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The Advanced Higher English Practitioner Conference at the High School of Dundee, November 2024

 

The Advanced Higher English Practitioner Conference, held at the High School of Dundee on November 1st 2024, and facilitated by the team at SCIS, provided valuable CPD for teachers, and prospective teachers, of Advanced Higher English. With talks from David Swinney, the English Implementation Manager at the SQA, as well as Dr Aliki Varvogli, Head of Humanities and Senior Lecturer in English at the University of Dundee, the conference brought together teachers from the state and independent sectors from across Scotland – some even boarding trains at 5:30am to be in attendance!

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Harmeny Education Trust uses outdoor learning to spark their young people's learning and benefit their mental health.

Harmeny School provides specialist education on a residential and day basis for children who have experienced trauma, adversity and family disruption.  The school has recently expanded their learning facilities to support young people through to 18 years old.

 

Read more to find out about Harmeny's commitment to get it right for every child.

 

High School of Glasgow swaps smartphones for books and becomes first independent school in the country to get gold in national reading award.  

In light of the growing evidence about the harm smartphones have on the mental wellbeing of children and young people, the High School conducted a Digital Wellbeing Survey responded to by over 80% of the Senior School population

58% said they found having their smartphone on or near them when studying was a distraction with 74% noting that receiving messages or alerts affected their ability to concentrate

As a result of these findings, and the increasing evidence linking smartphones and their impact on mental health, the school has strengthened its policy on mobile phones meaning they must be switched off across the school day

In tandem, the school has created a culture of reading which has allowed it to gain this gold accreditation, meaning it is seeing pupils turning to books rather than smartphones for their entertainment both in school and at home – a hugely positive outcome

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The High School of Glasgow Junior School has formed a partnership with Purple House Clinic to provide an enhancement to the wellbeing provision by offering professional mental health support to pupils and additional support for staff working with pupils who we know would benefit from mental health support.  Heather Fuller, Head Teacher explains the wide range of initiatives and approaches being used to promoting positive mental health which also improve a range of positive school outcomes, including attitudes to learning, better attendance and lower behavioural issues.

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Spotlight on East Park School: Celebrating 150 years

East Park School in Glasgow is commemorating its 150th anniversary. Initially founded to support children with disabling conditions including life-threatening health issues, the school has evolved to offer education and residential services to children and young people aged 5 to 18, with a focus on complex additional support needs and Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Read more

What is SCIS in 2024?

A guide to what SCIS does for parents, teachers and member schools.

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5 Reasons Why Teachers Should Choose Their Probationary Year at an Independent School

If you're a new teacher considering your probationary year, here are five reasons why you should consider an independent school.

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Supporting Independent Schools Through Financial Challenges

As the independent school sector experiencing increasing financial challenges, SCIS shares how it is helping member schools. 

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Scotland’s Independent School Sector Explained

SCIS explains the ins and outs of the independent school sector 

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Merchiston Castle School leads the way in STEM education 

Merchiston is awarded the STEM Nation Award by Education Scotland.

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How Scotland’s independent schools can manage financial pressures 

While we know that our schools are facing a set of unprecedented economic challenges, we must remember that our sector is a strong and robust one that has weathered many storms previously. Let’s take a look at those challenges and how Scotland’s independent schools can overcome them. 

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International Women's Day: In conversation with three independent school leaders

For International Women's Day 2023, we spoke to three female head teachers to share their thoughts on gender equity.

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The High School of Glasgow wins Digital Wellbeing Award 

The High School of Glasgow wins the Digital Wellbeing Award from Digital Schools Scotland

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The International Baccalaureate Explained

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is becoming increasingly popular in independent schools. In this blog, Simon Brian, Head of St Leonards School, explains the global appeal of the IB.

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How to become an independent school teacher

Looking for a rewarding, fulfilling and varied career? Why not consider a career as an independent school teacher - here's how you can become one.

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Championing girls in tech: St. Margaret’s School for Girls

We spoke to St. Margaret's School for Girls about the importance of supporting and inspiring girls to enter the world of STEM,

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Hutchesons' shines a light on the benefits of extra-curricular activities

Extra-curricular activities are an essential part of the independent school experience and offer a wealth of benefits for pupils and teachers - in this blog we hear how a concert at Hutchesons' exemplified these benefits.

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How Scotland's independent school standards are maintained

Scotland's independent school standards are maintained through a comprehensive system of channels and checks - find out more about them in this blog.

