Schools Receive £3.5 Million Boost

Scottish Schools are to receive extra financial support and in-service training to ease teachers' concerns over new qualifications.

Education Secretary Mike Russell has announced additional support of £3.5 million will be allocated before the new Curriculum For Excellence begins.

The move is part of a support package aimed at responding to the concerns of some teachers about the impact new National 4 and 5 qualifications will have on their workload.

Andrew Jones who is chairman of an Aberdeenshire School Parents Council said that there "are considerable concerns over the Curriculum For Excellence."

Mr Jones added: "Aberdeenshire council have assured parents that they will be carrying on with implementing the new curriculum on schedule.

"If the new budget provides support for teachers, of course it will be welcomed."

The Education Secretary Mike Russell said: "We have been listening to the concerns of teachers over the past
few weeks and I thank the EIS for their positive contribution to our discussions. This package of measures aims to help ease the workload of teachers as they prepare new courses for the school year ahead."

He added: "We want to improve the life chances of all our children and young people and it is vitally important that we remain on track with Curriculum for Excellence for the 54,000 pupils currently in S2 and deliver new qualifications on time. I want to reassure pupils and parents that we continue on course."