Tories demand action on education changes

Education Secretary Michael Russell must “act urgently” to allay concerns over the new Curriculum for Excellence, say the Scottish Conservatives.

New National 4 and 5 qualifications are being brought in to replace Standard Grade and Intermediate qualifications from 2013-14.

Schools across Scotland will introduce the new qualifications for the current S2 year group.

But the Scottish Conservatives said there were “continuing concerns” from parents and teachers about schools being ready to prepare pupils.

Some teachers have said the changes were being introduced too soon, increasing teachers’ workloads and damaging pupils’ learning.

Scottish Conservative education spokeswoman Liz Smith said: “These concerns have grown in recent days as a result of the confusing statements issued by Mike Russell. He said on one hand that the Scottish Government wanted to press ahead with the current proposed timescale, yet on the other hand he admitted that one local authority was a ‘special case’. He cannot have it both ways.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The precise number and range of subject choices on offer is a decision for schools to take. Every school is different and this flexibility in approach allows schools to meet the needs of individual learners.”