Latest news with #EducationScotland
The Herald Scotland
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
MSPs vote down curriculum body proposals
The body would also be given oversight of the development of teachers and staff, as well as being tasked with accrediting qualifications. Ms Duncan-Glancy told MSPs the creation of the body would not increase costs on the Government, with funding, staffing and office space taken from Education Scotland. Control over the curriculum, accreditation and improvement in education is 'spread over too many bodies' which 'do not always speak to each other'. 'The amendments in this group propose a remedy to this – Curriculum Scotland,' she said. 'A single, arms-length organisation that will steer what is taught, guarantee the standards of certificates that flow from that teaching and the continuous improvement of both.' Responding to the Labour MSP, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: 'My decision to refocus Education Scotland, which I announced to Parliament in June of last year, was a fundamental step in realising the shared ambition in relation to education reform. 'The curriculum improvement cycle, as members will know, is also already under way, with Education Scotland leading that work with the teaching profession. 'When considering these amendments, I am thoughtful about the principle of legislating only when necessary and I ask members to keep that at the forefront of their minds for voting on these amendments.' She added: 'While I appreciate the intention behind these amendments, I cannot support them. 'I do not believe there are sufficient advantages to establishing a new standalone curriculum body in legislation and the expense that will incur, when we already have a national education agency being refocused on curriculum improvement and supporting implementation across the system.' The amendment was defeated by 94 votes to 22. Asked by Scottish Tory MSP Miles Briggs if creating such a body would require a standalone Bill rather than an amendment to an existing one, Ms Duncan-Glancy admitted it was not the 'neatest opportunity to do this, but it is the only opportunity that we face'. While fellow Scottish Tory MSP Stephen Kerr said he understood the intentions behind the amendments, but added he did not think the plans were the right method of doing so. The Bill will scrap the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and replace it with Qualifications Scotland, which would work alongside a re-tooled Education Scotland and a newly-created chief inspector of education – who would be tasked with inspecting nurseries, schools and colleges. In an hours-long session at Holyrood, hundreds of amendments to the Bill were discussed by MSPs. Ms Duncan-Glancy did not push another raft of changes – on the make-up of Qualifications Scotland's strategic advisory council – she proposed to a vote after receiving assurances from Ms Gilruth on the group's membership. MSPs also backed a push for a review of the accreditation of qualifications in Scotland proposed by Scottish Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie. Consideration of remaining amendments and a final vote on the Bill are scheduled to take place on Wednesday afternoon.
Glasgow Times
24-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Paisley high school celebrating attainment boost praised by inspectors
The Education Scotland team highlighted Gleniffer High's 'commitment to providing a wide range of courses tailored to the needs of pupils requiring additional support needs' leading to an increase in attainment at SCQF levels three and four. The inspectors also praised 'the caring, supportive relationships between young people and staff that create a welcoming and nurturing learning environment' and 'senior leaders' approaches to encouraging close partnership working.' Gleniffer High pupils (Image: Renfrewshire Council) The report added: 'Successful partnerships are developing young people's employability skills and contributing to sustained improvements in the number of young people who achieve positive destinations.' (Image: Renfrewshire Council) As areas for improvement, the inspectors said the school should 'continue to develop the 'Gleniffer toolkit' to support teachers in embedding greater consistency in approaches to learning and teaching through professional learning and collaboration' and 'continue to improve approaches to the planning of learning.' The school's successful netball team (Image: Renfrewshire Council) They added: 'Teachers should make full use of all available information about young people to ensure that all learners make the best possible progress.' Lisa Chalmers, headteacher, said: 'I am delighted the hard work and efforts of our staff and learners have been recognised by Education Scotland. 'We endeavour to provide a range of experiences for young people which ensure they have every opportunity to attain and achieve." Gleniffer High's orchestra (Image: Renfrewshire Council) She added: 'This report demonstrates our commitment to getting it right for our learners and celebrating their individual strengths and successes.' Councillor Emma Rodden, convener of Renfrewshire Council's education and children's services policy board, said: "This positive inspection result is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at the school to achieve the very best outcomes for pupils. 'I'm immensely proud of our schools and the work they do for Renfrewshire's children, young people and communities.' Janie O'Neill, director of children's services for Renfrewshire Council, added: 'Gleniffer High deserves this recognition from Education Scotland which reflects the positive relationships which exist between the young people and staff, which I have witnessed firsthand in my visits to the school, and the commitment of the head teacher and wider staff to doing their very best for the young people.' Gleniffer High also recently won a UK-wide Rockets for All competition organised by Big Ideas in partnership with the Imperial Space Lab. A group of fourth year pupils are visiting the London-based lab in June as part of an all-expenses paid trip.
