News Release
Updated: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 | 
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SOLID MATHS SUCCESS FOR PUPILS IN SCOTTISH SURVEY OF ACHIEVEMENT
Commenting on today's publication of the Scottish Survey of Achievement (SSA) which highlights a solid overall performance from Scottish pupils in Mathematics, EIS General Secretary Ronnie Smith said: “Today's publication gives a snapshot of pupils' achievements in mathematics and numeracy, and displays solid overall performance in both primary and secondary schools. We are already well aware of some of the issues of concern the report raises in relation to attainment in the later years of primary and early secondary, and are working to address these issues through the development of the new Curriculum for Excellence.”
Mr Smith added, “The Curriculum for Excellence will enable teachers to tailor their teaching to meet the particular needs of their own pupils, and to focus on enriching the learning experience for all pupils. Both numeracy and literacy are intended to be key priorities under the Curriculum for Excellence, and teachers will be free to focus on making maths and numeracy more relevant and engaging for their pupils.”
“However, we cannot overlook the influence of factors such as deprivation that have a major impact on pupils' educational attainment. The report published today highlights the major impact that poverty can have on a young person's educational experience, and this is something that it is difficult for schools to attempt to overcome in isolation,” he said.Mr Smith added, “What is most significant and encouraging is that Scottish pupils continue to achieve particularly highly in mathematics in the later years of secondary, at Standard Grade level and beyond, and to score well in mathematics in international comparative studies such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)”.
T: +44 (0)131 225 6244, F: +44 (0)131 220 3151, enquiries@eis.org.uk