The Scottish Educational Journal May 2014 Vol. 98 www.eis.org.uk Issue no. 03

EIS raises education Road to questions - the campaign Referendum groups answer pp7-9 ANNUAL FAMILY COVER ANNUAL FAMILY WORLDWIDE FOR JUST £94* TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR JUST £94*

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For an application or immediate cover call: 0845 230 1653 or visit www.philipwilliams.co.uk/eistravel Big Choices Ahead for Scotland In this edition of the SEJ, conditions of teachers, future pension arrangements, and how best to deliver Contents we look ahead to two an education system that meets the significant events that will needs of all learners across Scotland. 4. News have major implications The EIS Manifesto is being sent to all 6. Council News for Scottish education. Scottish MPs and MSPs, to Scottish 7. EIS Referendum Manifesto political parties, to both sides of the The first of these, chronologically, is the Referendum Campaign, and to local 8. Manifesto - Campaign Responses EIS Annual General Meeting which will be authorities and their representatives. held in June at Perth Concert Hall. The We are urging everyone involved in 10. Guide to EIS AGM EIS AGM is one of the most significant the debate to consider the questions events on the Scottish education 11. Well-Being Survey raised in the EIS Manifesto and to make calendar, and brings together teachers, clear their views on how education 12. What Time for Teaching? lecturers and associated professionals will flourish, post Referendum. from across the country to debate the key 14. A year with the President issues facing education and to help shape You can read more about the launch of 16. Book Festival EIS policy priorities for the year ahead. the EIS Manifesto on p7 of this SEJ and, This year, AGM debates will include issues on pp8-9, you can also hear from both 18. CPD Focus such as CfE, the new qualifications, sides of the Referendum Campaign – 19. Health and Safety workload, pay and conditions and Better Together and Yes Scotland – who pensions. You can find more information outline their initial responses to the 20. Scottish Learning Festival on this year’s AGM on p10 of this SEJ and issues raised in the Manifesto. If you on the EIS website – www.eis.org.uk would like to read the EIS Manifesto, 21. Countdown to Savings copies have been sent to EIS Reps in Unusually, this year, an even more 22. Education Summit all establishments and it can also be significant event for Scottish education viewed online at www.eis.org.uk 23. Rape Crisis Scotland is also on the horizon. On the 18th of September, EIS members and voters This is a huge year, not just for Scottish 24. EIS Contacts across the country will have their say education but for Scotland itself. The 25. Classifieds in the independence Referendum – a EIS is determined that education will vote that will determine not just the be a key issue for all during the run up 26. FELA Conference future path of Scotland’s education to the Referendum. While it is for each system, but also the future of both individual member to make up their 27. STUC Congress Scotland and the United Kingdom. own mind whether to vote Yes or No to 28. SEJ Forum / Sudoku independence, the EIS will continue to In last month’s SEJ, we highlighted that push for a better future for education, 31. Crossword the EIS was developing its own Education for pupils and students, teachers and Manifesto for the Referendum. This has lecturers in post Referendum Scotland. now been finalised and was launched in early May. The EIS Manifesto sets out our priorities for Scottish education in the future, no matter what the result of September’s Referendum. As a politically neutral organisation, with no affiliation to any political party, the EIS has adopted neither a Yes nor a No position in the main Referendum debate. However, we are raising key questions about the future of Scottish education, including Cover the funding of education, the pay and Feature Page 8

All articles and letters in the SEJ represent the views THE EDITOR: of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the EIS view or EIS policy. To be considered The SEJ Editor, 46 Moray Place, for publication, all letters and unsolicited articles Edinburgh, EH3 6BH must be accompanied by a full name and address. t: 0131 225 6244 The Editor’s decision on publication is final, and the Editor reserves the right to edit all submissions. E: [email protected]

