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Updated: Thursday, June 11, 2009 | Printer Friendly Version | |

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has broadly welcomed today's Scottish Government announcement on plans for the next generation of National Qualifications which provides a framework that places a renewed emphasis on supporting learning while providing broader opportunities for pupils of all backgrounds to achieve their full potential. However, the EIS also warned that the new arrangements will fail without proper resourcing and if workload burdens on pupils and teachers increase.

Commenting on the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, EIS General Secretary Ronnie Smith said, “Teachers, pupils and parents have been keenly awaiting details on the Scottish Government's plans for the future of National Qualifications. With the ongoing development of the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), it is essential to have a revised Qualifications framework that is compatible with the ethos of CfE and which will support effective learning in our classrooms while providing all pupils with flexible Qualifications options that will aid them in reaching their full potential.”

He added, “This is not radical change for its own sake, but an improvement to the current Qualifications framework which will retain and enhance the strengths of the current system. It should deliver an improved system that can support better learning in the context of Curriculum for Excellence. This should offer appropriate options for pupils at all stages, while also reducing the complexity of the current system.”

Mr Smith continued, “Today's announcement sets out a qualifications system that should reduce the overall assessment burden for pupils. To be successful it must also lessen the workload burden for teachers at all levels. It is also welcome that the plans announced today will retain key positive features of the existing system. The new framework must be readily understood and valued by all – including pupils, parents, teachers, employers, colleges and universities. All our pupils deserve to have a qualifications system that meets their needs, offers a range of options at all stages of secondary school, and provides them with improved chances to meet their goals and achieve their potential both in their school career and beyond.”

Mr Smith went on to say, “But it will be essential for the Scottish Government to provide the funding so teachers and lecturers can access the professional development required to implement the new arrangements successfully. This is a key concern in the face of current pressures on education budgets across the country, which threaten staffing levels and resources for schools.”

“For the new arrangements to be successful, there will have to be proper engagement with every teacher in secondary schools and further education colleges across Scotland. For example, there will require to be further detailed planning and discussion around how new assessments are to be implemented”, said Mr Smith.

(ENDS)

For further information, please contact Brian Cooper or Ronnie Smith on 0131 225 6244