Latest news with #pupils
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
79.7% of pupils get Hong Kong schools in their top 3 picks via allocation system
About 80 per cent of children set to enter Hong Kong's public primary schools in September were assigned one of their top three choices under the city's central allocation system, down from around 84 per cent last year. The figure from the Education Bureau on Friday was the third highest over the past 17 years. This year also saw the second-lowest number of pupils since 1997 join the central allocation system. In Hong Kong, Primary One places at public schools are allocated using a two-stage process. The results of the first stage, known as the discretionary admission phase, for the 2025-26 academic year were announced in November, while those for the second part, the central allocation system, will be shared with parents on Wednesday of next week. The bureau announced on Friday that 15,538 out of 19,489 children, or 79.7 per cent, were allocated a spot at one of their top three choices under the second stage. Pupils submitted their preferences in January. The latest allocation rate marked a drop from last year's 83.7 per cent.
BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Urdd Eisteddfod: Teacher learns Welsh in a year to inspire pupils
A teacher has learned Welsh in a year to help inspire pupils, who already speak more than 20 languages between Mugford, of St David's Primary School, in Swansea, said despite not being a Welsh speaker when she took up the role as Welsh co-ordinator, she felt compelled to learn it. Ms Mugford admitted the school's location in a predominantly English-speaking area initially made it "really hard" to encourage pupils and staff to speak the is not uncommon for pupils to hear new languages though - there are about 23 spoken at the school, and 70% of children speak English as an additional language at school. Ms Mugford said learning the language had changed her life, and opened up a whole new world for her. And pupils have gone from not knowing what the Urdd Eisteddfod was, to taking to the stage in Margam Park, Port Talbot, at this year's started rehearsals in February to compete, sacrificing their lunch hour every day to Urdd Eisteddfod is held every year at different locations across Wales, usually to coincide with the spring half term, bringing youngsters together to compete in categories including music, literature and performing Mugford said it has been so important for the school's pupils to learn about why the Urdd youth movement was established, the history of the Welsh language, and the struggles it has faced. "Lots of our children are new to Wales, some may have been here a couple of months, some just a couple of years," she said. Ms Mugford said the children are at all different levels with their Welsh language, but the process has welcomed them into Welsh culture. She added: " "I really think it's important that children from diverse backgrounds see that the Urdd is relevant to them and they belong in Wales as well."These children from other cultures have so much to offer us, it's really important they feel welcome and a part of Welsh life as well." Olanna, 10, said before the school planned to enter the Urdd Eisteddfod, she "didn't really know anything about Wales, even though I was born here". Also performing, Amelie, 10, described the performance as a "once in a lifetime opportunity" as she loves to dance and perform. She added the school loves them to learn Welsh, and she will find it "really exciting" to hear everyone speaking Welsh around them. The school has made it to the finals for their dance performance, but Amelia said: "We've been told we go in as winners and we go out as winners no matter what." Speaking at the festival, singer and BBC Wales radio presenter, Bronwen Lewis, said it is "wonderful" to welcome the festival to her home county of Neath Port Talbot."We've got industry, we've got nature, and of course, talent and I can't wait to see it on the stage today," she from Seven Sisters, admitted she still makes mistakes speaking the language even now, despite speaking Welsh from the age of four. She said it is important to encourage Welsh learners to use whatever little Welsh they have."Welsh learners are so important, I always want to give them the appreciation they deserve," she said. "Use whatever Welsh you've got, even if it's to order a coffee today. If you don't use it, you lose it." Bronwen said the Eisteddfod is helping get people talking about the Welsh language, and encouraging English-speaking visitors. One of those being Bronwen's partner, who visited the Eisteddfod for the very first this week and left "looking like the Urdd man himself" she said. "Going to an English medium school, he said he didn't know this was on our footsteps the whole time," she said. "All language does is open doors." The Urdd Eisteddfod will celebrate Welsh Learners with a variety of competitions and prizes on Wednesday afternoon. The competitions reward those who have shown commitment to learning Welsh, take pride in their Welshness and is able to hold a conversation in Welsh.
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Wednesfield primary school praised by Ofsted
A primary school in the West Midlands has been described by inspectors as providing a "nurturing environment" in which pupils "thrive".Ofsted rated Perry Hall Primary School in Wednesfield, near Wolverhampton, as Good in almost all categories, while its early years provision was rated had been given an overall rating of Good following its previous inspection in January inspection in April was its first under a new system, introduced last September, which does not provide an overall grade. It was also the first inspection since the Covid pandemic, the effects of which Ofsted said were taken into Hall became an academy 12 years ago and is now part of the Perry Hall Multi-Academy Trust. It currently has more than 500 boys and girls aged described Perry Hall as a "happy and welcoming school" and praised its "supportive atmosphere" and "calm environment", which they said allowed pupils to perform well in a range of subjects."Staff in school work together to develop a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum for all pupils," said the report published by Ofsted last week. "Teachers implement the curriculum effectively and pupils are able to recall prior learning." 'Strong foundation' However, inspectors found teachers did not always address mistakes made by pupils, meaning they can become embedded and pupils are left with gaps in their knowledge."The school should ensure that all staff have the knowledge and skills they need to address misconceptions and gaps in pupils' learning in a timely and effective way," added the for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was praised as allowing children to be individually supported and to progress through the Hall's "highly effective" early years provision, particularly regarding reading, was said to be a positive force in children's learning and development, and pupils were seen to treat each other with kindness."This provides children with an exceptionally strong foundation to behave positively and collaborate together," said inspectors. "As a result, children are very well prepared for the next stage of their education.""They are well-prepared for their future lives", they concluded. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Herald
20-05-2025
- The Herald
Pupils attacked by community for arriving late at Soshanguve school
A case of assault has been opened after a disturbing incident at Soshanguve South Secondary School on Monday, when community members allegedly stormed the school premises and physically attacked pupils for arriving late. The Gauteng department of education (GDE) has expressed concern, confirming an assault case has been opened with police and psychosocial support is being extended to pupils and staff who were affected by the incident. Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said community members also allegedly nearly assaulted department officials and the principal, who tried to intervene, and verbally abused them. 'The GDE strongly condemns the unacceptable act of violence and urges community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. While we acknowledge the frustrations that may arise from issues such as late-coming, under no circumstances can physical violence or intimidation be justified, specially when directed at children and education officials,' Mabona said. He said such actions not only traumatise pupils and staff but also undermine 'the safe and supportive learning environment we are committed to upholding in all our schools'.
Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Private school exodus of 13,000 dwarfs ministers' predictions
The number of pupils at private schools has fallen by more than 13,000 in 12 months, a record drop that head teachers blame largely on the introduction of VAT on fees in January. An annual census by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) of its 1,380 members found the number of pupils dropped from 551,578 to 538,215 in the year to January. It was the largest fall in private school pupil numbers since the ISC began collating the data in 2012. ISC members cover about 80 per cent of privately educated pupils. The figures cast doubt on the government's prediction that only 3,000 children would leave the private sector during the 2024-25 academic year as a result of the tax, rising to 14,000 by summer next
