Committee
Education Committee, 21 Mar 2007
21 Mar 2007 · S2 · Education Committee
Item of business
Petition
Secondary Schools (Lockers) (PE825)
It is interesting to contrast the experience of the pupils who lodged the petition with that of pupils at the brand new Williamwood high school in my area. One of the most striking features of that school is that there are rows of lockers just inside the entrance on the right-hand side. When I asked about them, I was told that they were there specifically because the pupils were consulted and asked for them. There might be mixed practice, but there are examples of good practice out there.I agree with the convener that we should not legislate on the matter. However, given that the pupils who lodged the petition asked us to urge the Scottish Executive to take action, I wonder whether it would be appropriate for us to write to the Scottish Executive expressing our sympathy with the pupils' suggestion not just that lockers should be provided but that pupils should be consulted on such matters. The Executive occasionally issues circulars and provides guidance. We should suggest that it bears the matter in mind in the future development of policy, particularly on consultation with school councils and senior pupils.
In the same item of business
The Convener:
LD
Item 2 is petition PE825, from Rosshall academy student council and higher modern studies section, calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Ex...
Fiona Hyslop (Lothians) (SNP):
SNP
The petition raises a serious issue. Although schools' circumstances might be different, I am not sure that pupils' circumstances are that much different. Ge...
The Convener:
LD
I make the wider point that pupils' interests are often completely forgotten about in guidance on schools issues. It often refers to parents and staff but fo...
Fiona Hyslop:
SNP
There is also a practical issue. We should ask the Executive to engage—if it does not do so already—with those who produce educational materials to consider ...
The Convener:
LD
There is an issue in relation to the curriculum for excellence. When schools design new courses, they should take into account the practicalities of how cour...
Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab):
Lab
Timetabling is also an issue. For example, pupils might have to bring musical instruments to school on the same day as sports kit and other items. I remember...
The Convener:
LD
There are practical issues when children have to carry bulky items for particular reasons. In such cases, special arrangements should be made. A pupil should...
Mr Kenneth Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab):
Lab
It is interesting to contrast the experience of the pupils who lodged the petition with that of pupils at the brand new Williamwood high school in my area. O...
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton (Lothians) (Con):
Con
I agree with the convener. It is for head teachers to decide whether their school should have lockers and how they should be managed. Obviously, that can be ...
Ms Rosemary Byrne (South of Scotland) (Sol):
Sol
That is probably the best route to take. We should also emphasise that pupils should be consulted when new schools are built. Some schools will not have the ...
The Convener:
LD
It seems that the committee is unanimous in its concern about the issue. The best way to proceed might be to write to the Minister for Education and Young Pe...