PETER PEACOCK, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND YOUNG PEOPLE It is with regret that the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association learned today of the resignation through ill-health of Peter Peacock, Minister for Education and Young People. “While we fully understand the choice he has made”, said David Eaglesham, the Association's General Secretary, “and wish him future health and happiness, his departure is a significant loss for the education community in Scotland.” “In his time as Minister”, Mr Eaglesham continued, “he has undoubtedly…

SSTA CALLS FOR END TO EXAM CHEATING The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association today called on the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Qualifications Authority to act promptly to reduce and possibly eliminate cheating which may exist in our examination system. “Over the years it has become increasingly evident that a small minority of pupils can have access to internet resources which, if used inappropriately, will give rise to an unfair advantage in the examination” said David Eaglesham, General Secretary. “A wide…

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DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY The SSTA today commented on the results achieved by Dumfries and Galloway pupils in the Higher examination diet in 2006. The results were published by the Scottish Executive Education Department earlier this month. Speaking in Edinburgh SSTA General Secretary, David Eaglesham said:“While the SSTA believes that the publication of examination results for individual schools and the arrangements of these “league tables” has no sound educational function nor any value as statistics, the performance of whole authorities can…

The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association today welcomed the analysis of “Better Behaviour – Better Learning” (BB-BL) issued by HMIE. “It is very helpful to have this analysis of the position we face with regard to issues surrounding indiscipline” said David Eaglesham, General Secretary. “The conclusion, however, indicates the extent to which the problems remain unaddressed. The BB-BL initiative has not impacted on a significant number of teachers with the result that it is largely irrelevant to them. In our view,…

STRIKE THREAT LIFTED FROM SCHOOLS The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association today announced that it was suspending its ballot on Strike Action pending further talks with the Government. “Although it is clear that SSTA members were extremely angry about the proposals to change pensions, we are a union which is always prepared to seek to reach a resolution through negotiations rather than coercive action,” said David Eaglesham, General Secretary. “The Pensions Minister has asked us to talk about how to take…

SSTA CALLS FOR TOTAL BAN OF DRINKS MACHINES IN SCHOOLS The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association today called on all schools to take immediate steps to remove all “fizzy drink” machines from schools as part of the current healthy lifestyles initiative and in order to help improve behaviour in schools. “It is now well established that healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle are key components of a better education system,” said David Eaglesham, SSTA General Secretary. “Whilst much of the focus…

TALKING MAY HELP RESOLVE PUPIL INDISCIPLINE “Talking may actually help reduce the problems of classroom indiscipline,” was the rather unusual statement from the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association today. “The indications which we are receiving from members in schools are that talking helps – when talking is amongst the teachers. Many schools have been working on a strategy of dealing with matters relating to pupil discipline through a committee involving senior managers and classroom teachers,” said David Eaglesham, SSTA General Secretary.…

MCCRONE - THE FINAL TEST Some five years ago after it was approved, the McCrone Agreement on pay and conditions for teachers faces its final test as 2006 approaches. The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association today warned its members that a crucial final stage of the implementation needs to be dealt with in coming weeks. "For many teachers, the McCrone Agreement may seem as if it is from a previous era, and in terms of pay that is largely true. We…

UNION WARNS OF PENSIONS FIGHT In his New Year message to SSTA members, General Secretary, David Eaglesham, warned of the threat to pensions which will be faced in 2004. “Members will already be aware of the Government's proposals to increase the pension age for teachers from 60 to 65 from 2006 for new entrants and from 2013 for existing teachers.This will have a major impact on many serving teachers, especially those aged 49 and under at present. It will also…