Date: 10 Mar 2010

Principal school teachers 'key' to Curriculum for Excellence implementation

Curriculum for Excellence is the "right way forward", Scotland's minister for skills and lifelong learning has said.

Principal school teachers will have an important role to play in the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence in Scottish secondary schools, it has been claimed.

According to Keith Brown, minister for skills and lifelong learning, principal teachers are at the "sharp end" of delivery for the new curriculum, which is due to be rolled out in secondary schools north of the border in August of this year.

By supporting and encouraging colleagues through the continuing personal development programme or offering the benefit of their experience, principal teachers can "make a real difference", he said.

Mr Brown went on to insist that Curriculum for Excellence is the "right way forward" following calls from secondary school teachers for the roll-out to be delayed.

"By continuing to work towards its goals, teachers can help make sure every pupil receives the education they need to give them the skills for learning, life and work," he commented.

Last month, the Daily Telegraph reported that the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association believes the Curriculum for Excellence should be postponed until August 2011.

Posted by Caroline Eades