Actions include Cost of the School Day lessons delivered in Modern Studies for all S1 pupils and an audit of how costs in each department were impacting pupils. To raise awareness of how the school can help pupils with costs, a pupil Cost of the School Day group was established.
In 2022 this group worked alongside S2/3 Photography classes to create posters to raise awareness of the support offered in school. The posters are displayed throughout the school to raise the profile and to encourage pupils to come to ask for support if they need it. The pupil's catchy slogan of “School shouldn’t cost…let us help” proudly showcases the variety of ways the school is helping pupils.
Leigh Galloway, the Modern Studies Teacher who supports the group, says:
“It's been great to get their input into our policies and also into the Cost of the School Day lessons we have incorporated as part of our S1 course. Many of the young people involved are keen to support everyone in their school community and their input into how the school continues to develop its Cost of the School Day policies and strategies is likely to be invaluable.”
The group’s current focus is promoting the availability of free sanitary products to pupils and parents and creating toiletry packs for Pupil Support Teachers to distribute, with the overall aim of normalising conversations where pupils can feel comfortable asking for help. Young people in the group said:
“We enjoy being part of the group because we want to help people and it makes people more aware of where they can get sanitary products, so they don't feel embarrassed in school.”
Leigh believes the work carried out by pupils shows:
“their desire to help support pupils but also acknowledges that many of us are finding this time challenging, it gives pupils in the group a sense of ownership over the work they are taking part in.”
