SSTA News

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…

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.…

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…

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…

TALKING MAY HELP RESOLVE PUPIL INDISCIPLINE “Talking may actually help reduce the problems of classroom indiscipline,” was the rather unusual statement from the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association today. “The indications which we are receiving from members in schools are that talking helps – when talking is amongst the teachers. Many schools have been working on…

MCCRONE – THE FINAL TEST Some five years ago after it was approved, the McCrone Agreement on pay and conditions for teachers faces its final test as 2006 approaches. The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association today warned its members that a crucial final stage of the implementation needs to be dealt with in coming weeks. “For…

UNION WARNS OF PENSIONS FIGHT In his New Year message to SSTA members, General Secretary, David Eaglesham, warned of the threat to pensions which will be faced in 2004. “Members will already be aware of the Government’s proposals to increase the pension age for teachers from 60 to 65 from 2006 for new entrants and…

CURB ON UNRULY PARENTS The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association today outlined a proposal to deal with unacceptable behaviour by a small number of parents attending Parents’ Meetings in secondary schools in Scotland. The Association has noticed a significant rise in reports of incidents at Parents’ Meetings in which individual parents have become abusive and occasionally…

CONCERN FOR PUPIL HEALTH The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association today announced a campaign to highlight its concerns about the lack of legislative protection for children and young people with regard to health and safety whilst they are in schools. As the law stands at present, workers benefit from extensive heath and safety provisions in law…

SSTA WARNS OF IMPACT OF FALLING TEACHER NUMBERS The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association today warned of the short term impact of the increasing age profile of the teaching profession. “It is well documented that the age profile of teachers is hugely skewed to the top end and that the “bulge” is moving close to the…