We are delighted to announce the appointment of Alan McKenzie to the post of Depute General Secretary of the Association from 31 March 2012.

The Association is to carry out a survey of members to obtain their views on possible industrial action.

The survey will be carried out online via a survey website. Invitations to take part in the survey will be sent out by email on Friday 17 February. Members who do not receive an email by Monday 20 February should contact the office at info@ssta.org.uk to provide an up to date email address.

Last chance to submit nominations for Scottish Education Awards

People in Scotland are being urged to enter their local schools, nurseries or individuals into the Scottish Education Awards 2012 so that their exceptional achievements can be recognised. The deadline for submissions is Friday 2 March 2012.

Please see below the text of a letter from Karen McCallum, Director of Operation of the SQA regarding the introduction of new services to replace the existing Appeals Service for National Qualifications.

The Association pre-retirement courses will be held as usual in 2012. The first course is in Glasgow on 19 May 2012 and the second in Stirling on 9 June 2012.

The Senior Managers Advisory Panel is holding a Senior Mangers Seminar in March 2012. The Seminar is an all day event, which will take place on Friday 16 March at the Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld, and is free to SSTA members.

The theme of the seminar will be the Management of Change to Conditions of Service.

Should members wish to attend the seminar they can register for a place by completing a form online here no later than Friday 2 March 2012. Alternatively you can contact the office for an application form.

The Scottish Baccalaureates in Science and Languages have been available for delivery since August 2009 and, based on their success, SQA, directed by the Scottish Government, intends to offer all pupils studying at Advanced Higher level the opportunity to choose a Baccalaureate in a suitable subject area. It is, therefore, the intention to expand Baccalaureate provision by broadening the existing two awards and by developing two new awards in Social Sciences and Expressive Arts, all to be available for delivery from August 2012.

SQA New Qualifications - November Update - 28 November 2011

Course Assessment Specifications

More detail about how each new National 5 Course will be assessed is now available.

Given the expected size of the Marches in Edinburgh and Glasgow it is suggested that members assemble as a group rather than attempt to meet under the SSTA banner at the official assembly areas.

Have Your Say – Latest Documents

The latest draft documents for the new qualifications have now been published. Course Specifications for Access 2 and Access 3 are now available on the website and feedback can be given by 31 December 2011 on our Have Your Say page. A summary of all the feedback we've received to date is available here. The subject drop-down menu can be used to view the latest information for each subject.