APPENDIX 18
Memorandum submitted by the Scottish Executive
Education Department
14 TO 18 SCIENCE EDUCATION IN SCOTLAND
INTRODUCTION
Science Strategy
1. In August 2001, the Scottish Executive
published a Science Strategy for Scotland. The Strategy identifies
key objectives for the Executive which include:
maintaining a strong science base;
increasing the effective exploitation
of scientific research;
ensuring that enough people study
science to meet the future needs of Scotland;
promote the awareness, appreciation
and understanding of science across society;
ensuring the effective use of scientific
evidence in policy formulation and resource allocation by government.
2. The Strategy supports high levels of
achievement by those specialising in science and intends to ensure
that all learners acquire the capacity to cope as citizens and
decision-makers when dealing with scientific issues. It also encourages
the training and employment of additional science teachers and
initiatives to ensure high quality updating of their skills.
3. The Executive is spending nearly £1
billion on science over the lifetime of the Parliament. In real
terms, spending on science by the Executive over the lifetime
of this Parliament is rising by 15 per cent. A key objective of
the Science Strategy is to consider whether the large sums already
being invested in science are being used in the most effective
way. Ministers have therefore not made available a particular
budget or separate fund for implementing the Science Strategy.
The commitments made within the strategy will, however, require
refocusing of existing budgets across a broad range of the Executive's
responsibilities, if they are to be achieved. For instance, an
additional £5 million was announced earlier this year for
distribution to schools to be spent on science teaching in accordance
with the Strategy.
National Priorities in School EducationImprovement
Framework
4. National Priorities (outlined in legislation)
define the high-level outcomes Education Authorities and their
schools are required to deliver for young people. National Priorities
are part of an improvement framework which allows:
Scottish Ministers to give strategic
direction to the education system by publishing National Priorities
for education;
a requirement upon Authorities to
publish plans showing improvement objectives for their areas under
each of the National Priorities;
a requirement for schools to publish
school development plans taking account of improvement objectives
set by their local authority; and,
publication of annual reports on
progress.
5. The present National Priorities are defined
as:
achievement and Attainment;
framework for Learning;
inclusion and Equality;
values and Citizenship;
National Grid for Learning
6. The National Grid for Learning (NGFL)
is integrating new Information and Communication Technologies
into the process of teaching and learning. In September 2000,
97 per cent of secondary schools in Scotland were connected to
the Internet. Over £90 million (1999-2002) has been allocated
for NGFL infrastructure, content and support. A further £40
million (2002-04) is allocated for a National Priorities Action
Fund.
Pay and Conditions for Teachers
7. A National Agreement (known as the McCrone
Agreement) on pay has been reached between the Scottish Executive
and the teachers employers. Its key features are:
a minimum salary increase of 21.5
per cent over three years;
10 per cent salary increase from
1 April 2001;
4 per cent salary increase from 1
April 2002;
3.5 per cent salary increase from
1 January 2003;
4 per cent salary increase from 1
August 2003;
introduction of a 35-hour week.
Professional Conditions of Service:
treating teachers as professionals
by removal of restrictive national prescription on managing work
time;
introduction of a 35-hour week for
all teachers;
introduction of contractual obligation
of additional 35 hours per annum for continuous professional development;
reduced restriction & increased
flexibility on duties;
involve teachers in decision-making
& school planning.
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