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."