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Parents get a lesson on classroom changes
25/08/2008
While children around the country are settling back into their normal classroom routine after the summer break, their parents are to get a useful insight into how teaching and learning across Scotland is changing.
A DVD featuring an address by Fiona Hyslop, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, as well as examples demonstrating how Scotland is undergoing its biggest classroom changes in decades is being distributed this week to Parent Councils.
The DVD is part of a package being sent out to Parent Councils to keep them up to speed on the latest developments in schools, including the introduction of Curriculum for Excellence and the consultation on national qualifications which is ongoing. The DVD includes clips of work going on in Eco Schools, children enjoying PE classes and young people learning Chinese.
Ms Hyslop said:
"Scottish education is changing now to ensure our young people have the knowledge and skills they need for learning, and for their future life and work. Curriculum for Excellence is intended to raise achievement and attainment and to provide more choices and more chances for all young people, including those with additional support needs - and those with special talents.
Parents have a key role to play in the success of Curriculum for Excellence and what it can bring to their children. By working together with schools, nurseries and others involved in Curriculum for Excellence, parents can make a real difference. All parents want the best for their children. Curriculum for Excellence aims to achieve the best for all children and young people in Scotland."
Also included in the package will be:
- The first in a series of newsletters for Parent Councils
- A report on the National Parents' Conference, attended by around 140 parents on 6 June
- A letter from Cabinet Secretary and a survey of Parent Councils asking them how parents want to have their views heard at national level
- A leaflet for parents on National Qualifications
- A flyer promoting the Parentzone website, which keeps parents informed on latest education developments
Lorraine Sanda, National Parental Involvement Co-ordinator at LTS, said:
"There is lots of evidence that parents want to support their own children's learning. If they have the right type of information and understand what is going on at school, they are obviously in a better position to provide this support. Curriculum for Excellence provides great scope for parents and schools to be working more closely together in the interests of children and young people.
"At this stage, it is important that parents are helped to understand the changes and can get into a debate with their own school and teachers about what their role can be and how their partnership can develop. The DVD provides information to allow that engagement to begin. I hope Parent Councils and headteachers will find it useful. "
Curriculum for Excellence covers all learning experiences planned for all of our children throughout their education, from ages 3 to 18, with the aim of helping them to realise their talents and potential so that they are prepared for the future demands of modern society and a global economy. Full roll-out in all schools is expected by August 2009.
The National Qualifications Consultation is focusing on:
- Introduction of new awards in literacy and numeracy
- Introduction of a new general qualification to replace Standard Grade (General and Credit) and Intermediate 1 and 2. Standard Grade Foundation would be removed
- Retention of Access, Highers and Advanced Highers with a review of the content of all National Qualifications to ensure consistency with Curriculum for Excellence
- Provide a range of opportunities to meet the needs of all young people