STUC St Andrew's Day Anti Racism March and Rally

Members will be aware of the cancellation of this due to the tragic accident in Glasgow on Friday night.  The President wishes nevertheless, to thank those members who indicated their intention to participate. Full details of the March can be found on the STUC website

Delay to new Higher exams

Delay to new Higher exams The SSTA welcomes the announcement of a delay to the roll out of the New Higher. Alan McKenzie, Acting General Secretary, stated “There is no doubt that our position on the requirement for delay is vindicated and it would be reassuring to know that when our members report difficulties in the implementation of curricular reform that they are taken seriously and not dismissed and ignored. There is now a window of opportunity to ensure that…

Use of Mobile Technology in Schools

Members should be aware of the recent guidelines from Scottish Government on Developing Policies to Promote Safe and Responsible Use of Mobile Technology in Schools. The guidance can be downloaded from the Scottish Government's website using the link below. Guidance on Developing Policies to Promote Safe and Responsible Use of Mobile Technology in Schools

CfE Working Group on Tackling Bureaucracy - Final Report

The Working Group set up to tackle concerns over unnecessary bureaucracy around the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence has released its Final Report and recommended a series of actions.  The SSTA welcomes the Report as a genuine attempt to address one of the problems of CfE. It contains a practical and common sense set of recommendations that will be welcomed by hard pressed teachers. The Scottish Governments statement on the report can be found on their website.  The Report can…

CfE Working Group Report on Tackling Bureaucracy

The SSTA welcomes the Report on Tackling Bureaucracy as a genuine attempt to address one of the problems of CfE. It contains a practical and common sense set of recommendations that will be welcomed by hard pressed teachers. Alan McKenzie, Acting General Secretary, said "We need more pragmatism of this kind conferring realistic advice to teachers who want nothing other than the best curriculum to exist in Scotland. Teachers are weary of being the constant victims of ill planned reform.…

New Improved Services to Members

The Association is pleased to inform members that increased cover for personal possessions and malicious damage to private motor vehicles has been arranged.  The cover provides insurance for damage to private vehicles, loss of personal possessions including bicycles and spectacles, loss of money and a large range of benefits for personal accidents. Further details of the scheme is provided in the member only section of the website

Survey on Pensions

The results of the recent survey of members who will be directly affected by the proposed pension changes are now available for members to view. Summary of Results of the Survey on Pensions - October 2013 (Adobe Acrobat required to view) The Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee will consider the results at their next meeting.

Equality Network Annual Reception

Marco Biagi MSP and James Forbes, SSTA President Monique Dréon-Goold, representing the Equalities Panel, accompanied the President James Forbes to the Equality Network Annual Reception in the Scottish Parliament during early November. After opening speeches from the Equality Network, guests heard Alex Neil MSP (SNP) make a very compelling speech in favour of a just and democratic Scotland which would leave no citizen excluded from full equality in law and society. There followed speeches in support from Marco Biagi MSP…

Survey on Pensions

The Association is inviting members who will be directly affected by the proposed pension changes to take part in a survey to establish what their views are.  Teachers born on or after 1 April 1962 will be affected by the proposed changes. Email invitations have been sent out to members.  If are affected by the proposed pension changes and have not received an invitation to the survey please email info@ssta.org.uk with your name, school, date of birth and email address…