SS speech

Seamus Searson Re-elected as General Secretary

The SSTA are pleased to announce the re-election of Seamus Searson as General Secretary of the SSTA, Scotland only specialist Union for Secondary Teachers. Mr Searson was re-elected unopposed for a second 5 year term of office, following nominations received from SSTA branches and with the endorsement of SSTA Council. ELECTION FOR POSITION OF GENERAL SECRETARY 2019 At the close of nominations at noon on 2nd October the following candidate was the only valid nominee for the position and accordingly…

Subjects 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 particular subjects in S4 classes. The SSTA received 1,247 responses that showed a subject hierarchy in Scottish Secondary Schools that highlighted an unfairness to both teachers and pupils. Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary said “this survey has highlighted the subject hierarchy within National Qualifications that exists in schools and the challenges teachers face in trying to…

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…