News Release

Russell takes new curriculum on the road

29th July 2010

Series of public events to give parents a say on Curriculum for Excellence

Parents in Aberdeenshire will get a chance to put their questions about the new Curriculum for Excellence directly to Education Secretary Michael Russell next month.

A series of public events is being held to give parents, teachers and others who care about the future of Scottish education the chance to air their views and have their voice heard at the highest level of government.

Curriculum for Excellence, due to be rolled out across all schools from August, is expected to be a recurring theme.

The roadshows build on the recent launch of engageforeducation.org which has created an ongoing dialogue on education between the public and the Scottish Government.

The first events will take place in Inverurie, Alloa and Benbecula, with more to follow over the coming year.

The Aberdeenshire event will take place at Inverurie Academy on Tuesday, August 10 from 7pm. 

Mr Russell said: “I firmly believe Scotland has a great system of education, with many, many good schools, teachers and pupils.

“Curriculum for Excellence is all about building on the strengths of the current system and making sure all pupils have the skills they need for the jobs of the future.

“I know that some parents still have questions about the new curriculum. I recently wrote to the parent of every Primary 7 child and now I’m taking to the road to give them a chance to have their say and have their questions answered.

“These events build on the innovative Engage for Education website (www.engageforeducation.org) I recently launched, which also gives people a chance to have their views on education heard.

“Thousands of people have already visited this ground-breaking site and many are taking part in conversations about a range of diverse topics.

“There is always room for improvement and I believe listening to the views of teachers, parents and others who care about education is an important part of finding out what more can be done. I hope the people of Scotland will grab this opportunity to engage in a genuine dialogue with the Scottish Government.”

Gerry McTiernan, on behalf of the National Parent Forum of Scotland, said: “We are looking forward to continue working in partnership with the Cabinet Secretary and the Scottish Government and we welcome the lines of communication that have already been opened for parents on engagement with Curriculum for Excellence.”

Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education, Learning and Leisure Committee, Richard Stroud, said: “This is a good chance for parents with an interest in national developments in education to put their questions directly to the Education Secretary.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to take this opportunity to get answers to some of the questions they may have.”

Vice chair Isobel Davidson added: “This is one of the first of a series of public events nationally and it is a good opportunity for anyone with an interest in the future of our children’s education to have their voice heard by national government in the local area.

“Parents, teachers and others who care about education should all be aware this is taking place, and that they are invited to participate.”

More information for members of the public can be found at www.engageforeducation.org, by emailing the Scottish Government at Smartercommunications@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, or by calling 0131 556 8400. 

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