Latest news with #pupils
South China Morning Post
22-07-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Bangladesh Air Force jet crashes into school, killing at least 27, mostly children
Read more about this: A Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into a school in the capital, Dhaka, soon after take-off on July 22, 2025. It caught fire, killing the pilot and at least 26 other people, most of whom were pupils, officials said. Another 171 pupils were rescued with injuries from a smouldering two-storey school building, officials said, including many with burns who were whisked away in helicopters, motorised rickshaws and the arms of firefighters and parents.
The Independent
18-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
Tributes paid to victims of ‘devastating' fatal school coach crash
Tributes have been paid to the victims of a 'heartbreaking and devastating' crash after a school coach trip returning from Exmoor Zoo slid down a 20ft slope in Somerset. One child died and 21 staff members and pupils from Minehead Middle School were injured after their vehicle left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill on Thursday afternoon. The coach had been travelling back to the school from the Devon zoo with 60 to 70 passengers on board when the incident occurred, leaving some suffering serious injuries. A stream of people came to the school gates on Friday morning to leave floral tributes to the victims of the crash, with many leaving messages of condolence. One message said: ' Thinking of everyone at this heartbreaking and devastating time. 'Our community is holding you all tight and surrounding you with love.' Another said: 'We are truly heartbroken to hear of the tragic events affecting the pupils, staff and families of Minehead Middle School. 'Our thoughts are with every member of the community, and we hold you all in our hearts during this time of unimaginable grief.' Many of the people paying their respects could be seen crying and hugging each other as they left their tributes. The driver of the coach is reported to be in a stable condition but has suffered 'a number of injuries'. Minehead Middle School, which caters for pupils aged between nine and 14, and is five days away from the end of term, remained closed on Friday. One of the school's teachers posted on Facebook: 'My amazing students, I couldn't be prouder of all of you, how incredibly brave you have been. 'You have looked after each other in what was a life-changing event, we will get through this together. 'I feel so lucky to be your teacher. I am so grateful to my wonderful colleagues during this time who were also fighting to help as many people as we could. 'My deepest condolences to all parents, carers, family and friends involved. 'Finally, thank you to the emergency services who have saved many lives and to the brilliant public who went out of their way to look after myself and most importantly the wonderful students of Minehead Middle School.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a post on X: 'There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child. All my thoughts are with their parents, family and friends, and all those affected.' Speaking to the PA news agency outside the school gates, the Rev Philip Butcher, the vicar of Minehead, said the community was in shock. 'It was absolutely numbing, there are no words to describe what happened yesterday,' he said. 'It's an absolute tragedy, and one that's still very much unfolding. We're just standing firm with the school, with the families at this time, just to be with them in this time as a point of support. He added: 'This happened yesterday afternoon, and the horror of it came to light during the evening. 'This is a big, big, big tragedy, and it will affect people for a long time to come. I know this community is so strong that it will be here in all its forms to support everybody fully as far as they need.' In a post on Facebook, a spokesperson for Exmoor Zoo said: 'We cannot believe that fate has been so cruel to such a lovely, lively well-behaved group of children from Minehead Middle School on their way home with their coach. 'All our thoughts, blessings and prayers go out to everybody involved, we cannot comprehend what the children, their families, teachers and emergency crews are all going through now.' Councillor Bill Revans, the leader of Somerset Council, said he joined with the community in mourning. 'On behalf of the council, I extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and anyone else who has been affected by this devastating event, as well as offering my prayers to anyone who has been injured for their recovery,' he said. He also called for people to avoid speculation on the cause of the crash while investigations into the incident continue. The crash happened on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, at about 3.15pm on Thursday, police said. An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately. During a press conference on Thursday evening, Gavin Ellis, of Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: 'I'm grateful to the off-duty firefighter who was travelling behind the coach at the point of the crash, who was able to start making immediate effect to release those casualties from the bus.' He added: 'We were mobilised to a major incident of a coach that had overturned on to its roof and slid approximately 20ft down the embankment. 'This was a very complex and technically difficult incident for our crews to deal with, and I'm grateful for the tireless effort and actions of the crews in doing everything they could for those who were trapped and as quickly and as safely as possible.' On Thursday, Beacon Education Multi-Academy Trust, which runs the school, said: 'It is with deep sadness and heartbreak that we confirm that a pupil from Minehead Middle School has tragically died following a road traffic incident earlier today involving a coach carrying pupils and staff returning from an educational visit. 'A number of other people have been taken to hospital, some of them with serious injuries. This includes two children who were taken to hospital by air ambulance.' The trust said its thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those affected and the 'entire school community are devastated by this news'. Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, said the incident was 'tragic' and she is 'heartbroken for the parents and the school and the wider family'. Asked about the area, Ms Gilmour told BBC Breakfast: 'It's a very difficult road, very, very steep, very windy, and it's just the nature of rural roads in my constituency.'
