The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association, Scotland's only specialist union for secondary teachers, expressed its concern today regarding the temporary closure of 5 Edinburgh Private Public Partnership (PPP) secondary schools. General Secretary Seamus Searson said, "For young people due to start sitting national exams in a matter of days, the timing could hardly be worse. Edinburgh City Council and the building contractors have known about these structural problems since walls started collapsing in January, yet it is only now that proper…
Press Release - SSTA to Ballot Members on Bureaucratic Qualifications
The SSTA National Council has sanctioned an Indicative Ballot of members on the Government’s Assessment and National Qualification working group report due at the end of March. Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary said “the situation that many teachers face in schools today in trying to do the best for their young people is intolerable. SSTA has welcomed the acknowledgement that there are problems and possible measures for the future are being prepared but workload needs to be reduced now”. “The…
Press Release - Named Person
The SSTA fully supports the principles of ‘Getting it Right for Every Child’ and the role of the ‘Named Person’. Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary said “We know that mothers, fathers and carers are with a few exceptions, the best people to raise their children. This proposed legislation supports families, providing improved access to services while maintaining parental rights and responsibilities”. “A Named Person helps children and families get the right support at the right time from the right people.…
Members' Bulletin
Printable Version National Qualifications and Reducing Teacher Workload SSTA members have consistently highlighted the need for a reduction in teacher workload in the senior phase of secondary education. The SSTA conducted a survey of members in December 2015 to identify the sources of workload in the delivery of the ‘new’ qualification regime. The survey clearly found that the SQA requirements and processes had added considerably, and in many cases unnecessarily, to teacher’s workload. The SSTA Council in December resolved to…
SSTA concern over Exam Burden and Impact on Pupil Well-Being
Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary said “the SSTA is acutely aware of the workload pressures associated with the National Qualifications but is extremely concerned as to the potential damage on our young people as the pressure intensifies at this time of year”. “Self-harm is a deliberate injury to oneself, typically as a manifestation of mental health and welfare issues. Often, the first thing that springs to mind is a forearm or a wrist covered in lacerations. Obviously, it can take…
Letter to the Cabinet Minister
Letter to the Cabinet Minister Letter sent to the Cabinet Minister from the SSTA General Secretary, Seamus Searson
Behaviour in Schools Research
Please find information below regarding the Government ‘Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research 2016’ survey. It is crucial that we ensure the survey achieves a good response rate again and your efforts to promote the survey will be central to this. The timings are tight, as the main survey fieldwork is due to begin on the 8th February. The SSTA has been asked to disseminate this amongst its members. The SSTA is anxious that members cooperate as it could be useful…
Show Racism the Red Card - Creative Competition
Competition flyer Show Racism the Red Card are now promoting their annual creative competition in Scotland which is open to all schools and colleges across the country. Attached is a promotional flyer and all the details can be found on their website: http://www.theredcard.org/educational/competitions/scotland
Low Teacher Confidence with New Qualifications
Low Teacher Confidence with New Qualifications The SSTA has completed a survey of its members as to the level of confidence in implementing the new Higher Qualifications. The response from members has indicated a low level of confidence in teachers’ ability to deliver and assess their pupils in the New Qualifications. Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary said, “The situation that teachers face in schools today in trying to do the best for their young people is extremely worrying. Teachers are…
Teacher Workload ‘Out of Control’
Teacher Workload ‘Out of Control’ The SSTA has completed a survey of its members to help identify the extra workload placed upon teachers associated with the implementation of the New Qualifications. This is in response to SSTA members across Scotland asking for some action to be taken to address the workload that is demoralising teachers in the current qualification cycle. Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary said “the situation that teachers face in schools today in trying to do the best…
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