Curriculum Improvement Cycle
The Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC) is underway and is being led by Education Scotland. Materials are being developed for distribution to schools during the 2026–27 academic year. Building Scotland’s Curriculum: Discussion Draft (updated November 2026) has now been published. The planned implementation date for the new curriculum in S1 in secondary schools remains August 2028.
The SSTA has made clear that this major overhaul of the curriculum cannot be undertaken within normal working-time arrangements. The SSTA has consistently called for additional time to be made available for secondary teachers to participate in the development and preparation of the new curriculum during this year and in the years leading up to implementation in August 2028. Two additional in-service days are to be organised by Education Scotland and devoted solely to the Curriculum Improvement Cycle. The purpose of the first day was agreed by the SNCT and must be dedicated solely to allowing teachers to engage with the ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ of the Curriculum Improvement Cycle process.
As part of this process, we are seeking information on the work undertaken and we would welcome your response to our short survey. (an email has been sent to members with a the link to the survey)
SSTA Advice: Members are advised to wait until the planned additional in-service days have been completed before determining future curriculum content and/or teaching materials. All materials and documents currently available remain drafts and are subject to further development and change. Members should ensure that they manage and control their workload this year and should not be tempted to pre-empt the curriculum development process by undertaking work prematurely. Materials for S1, for implementation in autumn 2028, should be produced during the 2027–28 school year, provided that sufficient additional time is allocated for this work.
HEATING – MINIMUM TEMPERATURES
Regulation 23 of the School Premises Regulations Act 1967 and 1973 specifies the following minimum temperatures:
- 18.5°C for medical inspection rooms, changing rooms, shower rooms and WCs.
- 16°C for teaching spaces or classrooms.
- 15.5°C Assembly Hall/ Lecture Hall
- 13°C in cloakrooms, corridors, and gymnasiums
- 10°C Games Hall
When temperatures are below these minima, members should act as follows:
- Record the time and temperature, preferably with a calibrated thermometer
- If the low temperature is first thing in the school day and the heating system is working,
- record the time and the temperature and then allow a reasonable time, up to a maximum of one hour, for the temperature to increase.
- NB. The law requires minimum temperature to be achieved by the start of the working day
- If the temperature still has not reached minimum, or it is so low initially that it would be unreasonable to work in the room while waiting for it to rise, again note the time and temperature and notify management team, by telephone or email, that you require an alternative place to work.
- Allow a reasonable time for action to be taken. It is impossible to be more specific, as what is reasonable must depend on the layout of the school and the degree of discomfort.
- If after a reasonable period no effective action has been taken, you should cease to work in the room. Take your class to an appropriate place, school offices, foyer etc and ask for instructions from the senior members of staff.
- As soon as you can, inform the school representative of your actions.
- If there is a general failure of the heating system, it is possible that pupils will be sent home. Note that teaching staff will be required to remain, provided an adequately heated room e.g. a staffroom can be provided.
Please note: Hot water must also be provided for the school building to be operational.
SSTA Communications – Personal Emails
Due to difficulties with employer firewalls some members are not able to receive messages, information or updates from headquarters. We are encouraging all members to use their personal email addresses rather than local authority addresses for SSTA communication. In addition, please ask SSTA colleagues in your school/centre to make sure they are receiving email messages from SSTA and to update their details on the SSTA website if they are not receiving emails.