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Voices raised on gender-based violence issues at Paisley Town Hall
Young people from across Renfrewshire gathered to hear from Dr Jackson Katz and to discuss how schools across the country are tackling gender-based violence. Gender-based violence was the focus as more than 200 young people attended a special assembly in Paisley Town Hall. Young people from Renfrewshire and its surrounding areas gathered to hear from Dr Jackson Katz, the creator and co-founder of the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) programme. It is the first large-scale global prevention and peer mentoring leadership initiative for young people. Renowned American educator and author Dr Katz addressed those present with Nicola Sykes, a senior education officer from Education Scotland, also on hand to discuss how schools across the country are tackling gender-based violence through the MVP programme. The Action for Change event was organised by Renfrewshire Council's youth services and children's services, and Education Scotland. All Renfrewshire schools have established the MVP programme – equipping young people with the skills they need to tackle violence when they see it and provide peer support. Renfrewshire's young people voted to prevent violence as their top priority at a youth assembly held during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The Action for Change youth assembly gives young people the chance to have their voices heard and directly influence how the council and its partners support young people to prevent violence. It's one of many events led by youth services and children's services as part of Young and Equally Safe (YES) in Renfrewshire which aims to tackle gender-based violence, affecting young people, across schools and communities. Ruaridh Keating, one of Renfrewshire's the YES group leaders, said: 'It's important to talk about gender-based violence so people's voices are heard and it's not a topic that's brushed under the rug; and it's more publicised than it has been in the past.' Amy-Ellen O'Neill, another YES leader, explained: 'Talking about gender-based violence can help people feel safer to open up about things that have happened to them; especially if everyone talks about it. It raises awareness of the issue.' Dr Katz said: 'I brag about what Scotland is doing all over the world. Over the last 12 to 13 years, there has been a systematic approach to implementing the MVP programme across the country. 'MVP is a leadership programme for young people to help them have the tools to speak up and challenge and interrupt abusive behaviour. 'We focus on men's violence against women, sexual harassment and assault, domestic and relationship abuse – but it is about all forms of violence. 'The model helps young people become leaders, with young people mentoring younger peers and building their confidence in speaking out.' Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron said: 'This event has been a fantastic opportunity for young people to come together and make their voice heard. Real change happens when we listen to what young people have to say. 'Hearing about the work happening in our schools through the Mentors in Violence Prevention and Young and Equally Safe programmes has been inspiring. 'Young people are using their voices and experiences to challenge harmful behaviours, support one another and lead the way in creating safer, more equal communities. 'As a local authority, we are listening to young people and we will build a future free from violence and inequality with young people. 'Our youth services, community learning and development, and schools will continue to work together to support young people across Renfrewshire. The work they do is invaluable.'
BBC News
18-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Parents accuse council of failing Highland primary school
Parents have accused Highland Council of failing their primary school after inspectors raised significant concerns about how it was Scotland said there were "major weaknesses" in the leadership of Newtonmore also found recruitment issues meant a council official was in the role of acting headteacher and there were no other senior school's parent council said it was "deeply saddened" by the report, and said it had been raising concerns with Highland Council for the past two years. Since the inspection in March the local authority said the school had received additional support from senior education officers. Newtonmore Primary School, which has 107 pupils, provides English and Gaelic medium education (GME).Education Scotland said the school had experienced several changes at senior level after the headteacher and principal teacher left the school in June last described learning, teaching and assessment as "weak".They said lessons did not take into account the needs of individual children, and the pace of learning was too school's work around wellbeing, equality and inclusion, and its ability to raise attainment, were described as "unsatisfactory".Inspectors said it had experienced challenges staffing GME classes, and this had a negative impact on older children's fluency in speaking the Primary School Parent Council said the inspection showed Highland Council's polices and resources to deliver quality education in the community had been ineffective.A spokesperson said: "The inspection results are shocking, and we are angered by the extent to which the children of Newtonmore have been failed. "The areas identified for improvement validate concerns that parents have repeatedly raised, both individually and collectively, with the Highland Council and local representatives over the past two years. "The educational attainment of our children is being jeopardised, and on the current trajectory, many risk failing to reach their full potential." 'Quality environments' Highland Council has been asked for a response to the parents' on the inspection report, the local authority said: "Highland Council is committed to providing quality learning environments, experiences and interactions for our pupils."The authority and the school are aware of the needs of all their children and take their health, safety and welfare extremely seriously. "Improvements at the school in line with the Education Scotland timeframes will continue to be implemented, with improvements already underway."The local authority said challenges around recruiting Gaelic staff were being addressed.
Daily Record
18-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Gleniffer High School passes test after Education Scotland inspection
The school was visited in March and the findings have since been made public. A Paisley high school's 'caring supportive relationships' have been praised by the education watchdog after a recent inspection. A team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited Gleniffer High School in March when they spoke with parents, carers and young people and worked closely with the head teacher and staff. On a six-point scale where one is unsatisfactory and six is excellent, the Amochrie Road facility was rated as four – or 'good' – for its learning, teaching and assessment, and also rated as 'four' for its raising attainment and achievement. During the visit, the inspectors commented on areas of strength which were outlined in their report. It noted the 'caring supportive relationships' between young people and staff. The watchdog's report read: 'Across the school, positive relationships between staff and young people support a nurturing culture and strong ethos. 'In most lessons, young people are respectful, willing to learn and participate well in class discussions and activities. Most staff use praise effectively to build confidence and support the engagement of young people.' Staff at the high school were praised for their ability to adapt and use new technology. The report highlighted: 'Staff are improving their use of digital technology to engage and support young people with their learning through increased use of one-to-one devices and assistive technology. 'A majority of teachers in the senior phase use digital platforms effectively to share resources, support revision and completion of work.' Gleniffer High School's values include acceptance, ambition, nurture, respect and trust. A key strength of the school was noted in the inspectors report which stated: 'The strong focus by staff on providing a wide range of courses that meet the needs of learners who may require additional support. 'As a result, increasing numbers of young people are attaining qualifications at Scottish Credit Qualification Framework levels three and four.' Following the inspection, areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the head teacher and a representative from Renfrewshire Council. An area for improvement suggested management should 'continue to develop the 'Gleniffer toolkit' to support teachers in embedding greater consistency in approaches to learning and teaching through professional learning and collaboration. 'This will help to improve further the quality of young people's learning experiences.' A second area for improvement was noted as staff should 'continue to improve approaches to the planning of learning. 'Teachers should make full use of all available information about young people to ensure that all learners make the best possible progress.' And a final area of improvement was the school should: 'Continue to improve attainment at National 5 and Higher. 'This should include a focus on more young people achieving high quality passes.' Education Scotland stated it was 'confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve' and will, therefore, make no more visits in connection with this inspection.
