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New qualifications on track
09/02/2012
Education Secretary Mike Russell today held 'positive' discussions with teacher representatives on the new national qualifications and Curriculum for Excellence and met incoming General Secretary of the Education Institute of Scotland (EIS), Larry Flanagan.
The focus of discussions was on the support available to schools as they move into the final stages of preparing to introduce the new qualifications.
Mr Russell said:
"I welcome the positive initial discussion with Larry Flanagan and EIS. I have never doubted his ongoing commitment to Curriculum for Excellence and I would like to pay tribute to the EIS for their work to date and also to all teachers who are working hard to prepare for and deliver the benefits of Curriculum for Excellence for young people across Scotland.
"During our discussions I expressed the Scottish Government’s renewed commitment to ensuring that every teacher gets the support they need, when they need it, and where they need it.
"Our existing provision of targeted exemption for any subject department remains unchanged. Individual subject departments in schools are able to raise any concerns that they may have with the local education authority. Education Scotland is ready to act quickly to provide additional, intensive support to departments and I have told Larry I will secure more support for any aspect of the CfE programme, should it prove necessary.
"Today’s discussion builds on the clear consensus in favour of Curriculum for Excellence from Directors of Education, parents and others as outlined by the First Minister at First Ministers Questions earlier."