Concerns over Curriculum for Excellence

4.52.52pm GMT Thu 25th Feb 2010

Margaret SmithThe Liberal Democrats have re-iterated their support for the Curriculum for Excellence but raised serious concerns about its implementation.

Speaking after a Liberal Democrat debate in the Scottish Parliament, Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Margaret Smith said:

“This Curriculum will provide a more holistic education for pupils and give teachers more responsibility and control in the classroom.

“But teachers and parents are rightly concerned that the Curriculum is supposed to be rolled out in August and the support and resources needed are not yet in place.

“For parents, there are still too many unanswered questions about the implementation of the new qualifications.

“This Curriculum is being implemented against a background of budget cuts and falling teacher numbers. We know that many in the education sector are concerned that the Curriculum and new qualifications may be implemented on time, but under-resourced and flawed.

“Liberal Democrats want to see a final decision about the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence made by Easter but we want preparation to be ongoing.

“It is better to get the Curriculum right than to roll out something that isn’t ready.”