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tributes paid to victims of ‘devastating' fatal school coach crash
Tributes have been paid to the victims of a 'heartbreaking and devastating' crash after a school coach trip returning from Exmoor Zoo slid down a 20ft slope in Somerset. One child died and 21 staff members and pupils from Minehead Middle School were injured after their vehicle left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill on Thursday afternoon. The coach had been travelling back to the school from the Devon zoo with 60 to 70 passengers on board when the incident occurred, leaving some suffering serious injuries. A stream of people came to the school gates on Friday morning to leave floral tributes to the victims of the crash, with many leaving messages of condolence. One said: 'Thinking of everyone at this heartbreaking and devastating time. 'Our community is holding you all tight and surrounding you with love.' Another said: 'We are truly heartbroken to hear of the tragic events affecting the pupils, staff and families of Minehead Middle School. 'Our thoughts are with every member of the community, and we hold you all in our hearts during this time of unimaginable grief.' The driver of the coach is reported to be in a stable condition but has suffered 'a number of injuries'. Minehead Middle School, which caters for pupils aged between nine and 14, and is five days away from the end of term, remained closed on Friday. One of the school's teachers posted on Facebook: 'My amazing students, I couldn't be prouder of all of you, how incredibly brave you have been. 'You have looked after each other in what was a life-changing event, we will get through this together. 'I feel so lucky to be your teacher. I am so grateful to my wonderful colleagues during this time who were also fighting to help as many people as we could. 'My deepest condolences to all parents, carers, family and friends involved. 'Finally, thank you to the emergency services who have saved many lives and to the brilliant public who went out of their way to look after myself and most importantly the wonderful students of Minehead Middle School.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a post on X: 'There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child. All my thoughts are with their parents, family and friends, and all those affected.' Speaking to the PA news agency outside the school gates, the Rev Philip Butcher, the vicar of Minehead, said the community was in shock. 'It was absolutely numbing, there are no words to describe what happened yesterday,' he said. 'It's an absolute tragedy, and one that's still very much unfolding. We're just standing firm with the school, with the families at this time, just to be with them in this time as a point of support. He added: 'This happened yesterday afternoon, and the horror of it came to light during the evening. 'This is a big, big, big tragedy, and it will affect people for a long time to come. I know this community is so strong that it will be here in all its forms to support everybody fully as far as they need.' The crash happened on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, at about 3.15pm on Thursday, police said. An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately. During a press conference on Thursday evening, Gavin Ellis, of Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: 'I'm grateful to the off-duty firefighter who was travelling behind the coach at the point of the crash, who was able to start making immediate effect to release those casualties from the bus.' He added: 'We were mobilised to a major incident of a coach that had overturned on to its roof and slid approximately 20ft down the embankment. 'This was a very complex and technically difficult incident for our crews to deal with, and I'm grateful for the tireless effort and actions of the crews in doing everything they could for those who were trapped and as quickly and as safely as possible.' On Thursday, Beacon Education Multi-Academy Trust, which runs the school, said: 'It is with deep sadness and heartbreak that we confirm that a pupil from Minehead Middle School has tragically died following a road traffic incident earlier today involving a coach carrying pupils and staff returning from an educational visit. 'A number of other people have been taken to hospital, some of them with serious injuries. This includes two children who were taken to hospital by air ambulance.' The trust said its thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those affected and the 'entire school community are devastated by this news'. Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, said the incident was 'tragic' and she is 'heartbroken for the parents and the school and the wider family'. Asked about the area, Ms Gilmour told BBC Breakfast: 'It's a very difficult road, very, very steep, very windy, and it's just the nature of rural roads in my constituency.'
