CENSUS OF NEW TEACHERS REQUIRED The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association today called on the Scottish Executive to undertake a rolling census of new entrants to initial teacher education and to teaching service. “We need to have a more comprehensive picture of what is happening to the supply of teachers in Scotland,” said David Eaglesham, General Secretary of the SSTA. “At present, we do not adequately track the destinations of all those who enter training for teaching service. We need to…

WARNING ON TEACHER SHORTAGE The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association today issued a warning to all local authorities about the effects of the treatment of cover teachers on long-term shortages. “We continue to be notified of attempts by some local authorities to implement ‘Burger King' style contracts for cover teachers, leading to huge differences in pay for teachers doing almost identical hours,” said David Eaglesham, SSTA General Secretary. “Our view is, and always has been, that cover teachers should be employed…

SSTA WELCOMES PENSION REFORMS The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA) today welcomed the proposals on revised pensions for teachers which have been issued by the SPPA (Scottish Public Pensions Agency). “These proposals represent a very positive conclusion to a lengthy period of negotiation about what has been one of the most controversial issues in recent years” said David Eaglesham, General Secretary of SSTA. “Against a background where defined benefits pension schemes are under considerable threat, both for new and existing…

PETER PEACOCK, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND YOUNG PEOPLE It is with regret that the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association learned today of the resignation through ill-health of Peter Peacock, Minister for Education and Young People. “While we fully understand the choice he has made”, said David Eaglesham, the Association's General Secretary, “and wish him future health and happiness, his departure is a significant loss for the education community in Scotland.” “In his time as Minister”, Mr Eaglesham continued, “he has undoubtedly…

SSTA CALLS FOR END TO EXAM CHEATING The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association today called on the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Qualifications Authority to act promptly to reduce and possibly eliminate cheating which may exist in our examination system. “Over the years it has become increasingly evident that a small minority of pupils can have access to internet resources which, if used inappropriately, will give rise to an unfair advantage in the examination” said David Eaglesham, General Secretary. “A wide…

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DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY The SSTA today commented on the results achieved by Dumfries and Galloway pupils in the Higher examination diet in 2006. The results were published by the Scottish Executive Education Department earlier this month. Speaking in Edinburgh SSTA General Secretary, David Eaglesham said:“While the SSTA believes that the publication of examination results for individual schools and the arrangements of these “league tables” has no sound educational function nor any value as statistics, the performance of whole authorities can…

The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association today welcomed the analysis of “Better Behaviour – Better Learning” (BB-BL) issued by HMIE. “It is very helpful to have this analysis of the position we face with regard to issues surrounding indiscipline” said David Eaglesham, General Secretary. “The conclusion, however, indicates the extent to which the problems remain unaddressed. The BB-BL initiative has not impacted on a significant number of teachers with the result that it is largely irrelevant to them. In our view,…

STRIKE THREAT LIFTED FROM SCHOOLS The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association today announced that it was suspending its ballot on Strike Action pending further talks with the Government. “Although it is clear that SSTA members were extremely angry about the proposals to change pensions, we are a union which is always prepared to seek to reach a resolution through negotiations rather than coercive action,” said David Eaglesham, General Secretary. “The Pensions Minister has asked us to talk about how to take…

SSTA CALLS FOR TOTAL BAN OF DRINKS MACHINES IN SCHOOLS The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association today called on all schools to take immediate steps to remove all “fizzy drink” machines from schools as part of the current healthy lifestyles initiative and in order to help improve behaviour in schools. “It is now well established that healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle are key components of a better education system,” said David Eaglesham, SSTA General Secretary. “Whilst much of the focus…