Education In Scotland
The Scottish School System
In Scotland education is compulsory for all children once they reach their
fifth year. This means, in practice, that children commence their primary
school education between the ages of 4½ and 5½ years. The compulsory
component of their education continues until they reach 16 years of age.
After completing 7 years in the primary school, around the age of 11 or 12,
pupils transfer to secondary school.
Approximately 95% of Scottish children attend state schools. These schools, run by the
local authorities, are comprehensive (non-selective), co-educational and
are free at the point of delivery. There are currently 32 local authorities
in Scotland with this responsibility.
The Scottish Primary School Curriculum.
Although there is no national curriculum, as such, there are guidelines
issued by the Scottish Office, generally referred to as the ”5 — 14•
guidelines. These guidelines are pretty closely followed by most primary
schools through policies laid down by their local authority.
The curriculum is divided into five main areas, English Language -
Mathematics - Environmental Studies -Expressive Arts and Religious and Moral
Education. Within each area there are five clearly defined attainment levels
:
- Level A should be attainable in the course of Pr.1 - Pr.3 by almost all
pupils.
- Level B should be attainable by some pupils in Pr.3 or even earlier, but
certainly by most in Pr. 4.
- Level C should be attainable in the course of Pr. 4 - Pr. 6 by most pupils.
- Level D should be attainable by some pupils in Pr. 6 or even earlier, but
certainly by most in Pr. 7.
- Level E should beattainable bysome pupils
in Pr. 7Glasgoe - Sl, but certainly by most in S2.
Every class teacher must be able to deliver all aspects of the curriculum,
but in practice some authorities offer the support of visiting teachers in
art, drama, music and physical education - this support is now beginning to
dwindle as financial constraints begin to bite.
Classroom Organization
Primary school classes are all co-educational and mixed ability; there is
no selection or streaming by ability in Scottish primary schools. Most
classrooms are organised on a group basis; the groups being based on ability
or social factors. Ability groups are usually based on one particular
curricular area, often language, but in many classes the group situation is
quite fluid. This approach, however, demands that the teacher possess a
wide variety of skills and techniques to call on when delivering the
curriculum. The most usual procedures are a mix of strategies which involve
whole-class, group and individual pupils. The use of the group method is a
particular characteristic of Scottish schools as it supports the philosophy
of offering the pupils the opportunity of developing their co-operative
skills while providing the opportunity for the individual pupil to reach
his/her full potential.
A more full explanation of the Scottish Education System containing relevant
statistics is available through this site for Education and Training in Scotland.
Some other good sites for education:
Glasgow University - a great starting point for all kinds of info.
St. Andrew's College
- Scotlands only Catholic teacher training college.
SCRE - this official research site is packed with up-to-date material.
Scotttish Schools Ethos Network - all about developing ethos, complete with case studies.
LTScotland - is devoted to the development of educational technology in
Scotland
Web66 - for international links to schools all over the world.
