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.

Working as a supply teacher and receiving the disgraceful remuneration agreed by another union in the sell out agreement (SOA), you will be very aware of the system now used to pay supply staff in differing authorities. We are now able to begin the process of collecting evidence of unfair treatment to enable us to legally challenge this disgrace. Many of you will have worked for at least a few days on supply contracts. Please email us with information about…

This afternoon, Michael Russell, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, made an announcement outlining the Scottish Government's key objectives for ICT in education and his plans for the next generation of Glow. This included stopping the current Glow Futures procurement and utilising readily available tools, through a single sign-on, to make the next generation of Glow more relevant and dynamic. The key ICT in education objectives are: Changing the culture of use of ICT in education; Improving confidence…

Dear Colleague Hopefully you start the new session in a stress-free and positive mood after a relaxing holiday. I apologise if anything in this update reduces the positive effect of the holidays, and assure you that is not my intention. Regrettably teachers are returning to a changed working environment with the imposed changes to conditions of service now a reality. It's interesting that, despite holiday s and other commitments, time was found to produce the wording for these new conditions…

These courses are offered exclusively by the SSTA every year. The Courses are designed for members who are approaching retirement. This course covers; investment, state benefits, superannuation, the need for planning, taxation in retirement. The courses are normally held between April and June in various locations across Scotland. Details of the events will be posted on-line and in the Bulletin when details are finalised.

The SQA are seeking feedback on the exam diet.   They particularly welcome your views on the questions and on any issues you believe will have affected pupil performance. They are also delighted to receive suggestions for improvements to future exam papers.     If you have any comments to make (positive, negative or a combination of both) please send them by email to info@ssta.org.uk adding SQA feedback to the subject line.   We will collate these and forward them…

The Association has been asked to invite appropriate members to take part in a Glasgow University Research Project dealing with the career trajectories of post induction teachers. This research should provide an accurate picture of what paths teachers actually take on completion of their probationary period and will be a valuable marker for all those involved in teacher planning. Additionally the project may focus on transition from university to employment; induction experiences; support during first year of teaching; support following…

Scottish Pensioners Forum Manifesto Launch PENSIONERS FOR PUBLIC SERVICES “THERE IS A BETTER WAY” 4 April 2011 at 10.30am Tea/coffee from 10am STUC, 333 Woodlands Road Glasgow G3 6NG HUSTINGS 2011 THE CONTINUING ECONOMIC CRISIS AND THE WELFARE STATE II THERE A ‘BETTER WAY' FORWARD ? Parties invites Communist Conservative Green Labour Liberal Democrat Scottish Nationalist Scottish Senior Citizens Unity Scottish Socialists 4 April 2010 at 6.00pm Tea/coffee from 5.30pm STUC, 333 Woodlands Road Glasgow G3 6NG