Michael Russell calls on opponents to back new curriculum

EDUCATION secretary Michael Russell has called on his political opponents to stop their "posturing" and support the new school Curriculum for Excellence.

Speaking at an education festival in Glasgow yesterday, he defended pushing ahead with the curriculum, despite calls from teachers for another delay.

Implementation of the system has already been deferred for a year to 2010 after teachers expressed concern about a lack of time to adapt.

And earlier this year, members of the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA) called for another 12-month postponement, until more resources and training could be provided.

However, addressing the Scottish Learning Festival yesterday, Mr Russell said: "For the rest of this term of office - and for a future term if re-elected - this government will focus on building and completing the rollout of Curriculum for Excellence, making it real from 0-18 and beyond.

"That will be our task, and I hope all the other political parties in the parliament will cease their posturing on this vital matter, and sign on with me to stability as we finish the task our schools are now fully engaged with."

However, political opponents denied they opposed the new curriculum.

Des McNulty, Labour education spokesman, said: "Scottish Labour has never criticised the Curriculum for Excellence itself - only Mike Russell's shoddy implementation of it.

"The only person Mike Russell is deluding when he paints a fairytale picture of Scottish education is himself."

Liz Smith, the Conservatives' schools spokeswoman, said her party did not oppose the curriculum, but said details on new qualifications were crucial.

She said: "Qualifications are not the sole aspect of education, but parents want to know what examinations will be on offer at senior years at secondary school, so their children can make informed subject choices."