Hurray for common sense...

Certainly off-topic from the usual Exc-el post, but there's little doubt on what will probably be the big talking point this weekend: the smoking ban comes into force on Sunday! I'll lay my cards on the table straight away: I think this is the best thing to happen in terms of healthcare for years. My personal hatred for 'cancer sticks' comes from losing three grandparents due to smoking, and it even playing a part in my father's sudden death.

What pleases me most as a teacher however is that we are finally sending out a clear message to our young people in Scotland that smoking is dangerous, dirty and antisocial. I doubt there will be any huge change in the health of adults as a result of this legislation, but I am sure that the benefits will be seen in years to come as the number of young people taking up smoking declines rapidly. No-one wants to be associated with an act that forces you out of every public space in the country. That is why it is good news: it is purely peer-pressure that causes people to start smoking, not an ignorance of the concequences - even young children are well aware of the health risks.

I've been pleased this week to see our Headteacher, Paul Raffaelli , do his bit to raise the profile of this legislation and encourage our students to think carefully about their own attitudes to smoking: he has spoken to all students at assembly about this.

It's not often that I agree with the government but I take my hat off to them this time - a bold move, and one we will thank Jack and his friends for in the future. Now, if only they could find a good builder...