The Consultation The most important consultation exercise the profession has been involved in within the last twenty years is to be undertaken this year. It does not relate to the curriculum, to conditions or to faculty arrangements: it relates to the structure and operation of the GTC (or GTCS as it has become). There must be no mistaking the intent: what is proposed is a radical change, intended to reduce the influence of teachers on the GTC. The Government did…

The Association has written to the Cabinet Secretary condemning the mechanism used to consult on the new examinations intended to replace Standard Grades and the Intermediate National Qualifications. The consultation took place earlier this session. Many members responded on an individual basis. Additionally, a formal SSTA view was submitted. Regardless of the merits (or otherwise) of certain of the proposals, the Association commented unfavourably on the questions posed in the consultation, noting that many were loaded towards the provision of…

In addition to the comments made on the consultation proforma, the SSTA would wish to add the following. It is disappointing to note the loaded nature of certain questions. Questions 1, 2, 8, 9 and 10 involve the adoption of certain assumptions in order to provide an answer. Question 4 and 7 are so loaded that they cannot be answered. The inclusion of such questions has raised doubts as to the validity of the entire consultation exercise. The SSTA notes…

Q1. Do you welcome the intention to update all qualifications at Access, Higher and Advanced Higher in line with Curriculum for Excellence? Please comment on any implications to be considered. The Question is clearly loaded and requires an assumption to be made as regards "updating". The requirement for articulation is obvious and accepted. The retention of Higher as a "Gold Standard" is welcomed. Progression and coherence between courses are essential. There are substantial resource implications for any new National Qualification…

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