Cover image: www.mkjphotography.co.uk www.eis.org.uk 3 News... Court Reform Proposals value of cases to be raised in the Court of Session from £5,000 to £150,000. Where 2013/14 Pay Award The Court Reform (Scotland) Bill 2014 is claims are to be pursued in the specialist Have you retired or moved currently at Stage 1 of procedures, and Sheriff Court there will be no automatic includes proposals to restructure the way right to instruct Counsel. local authority since civil and summary criminal cases are Mr Flanagan said, “It is hard to see 1 April 2013? dealt with in Scotland. The EIS is eager to how the specialist Sheriffs will be able to see key amendments made to the draft deal with the volume of cases which will To ensure you receive any arrears of legislation before proceeding. be raised in the Sheriff Court if the level of pay you are advised to contact your ex- Unless the Scottish Government £150,000 is maintained. employer directly in writing. If you are agrees to amendments to the Bill in due “There is serious concern that in touch with any ex-colleagues please course, access to justice in Scotland will members’ claims will be significantly advise them of this. be severely limited with many delays prejudiced by delay and that expenses will and blockages in the proposed system increase if Proofs require to be discharged anticipated. due to the unavailability of one of the Funding Secured For Commenting, EIS General Secretary Sheriffs. New Masters Level Larry Flanagan said, “This Bill, when “The litigation process which is already taken in conjunction with Section 69 of lengthy will become an even longer, more Programme the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform convoluted process given the real prospect Act 2013, will reduce access to justice The EIS, in partnership with City & Guilds, of the Sheriff Court being unable to cope and could have a negative impact on the have successfully secured funding from with the volume of business, thus causing safety of our members.” the Scottish Government for the Masters more upset to members.” The Bill proposes to increase the in Education Programme. Later this year, up to 200 teachers will be able to take the online Masters Level Learning Programme Unit 1 (SCQF Level 11), fully funded, and City & Guilds is Low Teacher EIS-ULA Members vote to now inviting applications from qualified Scottish Teachers to register their interest. Unemployment Figures accept new pay offer This programme offers high quality The EIS welcomed figures from the professional learning opportunities to Scottish Government that indicate Scottish teachers enabling them to a declining number of unemployed develop their expertise, experience, teachers across Scotland. According to and therefore improve their classroom labour market statistics from the Office performance. for National Statistics (ONS), only 90 It is delivered via Learning Assistant qualified teachers in Scotland were and is available to teachers Scotland- looking for work in February 2014. wide. Each candidate will be allocated Members of the EIS-University Lecturers This represents the lowest number their own tutor who will offer support, Association (EIS-ULA) have overwhelmingly since the first collection of these figures advice and guidance throughout the backed a new pay offer from employers in in 2005. However, levels of teacher programme. their recent ballot. employment are still variable across 79% of those voting opted to back the the country, and the EIS continues For details on registration and criteria new 2% pay offer which comes after a joint to highlight the need for a minimum please email: trade-union industrial action campaign in staffing standard to ensure equity of the HE sector following years of real-terms [email protected] provision across the country. salary decline. Acceptance of the offer resolves the current dispute, and all planned industrial NUT Conference action (including industrial action short of strike action) has now been cancelled. General Secretary Larry Flanagan addressed The EIS-ULA Executive is clear that over 1200 delegates at this year’s National the programme of industrial action over Union of Teachers (NUT) conference. Larry the past year, together with the threat of highlighted the contrasting circumstances of further industrial action, led to a greater Scotland’s comprehensive education system pay offer than would otherwise have been founded on the employment of GTCS registered achieved. The EIS-ULA Executive would teachers and England’s battleground where like to thank all members for their support Michael Gove’s ideologically driven attack during the dispute and programme of on education has seen the advance of industrial action. academies and the deployment of unqualified The EIS believes that the 2% pay teachers. In a more light hearted reference offer should be seen as the first step in he made clear that in the event of Scotland a campaign for fair pay in ensuring that voting ‘Yes’ there would be no circumstance salaries catch up with other professions. which would allow the repatriation of Mr Gove, The EIS-ULA Executive will continue to whom he described as “one of Scotland’s Photo: Justin Tallis campaign on this issue in partnership with least successful exports.” fellow trade unions.

4 The Scottish Educational Journal News...

I was elected as School Rep, enjoying the making a contribution to education and role for eight years or so before reluctantly to trade unionism, albeit away from the standing down when I became PT English. ‘chalk-face’. For the past eight years, I’ve been an What does the work of the EIS mean active member of South Lanarkshire Local to you? Association Committee of Management and a regular AGM delegate. I think the work of the EIS, both as a trade union and as a professional association, What will you miss most about teaching? is crucial. The EIS has a vital role to play I’ll miss working with young people in the in challenging the austerity agenda in classroom: their energy, honesty, wit and general, and specifically in protecting Andrea Bradley joins the EIS humour, and seeing them care about and nurseries, schools and colleges from its in May as the new Education and Equality take pride in their learning. I’ll equally miss ravages. As a professional association, Officer. The SEJ spoke to Andrea and asked my colleagues in the English Department the EIS always has an essential role in for her thoughts about her past experience who are highly committed teachers, promoting the interests of education and preparing for her new role. steadfast colleagues and good friends. within local and national contexts. Can you tell us a bit about your education What aspects of your new role are you Can you tell us something about and trade union background? most looking forward to? yourself not everyone will know? I graduated in English and History from I’ve loved all of the trade union work that I grew up learning to sing trade union Jordanhill in 1995, and began teaching I’ve done over the past fifteen years. I’m and other songs of political struggle. English at Gourock High School. Four looking forward to doing this full time From time to time I plink these out on years later I went to work in Cathkin High while acquiring an in-depth knowledge the guitar and try to get everyone in the where, soon after, I put myself forward as of the issues that fall within the scope of company singing. Health and Safety Rep. A few years later Education and Equality, so that I can go on

