Minutes of the 6th meeting of Peebles High School Parent Council
Tuesday 18th November 2008
Present:Michael Pryor (Chair), Penny Scott, Amanda Kubie, Margot Porter (Clerk), Gwyneth Clay and Rosemary Harry
Attending: John Brown (Rector), Campbell Hornell, Paul Fagan
1. Apologies, welcome, introductions
1.1 Apologies were received from Teresa Reville and Bill O'Fee
2.Minutes of Last Meeting
These were agreed subject to some editorial changes being made.
2. Matters Arising
2.1There were no matters arising not covered elsewhere in the Agenda.
3.New curriculum presentation
3.1Depute Paul Fagan gave a presentation on
the new Curriculum for Excellence, introduced by a short promotional video clip
presenting new skills in a new environment. Implementation has now slipped a
year, to session 20010-11. This session's P6 will be the first cohort to go
through the new system. Although current P6s will be the first to undertake
the new curriculum, it is recognised that there will be inevitable implications
for the rest of the school. Paul is looking to set up a working group ahead
and would welcome parental input. Mike agreed to liase with him on this.
3.2The new curriculum changes are more flexible than previous ones with the school being able to adapt the principles to they particular setting. While good in some ways, this uncertainty has a down side in that more work will be required to develop specific procedures. These will be aimed at encouraging adaptable pupils able to function in a range of environments ("learning how to learn") rather than spending time on the learning of content that may well soon be obsolete and no use in the future careers.
3.3There will be eight main curriculum areas and the plan is to have no external exams until pupils are to leave school. Literacy and numeracy will be the two areas that all students will be assessed on. There will be greater emphasis on achievement.
3.4Paul's presentation was well received and was followed by much discussion. In summary, the parent council recognised the work that would be involved in implementing the new curriculum. The flexibility to be allowed was welcomed but there was some concern that the new curriculum was to be implemented at a time of staff and budget cuts. Also there was some interest in how such a different S1-4 curriculum could be made to lead effectively on to an unchanged Higher curriculum.
4.Rector's Update on Key Issues
4.1The Rector gave an update on a range of matters outline of topics covered is attached. In particular:
-SBC has started addressing the planning process for new PE facilities. Although funding is not in place, the intention is to get an agreed plan and then seek funding at that time. It is good news that PHS need for these facilities is now being actively recognised.
-The new Bus D is now nearly completed and has been a success, with pupils and buses using it sensibly. A number of buses will be parking at the school throughout the day while a more suitable location is sought.
-Transforming Children's Services SBC is still working on this with a decision date of 18th December. It is assumed that the recommendations will go through.
5.PTA
5.1 The PTA was not represented and update will be given at the next meeting.
6.1The group has inter alia been working on the school page in the Peeblesshire News and the PHS web site. Margot is to e-mail the link of the developing website to parent council members and any comments will be welcomed.
7.Parent Council Plans for Next Year
7.1It was agreed that a short list of key topics to get involved with was needed. This could include, inter alia, the web site, lobbying against cuts and parental engagement. This will be addressed at the next meeting.
8.Next meeting
11.1 The next Parent Council Meeting is on the 10th of February with a Parent Forum in 19th January. It is planned that this will be to explain to parents the ins and outs of the new e-portfolio for pupils' achievement.
Peebles High School
Rectors Report to Parent Council
November 2008
Staffing
New Appointments
Accommodation Updates
Communication with Parents
International Activities
Transforming Childrens Services (TCS)
SBC Education Budget Allocation
Staff Commitments
Curriculum for Excellence