey from 3-18. They support literacy, numeracy, and health and wellbeing, improving attainment across the Curriculum.
“This strategy seeks to make libraries the vibrant hub and epicentre of our schools, promoting an appreciation of literature, an understanding of information literacy and a place of contact, friendship, dialogue and reassurance.
“I am pleased to endorse this strategy and look forward to working with stakeholders, headteachers and library staff to implement it over the next five years.”
Councillor Stephen McCabe, COSLA Children and Young People spokesperson said: “We are pleased that the National School Library Strategy recognises the many practical and innovative ways in which local authorities deliver library services to children and young people.
“The strategy will be a valuable blueprint for all of those involved in developing and delivering school library services to ensure all children and young people get the best from their education.”
With school in Edinburgh having been back for the last two weeks, there are still a worryingly high number of teacher vacancies. Teaching posts for a range of subjects are still vacant, including head teaching posts. Continue reading Teaching vacancies concern for Briggs