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The Greenwich primary school where 'impeccable' pupils are ‘enthusiastic'
A primary school in Greenwich has been praised by Ofsted for its 'impeccable' pupil behaviour and rich learning environment, following a two-day inspection in May. Inspectors visited Millennium Primary School in, based in John Harrison Way, on May 7 and 8, 2025, and found that pupils 'enjoy Millennium Primary School a great deal' and 'feel safe and secure because staff look after them well'. Behaviour and attitudes were rated Outstanding, along with personal development. The quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated Good. Although the school previously held an Outstanding grade before converting to academy status, this was its first full inspection under the current framework. Since September 2024, schools no longer receive a single overall effectiveness grade. Inspectors said that pupils behave 'impeccably' in lessons and around the school, and that there are 'very few, if any, interruptions caused by poor behaviour'. READ MORE: Pupils were also described as being 'highly respectful of each other, staff and visitors'. In the playground, pupils were seen 'playing extremely well together' and making the most of the equipment on offer, with a strong sense of fairness, teamwork and friendship. Reading was identified as a particular strength. Pupils were found to reach 'high levels of fluency by the end of Years 1 and 2', with staff given credit for delivering phonics teaching with 'consistently strong' expertise. The report said: 'Frequent checks on pupils' learning ensure that any gaps in their knowledge or misconceptions are tackled quickly.' The curriculum has been 'comprehensively revamped' over the last year, with inspectors noting that it gives pupils a 'broad and ambitious experience'. However, they did highlight 'a few inconsistencies' in how it is delivered across subjects, with some gaps in learning not being picked up quickly enough. Leaders are already taking action to address this, including drawing on the expertise of more experienced staff to support teaching development. Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) was praised, including the provision for pupils with autism, which inspectors said 'caters effectively' for their needs. Ofsted also noted that attendance is now 'considerably higher than average', with the school rigorously following up absences. The drop in suspensions this year was seen as further evidence of the school's clear expectations and positive culture. Millennium Primary is part of the Maritime Academy Trust and is led by Executive Headteacher Rachel Mollett. Inspectors said the trust and local advisory council 'carry out their governance role effectively' and that the school works closely with staff to manage workload and well-being. Safeguarding was found to be effective.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Incels, misogyny, role models: what England's new relationships and sex education lessons will cover – and how young people will benefit
Sex and relationships education for children at primary and secondary state-funded schools in England will see significant changes following the release of new statutory guidance from the government. There are some stark differences between this and the draft guidance issued by the previous Conservative government in May 2024. The new guidance also looks different in many ways to the last statutory guidance, released in 2019. It includes many new and valuable topics such as the law around strangulation, sextortion, upskirting, deepfakes, suicide prevention and bereavement. Schools are also required to challenge misogynistic ideas, cover misogynistic influencers and online content, and explore prejudice and pornography. As a researcher working on sex education and masculinity, I see many positives in how these issues are approached in the government's new guidance. The new topics are a move in the right direction, meeting the needs of the pupils being taught. Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK's latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Another key change is the removal of the proposal to put age restrictions on the teaching of certain topics. This is welcome news: it aligns with evidence and allows teachers to design sex education that takes context into account. It means they can teach their pupils what they need to know in a proactive and responsive way. The guidance also explicitly mentions giving pupils the opportunity to discuss incels. Incel, an abbreviation of 'involuntary celibate', refers to those who identify as wanting romantic and sexual partners but find it difficult to achieve this. Online incel communities are underpinned by hostility towards women, resentment, misogyny and the support of extreme violence against women. They may espouse an ideological position that claims societal structures are set up to unfairly disadvantage them. Keeping boys in the conversation One aspect included in the guidance is that it is important for pupils to understand that 'most boys and young men are respectful to girls and young women and each other'. It also states that 'teachers should avoid language which stigmatises boys, or suggests that boys or men are always perpetrators or that girls or women are always victims'. These are really important points that need to underpin the teaching of misogyny and online incel culture. A risk is that such teaching may otherwise portray boys, as a group, as perpetrators. This can create a culture of blame that may alienate boys and young men. Instead, seeing boys as valuable contributors to these conversations around misogyny can foster educational progress. Another important reference in the guidance is that children and young people should have opportunities to develop 'positive conceptions of masculinity and femininity', and how to 'identify and learn from positive male role models'. This focus on positive examples of masculinity is a welcome way to support boys and young men in developing healthy identities – not only considering gender but other intersecting aspects of their identity, such as class, ethnicity, culture and values. Good relationships and sex education needs dialogue and understanding between pupils, teachers and parents. For adults, this means knowing the landscape first. Familiarisation with why young people may be attracted to problematic online spaces will be useful. These online spaces often offer a skewed sense of belonging, and offer simplistic answers to complex emotions and questions. Young people's thoughts and opinions of misogynist online influencers may be contradictory, rather than simple approval or disapproval. This requires thoughtful unpicking of concepts and ideals, and open conversation rather than blame. It is also important to recognise that teaching these topics is not easy, and that teachers may need support too. New content While much of the new guidance is welcome, it's important that teacher training and professional development keeps pace with these changes. Teachers may not feel confident addressing such a broad range of often-sensitive topics without support. The guidance also falls short of making relationships and sex education statutory for those aged 16-18 in sixth-form colleges, 16-19 academies or further education colleges, despite evidence that it is very much needed for this age group. The rights of transgender people and the issues affecting them are dealt with in a limited way, which could affect teachers' ability to have supportive conversations with trans and non-binary pupils. There is also limited detail for those working in special education for pupils with complex needs. One of the most important aspects of teaching on sex and relationships is to create a safe space for open discussion. Young people should be encouraged to provide their own input into how relationships and sex education is taught, and to give their ideas on what they feel they need to learn about – and what they already know. While this approach is often overlooked, meaningful engagement with pupils is highlighted as a key guiding principle in the new guidance. Young people are the experts on the world they inhabit. It is essential they are listened to to ensure that lessons are relevant and effective. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Sophie King-Hill receives funding from the ESRC.
