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Promoting reading with Scottish literature
05/03/2008
Pupils at an Edinburgh school experienced a different side to one of the most evil characters in Scottish literature this week when Mr Hyde came visiting.
The murderous character created by Robert Louis Stevenson, however, showed his better side to Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, who was visiting Castlebrae Community High School to see how Scottish literature, literacy and drama were being combined as part of the new approach to teaching being rolled out across Scotland's schools.
Mr Hyde was taking part in Jekyll and Hyde: A Specimen, a 45-minute version of the Gothic tale which was devised by Donald Smith of the Scottish Storytelling Centre. The production is playing to pupils as part of a city-wide tour organised as part of this year's City of Literature campaign to encourage more of us to pick up a book.
Ms Hyslop said: "There are few authors better than Robert Louis Stevenson in tempting the reader to turn to the first page of a book and remain hooked until "The End".
"That's why I applaud the efforts of the City of Literature in highlighting the rich resource we have in this country to inspire young people. This visit today highlights the enjoyment to be found in combining many aspects of the school curriculum and every school pupil - no matter their background - should have the curiosity, desire and ability to pick up a book and read to their heart's content.
"The fact that this visit to Castlebrae was inspired by the school's librarian Sylvia Gorman demonstrates how Curriculum for Excellence rests in the hands of everyone who teaches our children and not just the teachers."
The Curriculum for Excellence is about achieving transformational change within the Scottish education system, through changes in learning, teaching and leadership that will improve:
- skills for learning, vocational skills and skills for life
- attainment and broader achievement
- attendance and staying on rates
The aim of the programme is to raise educational outcomes for all young people and in particular to provide more choices and chances for those who are disaffected and attain below their potential. A key objective is to provide enhanced value from education both to individuals and the wider Scottish economy.
The draft curriculum outcomes are being released for engagement and trialling over this academic session and into next. We will than make decisions on what should be the requirements, for example for a broad, general education. After 2008-09, the requirements will be phased in to replace the present 5-14 curriculum.
The City of Literature Trust is an independent charity. It was set up with a voluntary Board of Trustees in late 2004, and has two full-time members of staff. Our aim is to capitalise on the presitigious UNESCO designation awarded to the city, and raise awareness of books and literature in everyday Edinburgh life. The Trust is a collaborative organisation that works closely with partner organisations to:
- Promote book culture in Edinburgh
- Encourage involvement in Scotland's literature
- Develop literary partnerships around the world