This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Minister meets Fife teachers
08/11/2005
Fife's newest teachers have been sharing their classroom experiences with Education Minister Peter Peacock.
Mr Peacock met a group of probationer teachers during a visit to Dunfermline's Queen Anne High School, where he also toured the new building which opened last year.
Mr Peacock said:
"Great teachers make a real difference to pupils' learning, helping them to achieve their full potential.
"I have been impressed by the commitment and dedication I have seen amongst the new teachers I have met today. I am confident that they will continue to deliver the world renowned Scottish education for many Fife pupils today and in the future.
"In August, 151 new teachers started in Fife schools at a time when the latest statistics show the council has just eight primary and four secondary posts which have been vacant for more than three months.
"These recruits are among 2,730 newly-qualified staff in Scotland who are helping to boost teacher numbers as school rolls fall. This allows us to cut class sizes, better target resources and continually raise the standard of education."
Scotland currently has 51,287 full-time equivalent school-based teachers. The Executive is committed to increasing teacher numbers to 53,000 by 2007. The extra teachers will be used to cut class sizes in P1 (to a maximum of 25) and for maths and English in S1/2 (to a maximum of 20). Around 2,730 teachers started probationary teaching posts in August 2005.
The number of students on full-time Post Graduate Certificate of Education courses next year will be similar to last year at around 3,300. Taking into account graduates from Bachelor of Education courses, around 4,000 probationary teachers are expected to enter classrooms in 2006.
The induction scheme guarantees all newly-qualified teachers a one year placement which allows probationer teachers to reach the standard for full registration in one year. They have the dedicated support of a mentor and scheduled time out of class for continuous professional development.
Information on teaching in Scotland as a career is available by calling 0845 3454745.