This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Ministers on fact-finding visit to school
27/05/2003
Education Minister Peter Peacock and his deputy Euan Robson today went back to the classroom for the first time since taking up their new appointments last week.
The ministers visited Athelstaneford Primary School in East Lothian where they heard at first hand pupils and teachers' views on the Scottish education system.
Mr Peacock said:
"I believe it is vitally important for me to hear first hand from teachers, parents and pupils. Their direct experience and insights of the education system can help me put in place and refresh the framework to support continuous improvement in education.
"In A Partnership for a Better Scotland we made a commitment to ensuring excellence in all schools by providing more flexible learning and development opportunities at all ages.
"At primary level this will include reducing class sizes to a maximum of 25 in P1, introducing more flexibility in the curriculum for three to six year olds and increasing the number of specialist teachers.
"The success of these and other initiatives will be measured via our five National Priorities in Education. These set out the outcomes we want for all pupils in Scotland and schools' and education authorities' progress in delivering them will be monitored. We will play our part by delivering a world class education system through a combination of reform and investment."
Mr Robson said:
"I was extremely impressed with the overall ethos at Athelstaneford. Pupils learn in a supportive and inclusive environment and their achievements, not just in terms of their attainment, are recognised and encouraged.
"The school's teachers are dedicated and imaginative. The pupils' thriving creativity is testament to their hard work and commitment."