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 meet the needs
of pupils of all abilities across a range of subjects”.
“Subjects such as French (50%), Maths (44%), Chemistry
and English (34%) were found to have most classes that contained pupils at a
single qualification level. Whilst subjects such as Art & Design (6%),
Design and Technology, and Administration IT (4%), were found to have the lowest
number of classes with single course pupils.
“The subjects that had the majority of classes containing
two or three courses were Business Management and Modern Studies (87%),
Graphics and Geography (83%), with Administration IT and History at (82%).
These subjects have the greatest demands upon teachers in trying to meet the
needs of a full range of pupils. This is not taken into account, by the school,
when exam results are announced”.
“This hierarchy is reinforced, despite the concerns
raised by subject teachers as to the complexities of multi-course teaching, by
schools attempting to manage the timetable. Pupils ‘subject choice’ often
becomes secondary for most as the timetable and filling classes is the priority”.
“Subject teachers are often pressurised into the practice
of multi-course teaching by schools that threaten the continuation of a subject
should the classes not be full. This leads to an undervaluing of the subject
and places impossible demands on the teacher in terms of workload and possible
long-term employment at the school”.
“There appears to be a complete lack of understanding on those who put teachers in this position and for the sake of pupils and teachers this needs to change. Teachers are under-pressure to raise standards and improve the schools’ place on the league table rankings without the time and classes all following the same course”.
“It is concerning that in a time when the focus is
meeting the needs for all pupils that only a minority of pupils are finding
themselves in a class with all their peers following the same course. Some
parents may determine it is better to restrict their child’s subject choice by
ensuring they only choose subjects with the least number of courses in a class.
“The broad balanced curriculum for all pupils is under
threat due to the demands of national qualifications, school league tables,
class sizes and staffing difficulties”.
The main findings:
Single Qualification
Course in S4 Class
The
subjects that benefitted the most from single course teaching were French 50%,
Maths 44%, Chemistry and English 34% and Biology with 32%.
The subjects with the least amount of pupils following a single course were Art & Design 6%, Design and Technology 5% and Administration IT with only 4%.
The median average for all subjects was between 15-17%.
Two Qualification
Courses in S4 Class
The
subjects that had the majority of classes containing two courses were Business
Management 74%, Physics 66%, Graphics 56% and Modern Studies 50%.
The
subjects with the least Music 37%, Drama 36%, French 33% and Art & Design
with only 22%.
The
median average for two course subjects was 46%.
Three Qualification
Courses in S4 Class
The
subjects that had the majority of classes containing three courses were Art
& Design 56%, Drama 43%, Administration IT 39%, with both Modern Studies
and History on 37%.
The
subjects with the least amount of pupils following three courses were Chemistry
14%, Business Management 13%, Physics 10% and Maths 8%.
The median average for three course subjects was between 27-28%.
Four Qualification
Courses in S4 Class
The
subjects that had the majority of classes containing four courses were Design
and Technology 26%, Drama 14% and Art & Design 13%.
The
subjects with the least amount of pupils following four courses were English
and Chemistry 1%, and subjects without four course classes in French, Geography
and Maths.
The
median average for three course subjects was between 3-4%.
Two and Three
Qualification Courses in S4 Class
The
subjects that had the majority of classes containing two or three courses were
Business Management and Modern Studies 87%, Graphics and Geography 83%, with
Administration IT and History at 82%.
The
subjects with the least amount of pupils following three courses were Maths
55%, Chemistry 53% and French 50%.
The
median average for two and three course subjects was between 76%.
(Ends.)
Note to Editors
The SSTA represents nearly 7,000 members in secondary
schools in Scotland.
Attached
- Subjects in alphabetical order
- Subjects in numerical order
- Comments from members
Please note: the survey took place in June 2019 with 1,247
responses.
Further information from
Seamus Searson
General Secretary
0131 313 7300
Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association
West End House, 14 West End Place
Edinburgh, EH11 2ED