education system; not only for their I’m confident that I can overcome these own benefit, but to encourage them to challenges through my own experiences promote the principles supporting that and through the advice and help offered same legislation within their classroom. to me by my fellow Area Officers, Local It seemed a natural progression to want Association Secretaries and Branch to find out more about how those same Secretaries. My own breadth of experience principles and the legislation itself were as an active member of North Lanarkshire applied in practice, thus gaining an insight EIS, an EIS Learning Representative and a into the intricacies and nuances of how member of the GTCS will be an important the law can be interpreted. factor. What was your favourite project you Can you tell us a little known fact about worked on as Education & Equality yourself? Stephen McCrossanaa Officer and what do you think will be your is the former Education and Equality Whilst on holiday in Australia, I started favourite part of your new role? Officer, and recently moved to take up chatting with a guy about football in a hotel the post of Area Officer for Glasgow, I have enjoyed the development of the restaurant. It turned out that he was Clive covering Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, role of the Equality Representative, most, Palmer, the owner of Gold Coast United, and Inverclyde. which I modelled on my own experience. the local A-League team. I didn’t know it The enthusiasm, application and quality of at the time, but he is a controversial figure What will you miss most about your role contributions made by those undertaking worth over US $800million. He gave me his as an Education and Equality Officer? the course made the experience entirely business card which had contact details Within the EIS, I’ll miss the staff in rewarding. My favourite part of my new role for Prince Vladimir of Yugoslavia scrawled Headquarters and those members who is talking to staff. Whether it is to suggest on the back! He’s gone on to commission contributed to the committees, sub- possible solutions to situations that have a life-size replica of the Titanic, created committees, working groups, conference arisen and become problematic in schools a ‘Dinosaur Park’ with more than 160 delegations, networks and training events. or colleges or explaining new educational animatronic dinosaurs and become a It is a cliché, but it really was a ‘team developments e.g. Professional Update. member of the Australian Parliament. effort’ within the Education and Equality What do you think will be the main I’m also very proud of the fact that I raised department, with all concerned pulling challenges you will face as an Area over £3,500 for Cancer Research UK last together. Officer? summer by completing a 133 mile long What attracted you to apply for the role trek. Generous donations by friends and A key challenge is the unpredictable of Area Officer? colleagues allowed my JustGiving page to nature of the job. A request for help can be in the top 1% of fundraising pages. Part of my EIS remit was to raise come from virtually any quarter and relate awareness of Equality legislation amongst to a myriad of issues on any aspect of educators at all levels within the Scottish being or becoming a teacher. However,

www.eis.org.uk 5 EIS Council News... CfE, new qualifications, Show Racism the Vice-President’s Report Inset Days, assessment Red Card – funding President Elect Tommy Castles updated Council on the work of Executive and moderation… cut condemned Committee, including the final version Education Convener Kay Barnett, Equality Convener Bill Ramsay of the EIS Manifesto for the Referendum attending her final EIS Council meeting successfully moved that the EIS should on Scotland’s future. See facing page before retiring, updated members on CfE publicise concerns over the cuts in for more on the launch of the EIS issues including the latest developments Scottish Government funding to the Manifesto, and the feature on pp8-9 for at the CfE Management Board. anti-racism charity Show Racism the responses from both Better Together “The EIS has had a very high profile on Red Card. Mr Ramsay highlighted that and Yes Scotland to the issues raised in CfE in recent months”, said Ms Barnett, support for SRTRC from the Scottish the Manifesto. “particularly in relation to National 4 and Government has fallen from £120,000 Mr Castles also updated Council on National 5.” in 2011-12 to £90,000 in 2012- recent staffing changes, including the Helen Connor (North Lanarkshire) 13 and £60,000 in 2013-14, with appointment of a new Area Officer and raised concerns over the lack of support a further proposed cut to £40,000 a new National Officer for Education & and absence of additional CfE Inset days in 2014-15. The Motion, which was Equality. (see focus on p5) for primary and nursery colleagues. Ms seconded by Vice-Convener Annie Barnett highlighted that the EIS was McCrae (Edinburgh), also calls for the continuing to press on this issue, but EIS to support the campaign to restore had not always been supported by other SRTRC’s funding to 2011-12 levels. teacher organisations – in particular those Speaking in support of the Motion, representing only senior staff in these Nicola Fisher (Glasgow) said, “It is sectors. Susan Smith (Aberdeenshire), deeply worrying that we are seeing herself a primary Headteacher, urged these cuts while, at the same time, continuing pressure at CfE Management witnessing the normalisation of racism Board level to ensure adequate additional politically and in many sections of the support, including Inset Days, for teachers media.” in nursery and primary.

