National Qualifications and ‘Multi-Course’ Teaching

The SSTA conducted a survey of members in June following the end of the National Qualification cycle on the extent of ‘Multi-Course’ teaching in S4 classes. The SSTA received 1,247 responses that showed a wide disparity of practice in each local authority across Scotland. The SSTA has continuously campaigned for the unfairness, to both pupils and teachers, of multi-course teaching to be addressed. The response to the survey brings strong evidence for action to be taken to give all pupils…

Members Bulletin - 20 September 2019

National Qualifications - Multi-Course Teaching  The SSTA conducted a members survey at the end of the last session on the extent of ‘Multi-Course’ teaching in S4 classes. The SSTA received 1,247 responses that showed a wide disparity of practice across Scotland. The survey results will be published next week and will complement the Education and Skills Committee Report seeking a review of the Senior Phase.The SSTA has continuously campaigned on the unfairness, to both pupils and teachers, of multi-course teaching and your…

General Secretary Report September 2019

Teachers Pay Deal 2018-2020 2018 - 3% (except £80,000+), 2019 - 4% and April 2020 - 3%.4% restructuring including Main Grade Salary Scale reduced from 6 points to 5 with higher starting point (April 2019)Job Sizing Review (to include ASN, Guidance and PEF appointments)2 Additional in-service days - aimed at reducing unnecessary workload and addressing challenges in supporting pupils with additional support needs. https://www.snct.org.uk/library/2623/SNCT19-70.pdf SNCT Career Pathways Committee - established by the SNCT – Report May 2019      Summary of…

SSTA General Secretary Election

Under trade union legislation an election for General Secretary has to be held every 5 years. The present term of office for the SSTA General Secretary will conclude on 1 February 2020 and the SSTA Council have agreed a timetable for the election process. Nomination of a candidate in the election for General Secretary may be made by (a) Council and/or (b) any District or Area of the Association. Council may nominate any person; any other nominee must have been…
Members' Briefing

SSTA Members Briefings 2019

Seamus Searson the General Secretary would like to meet with SSTA members to discuss the issues that face secondary teachers. This includes the potential new career structure and pay scales for teachers, the impact of the Government’s Empowerment Agenda (Headteachers’ Charter, RICs, etc.) and reducing teacher workload. Public Sector Pensions – Legal Challenge – Age Discrimination. The outcome of the legal challenge (McCloud & Sargent) regarding Public Service Pension Schemes and the transitional arrangements that were introduced in 2015 to…
Papers and classroom

Workload Guidance No 2

The SSTA is committed to supporting members to manage and reduce workload and will be giving members regular advice and guidance on managing and tackling workload. Please find attached the second guidance document that is intended to give guidance to all members, members in management positions, guidance and pupil support. This will be followed by further guidance to members and school representatives.    The first guidance document was issued in June.  It is intended to raise awareness of the teachers’ contract and advice on a…

SSTA Rejects Dundee Management Structures in Secondary Schools

The SSTA conducted a Consultative Ballot of its members in Dundee in response to the Councils proposed Faculty Management Structure in Secondary Schools. More than 60% of SSTA members responded in less than a week. 95% of those members responding do not support the change to a faculty structure for middle management of Secondary schools.89% of members do not have a clear understanding of how ‘Dundee’s vision to raise attainment’ will be met through faculties.95% of members do not believe…

Motions Passed at Congress 2019

The 75th Annual Congress was held on 17th and 18th May 2019 at Crieff Hydro Hotel. You can find the text of the motions passed at Congress below. MOTION A Congress believes that Restorative Practice is increasing teacher workload and is often ineffective in improving pupil behaviour. Congress calls upon the Scottish Government to review the implementation of Restorative Practice at Local Authority level and in schools.  MOTION B Congress notes that the 2018 SSTA survey showed that 70% of…
SS speech

Report of the General Secretary - 75th Annual Congress

Friday 17th May 2019 We are in the 75th year of the SSTA and the issues of 1944 are the same issues in 2019. Examples of these have been taken from our 50th anniversary and are contained within the Congress Agenda you have today. We will include stories of the last 25 years in next year’s addition. Concerns over pay, workload and pupil behaviour appear throughout our history and will probably do so for a good number of years to…