SNP’s review of curriculum ‘overdue’

26 Feb 2020

The Scottish Government has published the remit of the independent review into the Curriculum for Excellence – which the Scottish Conservatives have labelled ‘necessary but overdue’.

Earlier this year, John Swinney announced the Scottish Government’s review of the Scottish curriculum in what was seen as a massive u-turn following political pressure from the Scottish Conservatives at Holyrood, who forced the government’s hand on the matter.

The review of the curriculum was demanded by the Scottish Conservatives in response to the many warnings from teachers, parents and academic experts pointing to a decline in school subject choice, increased multi-level teaching and a worrying pattern of declining attainment.

The remit for the review will now be expanded after opposition parties demanded the scope also include a review of curriculum design, depth and breadth of learning in the senior phase including the qualification system following reports that exam pass rates fell last year by as much as 10% in some subjects.

Jamie Greene, Scottish Conservative shadow education secretary said:

“Despite the very best efforts of teachers and education staff, parents across Scotland know that Scottish education sadly is no longer the gold standard it once was.

“This review is long overdue – the Scottish Conservatives have been calling for a full, independent and transparent review of the Curriculum for Excellence for three years, it is clear to everyone that there are fundamental problems which simply must be addressed.  

“Whilst the scope and nature of the review is welcome, we are concerned that we will have to wait yet another year to get to the bottom of these problems which will provide little comfort to pupils who are already studying for exams. 

“Let’s not forget, the SNP did not want this review in the first place – the Scottish Conservatives forced John Swinney into a u-turn, yet he still claims that everything is fine across the education system.

“The simple fact is that after 13 years of SNP government, education is far from their number one priority.”