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Curriculum choice at independent schools

Scotland's independent schools offer an enriching, varied and exciting curriculum choices for pupils - find out more about them in this blog.

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A Spotlight on Corseford: A Capability Scotland School

Clare McCarron, Head of Corseford School, discusses what makes this independent school unique. 

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Early learning at independent schools

Independent schools nurture your child from day one - find out more about the early learning opportunities available at independent schools in this blog.

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Sustainable SCIS schools: EMAS and International School Aberdeen

Continuing our spotlight on SCIS school sustainable activities, in this blog we hear from Edinburgh Montessori Arts School and International School Aberdeen.

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Independent school exams: what to expect

This blog explains the range and variety of independent school exams offered at schools across the country.

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Sustainable SCIS Schools: Dollar Academy

Dollar Academy introduced a ground-breaking online learning platform earlier this year, which has a focus on sustainability: FIDA – the Futures Institute at Dollar Academy. Find out more about it in this blog.

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What is the Barclay Review and how does it impact independent education in Scotland?

You’ve probably seen quite a lot in the news recently about the Barclay Review and its potential impact on Scotland’s independent sector. A lot of the reporting is quite speculative and not entirely accurate. As a result, we get lots of questions and enquiries about what the implications of the Review actually are - read our latest blog to find out.

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How Scotland's independent sector is different

Scotland’s independent schools each have their own values, but they all have one thing in common – they all contribute to making the independent sector in Scotland stand out. Find out more in our blog. 

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How sport at schools aids pupil mental wellbeing 

Sport is brilliant for body and mind, and schools sports can help benefit pupil wellbeing. Find out how in this blog.

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Turning Mirrors into Windows

By Lorraine Davidson 

Education has once again moved high up the political agenda, the air thick with policy pledges – to deliver increased per pupil funding, recruit more teachers and break down barriers. 

Unsurprisingly, as politicians look to the general election and beyond, that has also placed independent schools in the spotlight as never before. And that is to be welcomed. Because it presents the sector with an excellent opportunity to share stories of success that perhaps wedon’t always speak of enough – so often forged in partnership with local authority schools, for the benefit of all.   Read More...

Why Scotland is the perfect place to raise a family

With stunning scenery, gorgeous parks and cities, a rich culture, welcoming population and family-friendly attractions in every region – we think there’s no better country than Scotland for your family to call home.

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A Spotlight on Dunedin School

Dunedin is a small independent school of 21 secondary levels pupils (S1-S6) and provides education for young people who have struggled with mainstream education as a result of personal, social and emotional difficulties. 

We offer pupils a safe supportive and caring environment in which to develop self-respect and self-worth, encouraging a positive attitude to learning and enabling them to aspire to their full potential.

 

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Independent school application process – top tips from our expert

We spoke to Jo Easton, Director of External Relations at George Heriot’s, to get her advice and expertise for those looking to apply to an independent school. Read our blog for all of her tips.

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Diversity in independent schools - where are we now?

Robin Macpherson, Head of Robert Gordon’s College, discusses the need for Scotland’s independent schools to maintain focus on diversity of all forms.

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How independent schools are helping to bridge the gender gap in STEM subjects 

We spoke to Mark Ashmore, Head of Science at St George’s School for Girls, about the opportunities available for girls in STEM subjects and what St George’s is doing to promote the value of STEM within their classrooms.

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All you need to know about the independent school application process 

If you are thinking about an independent school for your child, in this blog we offer insight into the independent school application process.

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5 ways the independent sector positively impacts the Scottish economy

Commissioned in 2016, our economic impact report revealed a number of key areas in which SCIS schools positively impact the economy in Scotland. Find out more in our blog. 

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Learning in the 21st century

Ian Munro, Rector of Dollar Academy, explores the '21st century' skills that are essential for today's students - whether that is navigating the digital landscape or what they can learn from history. 

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How to support your child going back to school  

SCIS offers some tips on how you can best support your child as they return to school.

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Governance in independent schools: Q&A with Gavin Barrie

Governors play a vital role in the running of independent schools. Find out more about their role in this blog.

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Boarding schools in Scotland: A myth buster for international parents

Thousands of international boarding pupils come to Scotland from over 50 nations, but why aren’t more international parents sending their children to study in Scotland? At SCIS, we conducted some research among international parents to discover just that and we were surprised to discover there are a number of myths surrounding Scotland. 

