The SSTA today called for Scottish Government to provide specific funding to encourage schools to have a co-ordinated programme of school visits to places of Scottish cultural and historical interest. Alan McKenzie Acting General Secretary, said today “Many schools do this on a regular basis but rely on parents agreeing to meet the whole cost.  Clearly in the present economic climate, parents will struggle to meet that cost.  There is a funding source to allow selected pupils from each Scottish…

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

The SSTA would wish to bring to the attention of members Stonewall Scotland's Campaign about the use of homophobic language in schools.  The SSTA supports this campaign.  

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

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.

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…

The SSTA has a small group attending the above event on the 12th October led by the President. Details are as follows. 12.30pm: Assemble at eastern entrance to East Princes Street Gardens on Waverley Bridge to march to the International Brigade memorial for its rededication.

From the time when I studied teaching in Glasgow, I recall one particular lecture about multiculturalism and diversity. The students were asked to read silently a story written in what appeared to us to be standard English.