Latest news with #JohnMillar
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.'
Wales Online
29-06-2025
- Wales Online
This unusual golden Welsh beach has sand like nowhere else in the country
This unusual golden Welsh beach has sand like nowhere else in the country - it sings This beautiful beach has a surprising quirk Its owner, the National Trust, admits it is 'one of our most perfect beaches in Wales'. (Image: John Millar/National Trust Images ) We're spoiled for choice for beautiful beaches in Wales, especially on the Llŷn Peninsula or Pen Llŷn, located in northwest Wales. This area is packed with natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and dreamy beaches, including one with a sweep of golden sand and a bizarre quirk. The peninsula is home to some of Wales' most picturesque beaches. There is a range of sandy beaches to explore, from family and dog-friendly coves to surfing hotspots. Llanbedrog beach, which stretches for over a mile, is now owned by the National Trust, while Porth Neigwl beach, also known as Hell's Mouth, is very popular with surfers and water sports fans. The Llŷn Peninsula, or Pen Llŷn, is located in northwest Wales and is packed with natural beauty (Image: Portia Jones ) One of my favourite beaches is Traeth Porthor, managed by the National Trust. This dreamy beach is famous for its 'whistling sands' and glistening waters on the northern side of the Llŷn Peninsula. Article continues below Traeth Porthor has its special feature, which means it is known by another, more commonly used name: 'Whistling Sands'. It is popular with so-called "sound tourists" due to the unusual 'whistling noise' the granules make underfoot when you walk over the sand. There are only two European beaches where you can experience this off-beat phenomenon and listen to the rolling waves and squeaking sand. Traeth Porthor has its special feature, which means it is known by another, more commonly used name: 'Whistling Sands'. (Image: Amelia Shaw ) It's not really a whistle, North Wales Live reports, unless perhaps the sound carries on the wind. It's more like a squeak, like cleaning a drying window. No one is quite sure why Porthor's sands make their distinctive noise. The prevailing theory seems to be that the sand has to have certain features. They must be spherical, with no sharp edges, and contain quartz and silica. The sand must also have just the right humidity level for best results. Aside from squeaky sand, Porthor is the perfect place for swimming, a coastal stroll or a picnic. But whether you care about squeaky sand or not, Traeth Porthor is a lush spot for a coastal walk or swim and should still be on your list of must-visit Welsh beaches. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Its owner, the National Trust, admits it is 'one of our most perfect beaches in Wales'. For our guide to the best beaches in Wales, go here. The trust operates a car park (charges apply) from which a path leads down to grassy cliffs offering spectacular views. From here, you can peer over to the next bay with a waterfall before heading down to the beach. It can be steep in parts. Rock pools at either end of the bay bracket the sweep of golden sand. Offshore seals are a common sight, but dolphins are less so. You may be lucky. Most visitors love it, with one reviewer calling it 'the stuff of dreams'. You can follow a National Trust walk along this rugged coastline to discover more of the region's history. Its owner, the National Trust, admits it is 'one of our most perfect beaches in Wales'. (Image: John Millar/National Trust Images ) From the walk, you can spot two islands - Dinas Bach ('small stronghold') and Dinas Fawr ('large stronghold') - that were thought to have been fortified sites during the Iron Age, some 2,000 years ago. Today, they're mostly populated by grey seals, so look for them bobbing in the water. Cast your eyes further along the coastline, and you'll see the 191-metre-high peak of Mynydd Anelog. A circular tower at the top of the hill above Carreg Farm was used as a lookout point during World War II. Back at the beach, there's a shop for refreshments and a toilet, but they are generally open during summer. A bakery, café, chip shop, and pub are nearby in Aberdaron, just a few miles down the road. Article continues below Location: Porthor, Aberdaron, Gwynedd, LL53 8LG
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
National Trust reveals range of outdoor activities for summer
Residents are being encouraged to enjoy the outdoors this summer with the National Trust. The trust has announced a range of activities across Dorset, including bushcraft workshops and outdoor theatre performances. These activities are part of the trust's effort to promote outdoor engagement and support the upkeep of its locations. Brownsea Island will host a 'Summer of Play' from Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, August 31. This will include a crayon rubbing trail and a natural play area. View of the Jurassic Coast from Golden Cap, Dorset (Image: John Millar/National Trust) The island will also offer bushcraft taster sessions every Friday throughout August. Visitors can learn survival skills with an expert bushcraft specialist. For those interested in history, Brownsea will have historical guided walks with cream tea in Brownsea Castle on select dates in June, July and September. There will also be a guided wetland bird walk on Saturday, June 28 and an evening bird and bat safari on Thursday, June 5 and Thursday, June 19. On Thursday, June 12 and Friday, June 13, the HandleBards will perform Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing' in an open-air theatre setting on the island. A summer solstice yoga session will be held on Saturday, June 21, celebrating the longest day of the year with a picnic dinner and nightjar walk. Corfe Castle will also host a range of events. Visitors take a stroll in the garden in summer at Hardy's Cottage, Dorset (Image: James Beck/National Trust) From June to August, there will be free artisan craft displays every Friday, showcasing heritage crafts such as stone carving and wood carving. A food and drink festival will be held at the castle on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13, celebrating food and drink produce from the area. A 'Summer of Play' will run from Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, August 31, featuring a variety of games and activities throughout the castle ruins. Visitors can also join storytelling tours to learn about the castle's history. The castle will host several outdoor theatre performances in August, including 'Pride and Prejudice', 'The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I' and 'The Merry Wives of Windsor'. There will also be outdoor cinema screenings of 'Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets' and 'Paddington in Peru' on Friday, August 22 and Saturday, August 23.
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.
