Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney, today visited Musselburgh Grammar School to chair a meeting of the Scottish Education Council.
Pupils from Musselburgh Grammar are wholly engaged with the issues that are important to them and their peers across the country
The Scottish Education Council is the key forum for oversight of improvement in education in Scotland and is attended by representatives from Scottish Government, COSLA, the General Teaching Council of Scotland and senior officers from education and local government.
The Scottish Education Council met in Musselburgh Grammar School in November 2018 in an event which was described ‘as a great success’. Young people from the school contributed to the event choosing health and wellbeing, SQA changes and equity in schools as topics for discussion. The follow-up event is being seen as an opportunity to reflect, and report back to the pupils, on what action has been taken in these areas.
Cabinet member for Education and Children’s Services, Councillor Shamin Akhtar, said: “I’m delighted that the Scottish Education Council has returned to Musselburgh Grammar School. The feedback from the last event was very positive, particularly the contribution of our young people. I’m delighted that the Scottish Education Council members committed to once again engaging with our young people. It’s important that they know their voices have been heard and, as a result, actions have been taken that will shape improvements in education.”
"Hugely impressed"
Education Secretary John Swinney said: “It was clear to me from meeting with pupils from Musselburgh Grammar that they are wholly engaged with the issues that are important to them and their peers across the country. They are highly motivated to make sure their voices are heard on a range of issues, from health and wellbeing to equal opportunities for everyone.
“I am hugely impressed by their awareness, insight and passion, and would like to offer my thanks and congratulations to the pupils and their teachers for hosting another very successful Council.”
Musselburgh Grammar School Headteacher Colin Gerrie said: “The Council were particularly impressed by our young people’s contributions to the November 2018 meeting and the challenges they set out for the national leaders of education.
“I’m very proud of our young people and it comes at a time when we are prioritising their voice in our decision-making within school. Not only do we have an active Pupil Council but we have appointed a member of staff to lead pupil focus groups every Wednesday morning. Mrs Walker and the pupils should be commended for their work this session.”