In this blog, we look to dispel those myths which may be deterring parents from sending their children to study here.

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How schools prepare students for the in-demand industries of tomorrow

In this blog, Dr Dale Cartwright, Deputy Head Learning and Teaching at Merchiston, discusses how schools can prepare pupils for a career in the industries of tomorrow.

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Why independent school parents are vital to the sector’s success

Engaged independent school parents are passionate, not only about the success of their own children, but also that of the whole school. This creates a real sense of community with shared values.

There are a number of opportunities for parents to get involved with their child's school, in this blog we review some of them.

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How independent school teachers go the extra mile 

Independent school teachers are committed, passionate and caring – find out how this benefits pupils in this blog.

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Off to a good start: The value of junior school 

Starting school is an exciting time for children. In this blog, Gavin Calder, Head of Junior School at Edinburgh Academy discusses the benefits of starting your child’s independent education at primary age. 

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What to expect at an independent school open day

For those considering an independent education for their child, attending open days at potential schools is a must. All Scottish independent school open days are coming up between now and mid-November, so it is a good opportunity to visit a number of schools to view their facilities and meet the teachers and students.

Find out how to get the most out of an open day in our latest blog.

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What to expect from independent school nurseries in Scotland

It’s never too early to think about your child’s education. If you’re considering an independent education for your child, you might be interested to hear about independent school nurseries in Scotland. 

Here we’ve answered some of your questions about independent nurseries, dispelled some myths and explained a bit more about what you can expect… 

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Scottish independent schools: keeping the highest standards

Independent schools are so-called for good reason. They are autonomous in their management, governance and chosen educational path. The schools are not-for-profit, so not “private” as commonly referred to. 

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All you need to know about independent all-through schools 

What is an all-through school and how can it benefit your child? We spoke to Alison Duncan, Head of the Junior School at St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm, to find out.

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My role in an independent school: Duncan Wright, Senior Librarian

Libraries are such a vital part of Scotland’s independent schools. In this blog, we speak to librarian Duncan Wright about his role in St George’s School for Girls. 

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The benefits of outdoor learning

Outdoor learning offers fantastic benefits for pupils. We spoke to teachers from St George's School for Girls and Loretto School about what these are.

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Funding an independent education for your child

Though many parents may feel that an independent school would be the best learning environment for their child, some find the potential cost of school fees to be prohibitive. Whilst there’s no doubt that independent education is an investment, financial support is available to help with school fees.

In this blog, we explore how you can get help towards your child’s school fees.

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My role in an independent school: Emma Watson-Massey, Principal Teacher of Design & Technology

In this blog, we speak to Principal Teacher of Design & Technology Emma Watson-Massey about her role in George Heriot’s School. 

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Health and wellbeing: The value of co-curricular activities

With an online culture that bombards them with images of perfection, young people today can often feel under pressure. In this blog, we speak to Simon Burbury at Dollar Academy about the value of co-curricular activities.

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What are the benefits of sending your child to a boarding school?

Boarding schools offer a variety of benefits to both parents and children. Find out what they are in this discussion with Aileen Kane, director of operations at the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).

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What Scottish independent schools offer international students

Scottish independent schools can offer so many benefits to international students. In this blog, we find out what these are by speaking to Gemma Gray from Fettes College.

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A guide to the independent school entrance assessment process

There are a lot of misconceptions around the independent school application process, however in reality it is a relatively straight forward process that may include some form of pupil assessment. 

Whether you’re in the process of applying or just looking to find out more about the process, our guide to independent school entrance assessments will be a useful guide. 

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How an independent education can help your child find their niche

Whether it’s a love of a specific subject, a sport your child never tires of playing or an extra-curricular activity they could spend all day doing, independent schools allow children to explore their minds and abilities and find something that will get them jumping out of bed in the morning. 

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Development in independent schools: the opportunities and challenges of successful fundraising

Professional fundraising is important to development in schools. Often known as ‘schools’ development’, it refers to when schools engage with their alumni, parents and other stakeholders to generate support and income toward a school’s strategic objectives. 

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The importance of language subjects in education

Scotland’s independent schools maintain a track record of academic excellence, and this has continued in 2018 with another set of outstanding exam results, which is only strengthened by individual and collective success in sports, art, music and other community endeavours. 

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