SSTA News
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National Qualifications
The Assessment and National Qualification working group report has been circulated to members of the CfE Management Board for approval. However, the SSTA sought clarification from SQA of the measures proposed within the report to reduce teacher workload. A report of the clarifications can be downloading using the link below. Please note – The SSTA…
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Indicative Ballot of Members
The SSTA National Council has sanctioned an Indicative Ballot of members on the Government’s Assessment and National Qualification working group report due at the end of March. The Indicative Ballot of members will be sent out by e-mail with a unique voting code. To ensure that all members who are eligible to a vote receive…
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National Qualifications and Reducing Teacher Workload
Printable Version SSTA members have consistently highlighted the need for a reduction in teacher workload in the senior phase of secondary education. A survey of members in December 2015 clearly found that the SQA requirements and processes had added considerably, and in many cases unnecessarily, to teacher’s workload. The SSTA Council resolved to conduct an…
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SSTA Guidance – Trade Union Facilities
ACAS CODE OF PRACTICE The ACAS Code of Practice ‘Time Off for Trade Union Duties and Activities’ came into effect on 1 January 2010. This revised code was issued under Section 199 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. ACAS has a duty to provide practical guidance on the role, the responsibilities…
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35 Hour Week – The Teacher Contract
Printable Version The working hours and duties of teachers are negotiated nationally and form part of the agreed conditions of service for teachers (SNCT-Part 2 Appendix 2.7) The individual and collective work of teachers should be capable of being undertaken within the 35 hour working week. Working Year and Working Week (SNCT-Part 2 Section 3)…
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PRESS RELEASE – EDINBURGH SCHOOLS
The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association, Scotland’s only specialist union for secondary teachers, expressed its concern today regarding the temporary closure of 5 Edinburgh Private Public Partnership (PPP) secondary schools. General Secretary Seamus Searson said, “For young people due to start sitting national exams in a matter of days, the timing could hardly be worse. Edinburgh…
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Press Release – SSTA to Ballot Members on Bureaucratic Qualifications
The SSTA National Council has sanctioned an Indicative Ballot of members on the Government’s Assessment and National Qualification working group report due at the end of March. 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…
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Press Release – Named Person
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…
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Members’ Bulletin
Printable Version National Qualifications and Reducing Teacher Workload SSTA members have consistently highlighted the need for a reduction in teacher workload in the senior phase of secondary education. The SSTA conducted a survey of members in December 2015 to identify the sources of workload in the delivery of the ‘new’ qualification regime. The survey clearly…
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SSTA concern over Exam Burden and Impact on Pupil Well-Being
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…