Secondary headteachers urged to back school curriculum shake-up

EDUCATION Secretary Mike Russell has called on headteachers to back a controversial overhaul of the school curriculum amid threats of disruption by unions.

The Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) is to be implemented in secondary schools across Scotland in August.

The changes, already in place in primary schools, are designed to give teachers more freedom and make lessons less prescriptive.

Russell said: "Headteachers are at the heart of any successful school. It's their energy and motivation that inspire teachers, pupils and parents. We are entering a crucial period with further implementation of Curriculum for Excellence this August, and effective headteachers, who lead by example, are essential to help drive forward the improvements to Scottish education we all want to see."

However, a recent survey by the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA) found that teachers were "angry and concerned" at being ignored by the government.

General secretary Ann Ballinger said: "Secondary teachers report being 'fully behind' the principles of Curriculum for Excellence but are angry and concerned at the lack of preparation and the failure to listen to their views."

The survey also found that 89 per cent of teachers want more resources before they begin teaching the CfE, while 78 per cent say that clarification of course content is essential.

Larry Flanagan, of the Educational Institute of Scotland union, said: "I do think one of the key issues for teachers is workload. The answer to that is simply to apply our own contracts and work a 35-hour week and limit the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence by using that mechanism."

Opposition parties have also voiced concerns. Labour education spokesman Des McNulty said "the SNP won't be forgiven" for getting wrong "the biggest shake-up of Scottish education for a generation".

Speaking at a Glasgow awards ceremony for teachers who have achieved the National Standard for Headship, Russell said: "I want to ensure headteachers have the level of autonomy needed to maximise this impact, giving them freedom in the delivery of learning and teaching and school organisation."

Last month, Russell unveiled a plan that would give local authorities a share of 3 million to help schools prepare for the new curriculum.