Uncategorized

Pupil survey on learning and space at JGHS

8 May 2026: Pupils at JGHS were recently surveyed about the space in the school that is available for study, eating and socialising, and the impact this has on their learning. The results and the narrative comments submitted are available below:

Results of survey on space and learning at JGHS

Pupils comments on space and learning

The survey was carried out to assess pupil experience of the imapct of the rising roll at JGHS, add received over 300 submission from pupils in S1-S6.

The Rising Rolls working group of the Parent Council has previously made an argument for the provision of more space to be made available at JGHS to take account of the current pressures from pupil numbers.

Making the case for more space

Space utilitsation at JGHS

Previous deputations made by the JGHS Parent Council to the City of Edinburgh Council Education Committee, and the responses received are available on the PC campaigns page

Parent Council campaigns

New City of Edinburgh Council group to look at Rising Rolls

JGHS bookdrive fundraiser

7 December 2025: The Parent Council’s Small Sums Fund distributes funds raised by the school back to the School Community. 

Small Sums Fund

English reading circles for S1 and S2

This year we have been raising funds to buy books that will support pupils in S1 and S2 to (re)discover a love for reading and literature, in reading circles in English classes.

The English curriculum team have develped a fantastic list of books across all genres that small groups of pupils can get together to read and discuss. Titles include books from mystery and detective fiction, contemporary fiction, adventure, comedy, graphic novels, thrillers, and science and historical fiction – truly something for everyone.

The funds raised will buy packs of 5 copies of the same book, so that all pupils in a reading circle will have a copy to take home and read.

To make the funds go as far as possible, we are buying pre-owned, as well as new books. We have already bought sets of Nancy Springer’s “Enola Holmes – the Missing Marquess”, Katherine Rundell’s “The Explorer”, and Malorie Blackman’s “Robot Girl”.

Please support if you can

We are working with the James Gillespie’s Trust, a registered charity, so that we can claim gift-aid on any donations made, and make the funds go even further.

JGHS bookdrive fundraiser – Justgiving

If you are able to donate, please visit the Trust’s justgiving page – all the funds that come through this appeal will go directly to buying books that will go into school.

Many thanks!!

February 2024: News and Updates from Connect

A new e-newsletter is now available from Connect, which includes:

  • The results of the Connect ‘Sustainability for Learning: Environmental Education in Schools and Parental Involvement’ survey
  • Spring 2024 live online information sessions
  • New resources for Connect Members – including the Social and Fundraising Hub
  • Consultations, Calls for Evidence and Connect Submissions
Read the newsletter

Christmas fundraising – thank you!

15 December 2022: Many thanks to everyone who came along to the JGHS Christmas concerts this week (Tuesday 13 December) – it was fantastic to see everyone back in the school to celebrate the talents of our young people and to meet one another again.

The Parent Council took in over £400 on the refreshments stall at the fayre that ran between the concerts, and also raised over £100 at the coursing night on 6 December – we are very grateful for all these contributions, which will go towards the Small Funds Fund supporting activities in the school.

There is also still time to make a contribution to the Parent Council’s Festive Fundraiser, which is currently running on Parent Pay. Again, all the funds raised will go to the Small Funds Fund, and will be most appreciated.

Make a donation on ParentPay