Scottish primary pupils could be tested for literacy

Published on Wednesday 7 January 2009 20:57

ALL Scottish children could face tests to ensure they can read, write and count before they leave primary school.

In a move that will prove controversial with some parents and teachers, the Scottish Government yesterday backed calls for literacy and numeracy tests in primary seven.

Fiona Hyslop, education secretary, had previously announced plans to test all school leavers in literacy and numeracy by the end of secondary. However, teachers warned testing pupils aged 14-15 would be too little too late.

The Scottish Government yesterday agreed to a call from Conservative MSPs to ensure youngsters have the skills by the time they reach secondary school.

Liz Smith, Conservative education spokeswoman, said: "We do not have adequate, national criteria against which the abilities of each pupil to read, write and count up can be judged."

The new primary test would be in addition to literacy and numeracy tests in S3 or S4 due in 2014.

However, the government ruled out external testing for primary pupils that has proved controversial in England. Teachers would test pupils internally, the government stressed.

Ms Hyslop also answered calls from teachers for training on the incoming school curriculum. For the next three years, councils will be able to hold an extra in-service day but teachers were sceptical.

Jim Docherty, deputy general secretary of the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association, said: "Quite frankly three days over three years is almost insignificant."