The SSTA fully supports the principles of ‘Getting it Right for Every Child’ and the role of the ‘Named Person’. Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary said “We know that mothers, fathers and carers are with a few exceptions, the best people to raise their children. This proposed legislation supports families, providing improved access to services while maintaining parental rights and responsibilities”. “A Named Person helps children and families get the right support at the right time from the right people.…

Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary said “the SSTA is acutely aware of the workload pressures associated with the National Qualifications but is extremely concerned as to the potential damage on our young people as the pressure intensifies at this time of year”. “Self-harm is a deliberate injury to oneself, typically as a manifestation of mental health and welfare issues. Often, the first thing that springs to mind is a forearm or a wrist covered in lacerations. Obviously, it can take…

Low Teacher Confidence with New Qualifications The SSTA has completed a survey of its members as to the level of confidence in implementing the new Higher Qualifications. The response from members has indicated a low level of confidence in teachers’ ability to deliver and assess their pupils in the New Qualifications. Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary said, “The situation that teachers face in schools today in trying to do the best for their young people is extremely worrying. Teachers are…

The SSTA is to conduct an Indicative Survey of its members on the bureaucratic burden associated with the implementation of the New Qualifications. This is in response to SSTA members across Scotland asking for some action to be taken to address the workload that is demoralising teachers in the current qualification cycle. Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary said “the situation that many teachers face in schools today in trying to do the best for their young people is intolerable. SSTA…

The SSTA welcomes the refusal of the challenge to legislation to a named person for every child in Scotland. The SSTA agrees with the statement made by Lord Carloway “Essentially all that the legislation does, and is intended to do, is to provide for every child and his or her family a suitably qualified professional who can, if necessary, act as a single point of contact between the child and any public service from which the child could benefit.” Seamus…

Euan DuncanPresident Press Release - President Elected 27 May 15 Scotland’s only specialist union for Secondary Teachers, the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association, has recently selected North Ayrshire teacher Euan Duncan as its new President. Euan was elected unopposed following a call for nominations from the Association’s districts throughout Scotland. Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary said "I would like to congratulate Euan on his successful election as President and wish him every success in a period where education in Scotland is…

The SSTA General Secretary Seamus Searson and incoming Vice President Euan Duncan met with the Cabinet Secretary, Angela Constance, to discuss the compelling evidence in the SSTA survey to seek an extension for the new Advanced Highers to be run in tandem with the existing qualifications for an extra year. Seamus Searson said “the survey confirms the view of many secondary school teachers that more time is needed to bring about these important changes. However, the Minister maintained her position…