Latest news with #ClareSteel
Daily Record
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
West Dunbartonshire pupils celebrate exam results as 95% gain qualifications
Of almost 10,000 qualifications in West Dunabrtonshire, 95 per cent achieved at least one national qualification. West Dunbartonshire's school pupils were celebrating this week after receiving their highly-anticipated SQA exam results. More than 2,200 youngsters received their results, from National 4 and 5 to Highers and Advanced Highers. Students across all seven secondary schools in the area had been hard at work to achieve their qualifications and for many the results signals the completion of their school education, as they progress onto positive next steps, including university and college courses, apprenticeships, and full-time employment. Councillor Clare Steel, Convener of Educational Services, met with pupils to mark the occasion. She said: 'Our young people have shown incredible determination and resilience in getting to this point. The exam period can be a hugely stressful time, and each and every pupil should be proud of what they've achieved. 'Speaking with pupils today, it was inspiring to hear the range of paths they're taking — from further education to starting apprenticeships. It shows just how many exciting options are open to young people in West Dunbartonshire. I wish them all the very best as they take their next steps.' Vice Convener Councillor John Millar also praised the students, adding: 'Huge congratulations to all our pupils—your results are a credit to you and testament to your dedication and hard work. 'Whatever your results say today, know that there are many ways to reach your goals. For anyone who may not have received the outcome they hoped for, there is support available and guidance on where to go next.' For support or advice, Skills Development Scotland's Results Helpline is open from 8am on 0808 100 8000. This year, SQA supplied West Dunbartonshire with results for 9,912 qualifications. Of those, 95% achieved at least one national qualification. At Higher level, 75% of pupils received at least one pass, while 77% of those sitting Advanced Highers achieved a pass. 80% gained at least one National 5 pass and 100% achieved at least one pass at National 4 level. Notably, in a number of specialist subjects—such as Advanced Higher Art & Design, Graphic Communication, Physical Education and Spanish; Higher Health and Social Care; and National 5 courses including Accounting, Dance, Early Learning & Childcare, Energy, Health Sector, Italian, Media, Laboratory Science, Sport & Recreation and Travel and Tourism — 100% of candidates achieved a passing grade. Chief Education Officer Laura Mason commended both pupils and staff, saying: 'Our pupils should feel a real sense of pride in what they've achieved. These results reflect not just the hard work of young people, but also the dedication of our school staff and the support from families at home. 'We remain committed to helping every young person in West Dunbartonshire reach their full potential. Many of our pupils take part in wider learning opportunities beyond today's exam results, and we look forward to reflecting on their full achievements when the national Insight data is released in September.'
Glasgow Times
03-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
West Dunbartonshire's early learning progress revealed
A recent report to West Dunbartonshire Council's Educational Services Committee has shown an 18 per cent increase in literacy and a 10 per cent rise in numeracy since December. Councillor Clare Steel, convener of educational services, said: "It is very encouraging to see the increase in the number of children meeting the benchmark in both literacy and numeracy. "This increase is due to the commitment the staff have to the children they look after. "I want to thank our dedicated staff at all our centres who are determined to deliver exciting and engaging learning to our youngest residents." Read more: Victim support organisation grateful for new wave of Dunbartonshire volunteers The report highlights that those not yet meeting the benchmarks are expected to do so by the time they enter primary one. Attendance is also being monitored closely, with the average rate across council-run settings at 86.9 per cent. In addition, 138 pre-school children will defer starting primary one this year, a 64 per cent increase compared to 2021/22. Councillor John Millar, vice convener of educational services, said: "I am delighted to see this progress and also that children are on track to meet the level by the end of primary one. "It is also reassuring to know that while we have seen the highest number of deferrals in five years, our centres have the capacity to accommodate every child whose family want their child to remain in early education for another year." Read more: New heating controls installed in multi-storey council blocks The report also highlighted continued support for staff development in the sector. Twenty-five modern apprentices are currently supported in early learning roles within council centres. Seventeen have achieved a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 3 and secured employment, while five more are working toward the qualification. Since 2022, the council has also supported 23 career changers into early learning, with 18 completing their qualifications and five still in training.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
West Dunbartonshire Council to support National Testicular Cancer Awareness month
West Dunbartonshire Council could team up with a local charity to see how they can help support National Testicular Awareness month. April is designated as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month in the UK to raise awareness about this cancer, which is highly treatable when caught early. It affects mostly men between the age of 15 and 45 and is one of the most curable if detected early. READ MORE: Jet2, Ryanair, Easyjet, TUI passengers told to stop flying in certain footwear READ MORE: Police close multiple Glasgow roads 'near train station' in ongoing incident Cahonas Scotland, situated in Clydebank at the Titan Enterprise Centre, provides advice and education on the disease as well as the benefits of regular self checks. They state on their website that the highest incidence rates are among men aged 30—34 but cases have increased by more than 27% since the early 1990s. Statistics also show that 2400 men are diagnosed in the UK each year which is more than six men per day but survival rates have also risen every year since the 1970s. Cahonas Scotland believes that early detection means more effective treatment. Regular checks are important for every man you know and every man needs to know what to look for. The charity carried out its work at schools, colleges, community hubs and events and wants to get everyone talking — and checking. A motion on testicular cancer awareness is being presented at West Dunbartonshire's full council meeting this Thursday by councillor Clare Steel. Councillor Steel's motion reads: '[This] council notes that Cahonas Scotland is a charity that helps to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of Testicular Cancer. 'Research suggests that this is the most common cancer in men but it is not talked about enough. Locally, there is a small but dedicated team of two who can provide help and support to those affected. 'Council also notes that the month of April will be Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. This Council thanks Cahonas Scotland for all the work that they do and agrees to look at how we could support National Testicular Cancer Awareness month.' Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages
