Too cool not to go back to school!

They’re back. Angus youngsters return from their summer break. Picture: Kim Cessford.

The school gate beckoned for more than 1,200 Angus starters as they flocked to primary one classrooms after the summer break.

The total complement of 1,255 primary one pupils included 18 sets of twins.

Four of the area’s schools: Borrowfield in Montrose; Hayshead, Arbroath; Brechin’s Maisondieu and Seaview in Monifieth have two sets of twins in their new intake.

Angus Council children and learning convener Mark Salmond said: “I’m delighted to welcome everyone back at the start of the new school year.

“I hope everyone enjoyed their summer break.”

As well as the start of their school journey for the youngest pupils, the 2017-18 session also signals the start of a new era for Angus secondary pupils, with the introduction of a new four-anda-half day week.

The 33-period week of 50-minute classes was agreed by councillors last June and the new school day will see three morning periods, followed by a break, two further periods, lunch and then two afternoon classes from Monday to Thursday.

On Fridays, five periods and a break will be fitted in before the 1.20pm finish.

The proposals led to a degree of controversy, including a row over which day the early finish would fall on, as well as concern over transport arrangements which, it was initially suggested would involve more than £350,000 of additional expense, before detailed work on the new timetable delivered a revised figure of around £70,000.

Education officials say the Friday halfday will allow pupils the chance to take part in a range of extra-curricular activities.

Critics claimed it would merely provide spare time for youngsters to take part in non-school related activities.

Take up rates of sports, club and volunteering will be monitored to make sure children are motivated to participate in the programmes on offer, said council chiefs.