¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥

Three pupils from Dunoon Grammar School recently got the chance to work behind the scenes at STV’s the state-of-the-art studios in Glasgow. Blair McColm, Kane Lock and Dominic Rafferty visited the studios as part of their preparations for the Youth Philanthropy Initiative’s (YPI) national event, which takes place in Perth Concert Hall later this month.

A group of pupils from Dunoon Grammar School are celebrating the news that they have won an Apps for Good Employability Skills Award for innovation – beating off stiff competition from across the UK. The 2019 Apps for Good Employability Skills prizes is sponsored by Capgemini and celebrates young technology creators aged 10 to 18 who have come up with a great idea for a product that makes the world a better place.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ has launched a consultation to ask its residents and businesses what they think about tackling waste throughout the area. In January 2021, the Scottish Government will introduce a ban on Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) going into landfill. Simply put, that means household waste that is biodegradable, such as food, garden waste and cardboard, can no longer be disposed of in landfill. 

Dunoon Grammar is in the running to become Europe’s 'Most Enterprising School' after being selected to represent Scotland at this year’s European Entrepreneurial School Awards. The European Entrepreneurial School Awards is an annual recognition of outstanding schools that are championing entrepreneurship in education across Europe.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is one of eight local authorities across the North and West of Scotland that are working together to ensure that children and young people are given the best educational opportunities. Known as the Northern Alliance, the partnership is a Regional Improvement Collaborative (RIC) set up to secure excellence and equity in education.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is committed to ensuring that vulnerable young people are getting the most out of their education.  This was the clear message at a meeting of the council’s Community Services Committee today, when members were updated on the progress that has been made since a principal teacher was appointed specifically for young people in care, and those in need of extra support or protection.

Positive progress is being made by ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ as it prepares for the increase in free early learning and childcare provision, to 1140 hours per year by 2020. The expansion in childcare, from 600 hours to 1140 hours, is part of a Scottish Government initiative aimed at providing young people with a high quality experience that can make a significant contribution to their development, and help close the poverty related attainment gap.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ has approved £20,000 funding to Fèisean nan Gàidheal, an organisation that supports the development of traditional music, Gaelic singing and Gaelic drama. The support from the council enables Fèisean nan Gàidheal to lever in additional funding; every £1 of support received from the council, enables £5.40 spend on delivering Gaelic services in the area. The council funding comes from Community Development (£15, 500) and Education Services’ Gaelic specific budget (£4500) and is for the year 2019/20.

Tha Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal is Bhòid air aontachadh taic-airgid luach £20,000 a thoirt do dh’Fhèisean nan Gàidheal, a’ bhuidheann a tha a’ toirt taic do agus a’ cur chothroman ionnsachaidh air dòigh airson ceòl traidiseanta, seinn Ghàidhlig agus dràma Gàidhlig. Leis an taic bhon Chomhairle, ’s urrainn do dh’Fhèisean nan Gàidheal maoineachadh a bharrachd a thoirt a-steach; mar thoradh air gach £1 de thaic a bheir a’ Chomhairle seachad, thèid £5.40 a chosg air seirbheisean Gàidhlig san sgìre.

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s Community Services Committee has agreed the school holiday dates for 2020-2023. The dates were proposed following consultation with schools and parent councils during 2018. They were then agreed by the Head Teacher Advisory Group, the Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers (LNCT) and the Joint Service Committee (JNC). The dates include two additional in-service days for 2019-20 which were announced by the Scottish Government.