Minister defends teaching shake–up

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.”