This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Comprehensive base for more flexible curriculum
05/11/2002
A universal system which recognises the individual talents of each pupil is the future for education in Scottish schools, headteachers were told today
First Minister Jack McConnell defended the comprehensive principle and said it was wrong to regard it as an excuse for the imposition of uniformity across all schools.
Instead, he said it was the foundation for providing an individual education in a universal system. What was needed was a more diverse and flexible curriculum designed around individual pupils.
"The comprehensive principle is at the heart of what we are doing. Equal access to an education that works for all our children. But schools must inspire each child."
Mr McConnell continued:
"I won't settle for ambition for a few and I will not settle for standardisation for the many.
"I am not interested in having a few schools as centres of excellence. My goal is for every school in Scotland to be excellent.
"Let me be clear. We are not going to tolerate underperforming in our schools, our classrooms or our education departments. Our children get one chance and I will not ask them to put their future on hold while management dithers."
The First Minister said he wanted:
- more decentralised management
- more parental involvement
- more choice and diversity in the curriculum
- action to achieve and maintain high standards
- resources targeted to "close the gap" in opportunity
"The education we need is education that works for all our children and inspires every child.
"That's our definition of the comprehensive pinciple for this new century. Education that brings out the ability and nurtures the talent that is in every child. Flexible and diverse education that rejects uniformity and stagnation.
"Education which recognises the key role of local leaders and headteachers in the driving seat of a journey towards excellence in every classroom. Nothing less will do."