Minister defends teaching shake–up

Published on Thursday 23 February 2012 00:00

CHANGES to the education system will be “worth the effort”, pupils and parents have been told.

Education secretary Michael Russell defended the Curriculum for Excellence. National 4 and 5 qualifications are being brought in to replace Standard Grade and Intermediate qualifications from 2013-14.

Teachers’ leaders have voiced concerns, with Ann Ballinger, general secretary of the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association, saying staff were “in some distress” about the changes.

Ms Ballinger said the union was “concerned that things are not going to be ready in time”.

Visiting St Peter the Apostle High School in Clydebank yesterday, Mr Russell said: “I firmly believe the prize of giving our young people the skills they need for learning, life and work will be delivered and will be worth the effort.”

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Maurice the Dolphin

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 11:41 PM

It's the teachers fault, it's the pupils fault, it's the head-teachers fault. It's apparent that Mike "teenwolf" Russell's coming apart at the seams.

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Sawney Has-Been

Friday, February 24, 2012 at 06:15 AM

After a teacher asked if it was good planning to publish finalised course in April for an August start, Russell said on Radio Scotland yesterday, 'What have you been doing for 7 years?' .......the man is unravelling!

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Graham Slater

Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 08:46 PM

By opting for GCSE courses to avoid the SNP Mickey Mouse chitties, Anne Everest, at St George's, has seized her moment to anglicise still further the education provided to those whose parents can pay for the socially-divisive and elitist places at her institution. In a post-Salmondism independent Scotland there will be an opportunity to end the educational apartheid represented by the private school sector in Scotland and secure parental commitment to neighbourhood schooling good enough for all young Scots looking to make their way in a changing world.

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Mark Bishop

Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 08:39 PM

If you actually listened to the teachers, they would tell you what was needed. They are more qualified than any politician is to let people know what is best for the pupils. It is their job and one which they are qualified for. Let them do their job please.

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No Jambos

Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 12:27 PM

I see St Aloysius is putting back the introduction of National courses for a year to prepare better and has no intention of having a broad 3rd year and narrow 4th year. Rather 8 subjects right through. It will be interesting what some of the other private schools do as they generally have a very pragmatic view of what is best for their pupils and suffer less political interference. Yet another advantage for families in the private system over those who can only afford the state system.

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Ancient Wisdom

Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 08:31 AM

As the SNP relies for its support upon the under-educated Mr Russell's own future is at risk. Good bye SNP.

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Rabigyin

Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 07:37 AM

Teachers have not had the time, resources or back-up to produce coherent courses, fully piloted and checked.. It will be an unmittigated disaster, as parents see their childrens' futures being flushed down the toilet. It will not be the childrens' fault nor their teachers' fault. Sorry, Mr Russell, it will be your fault.

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Sawney Has-Been

Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 06:47 AM

If Russell had said, “I firmly believe the prize of giving our teachers the training so that they can teach our young people the skills they need for learning, life and work will be delivered and will be worth the effort.” I'd have been more inclined to lend credibility to his cause. Does he really believe that publishing 3 new 2 year courses in April for delivery by teachers in August ( or immediately if the timetable changes in June) is good leadership?

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