EIS Headteachers’ Conference 2014 School leaders from across the country recently gathered in Edinburgh for the Headteacher Conference, organised by the EIS Headteacher Network. The Conference was chaired Vice President Elect jointly by EIS President Phil Jackson and the Convener of the Headteachers’ Network, The new Vice-President for David MacKenzie. 2014-15 is Patricia Duncan, The main focus of the morning session was CfE and the Working Group on Tackling a primary teacher from Perth. Bureaucracy, and included a presentation from Ewan Aitken, the former Council Secretary Patricia is currently the EIS Local of the Church of Scotland and COSLA Education Spokesperson. In the afternoon, workshops Association Secretary for Perth & explored issues such as Assessment, Moderation, Planning and Reporting. A Q&A session Kinross. with Panel members Larry Flanagan (EIS), Janet Brown (SQA), Bill Maxwell (Education Patricia is a long-time EIS activist Scotland) and Ken Muir (GTCS) concluded the afternoon session. and member of EIS Council, and “The EIS and the Headteacher Network is looking at ways to better support Headteachers has served on numerous local and Deputes,” said Mr Flanagan. “One of the strengths of the EIS is that we represent and national EIS committees. teachers at all levels in all sectors – from classroom practitioners to heads of schools in all She is also an accredited EIS sectors.” A report of the conference will be distributed through the Headteacher Network Learning Representative and is a to school leader members. current member and former Vice- Convener of the General Teaching Council for Scotland. Election Result Total number of valid votes cast: 7,722 Patricia Duncan (Perth and Kinross) ELECTED 3927 HeadTeachers’ Annie McCrae NATIONAL CONFERENCE (Edinburgh) 2 014 3795

6 The Scottish Educational Journal EIS Manifesto asks Key Questions About Education, Post Referendum The EIS has formally launched its and higher education opportunities for enhanced since the establishment of the Education Manifesto for the Referendum people throughout the country. Education Scottish Parliament in 1999. This has on Scottish Independence, following has faced many challenges in recent protected our education system from the approval by May’s EIS Council meeting. years, including the difficulties created damaging changes we see south of the The EIS Referendum Manifesto raises by the financial crisis and the cost-cutting border. It can be argued that this shows key questions regarding the future of austerity agenda. Teachers and pupils that devolution works or that it is a taste Scottish education, post Referendum. have faced the challenges of a major of what might be achieved with the greater Whilst the EIS is not affiliated to any programme of curricular change, which powers that independence offers. That is political party or to either of the campaign has placed additional workload and strain the decision facing teachers. Irrespective groups, it is keen to profile education as on everyone within the school community. of the result of the Referendum, however, part of the Referendum debate. The EIS has passed copies of its Manifesto to each side of the Referendum debate – you can “We are urging both sides of the Referendum read their initial responses on pp8-9 of this SEJ in our exclusive cover feature. debate, and each of the parties involved, to Commenting on the launch of the EIS Manifesto, General Secretary Larry make clear their commitments on how Scottish Flanagan said, “The people of Scotland will have a momentous decision to make education will be supported in the future.” on the 18th of September, choosing Scotland’s future. Deciding on how to Issues relating to fair pay and conditions the policy decisions relating to Scottish cast their vote is a matter for each of our and pensions are common to each of the education must continue to be made in members, and the EIS is promoting neither education sectors while, in the further Scotland.” a yes nor a no position in the Referendum. and higher education sectors, questions “Scottish education continues to However, we are eager to hear from all of funding and student support together be held in high esteem, with a broad parties to the debate about their plans with a programme of re-organisation and consensus across the country in support for Scottish education post Referendum, mergers have created additional strain.” of current Scottish education policy and no matter what the result proves to be. “The Manifesto we have launched priorities. By raising these questions in our The questions we are raising in the EIS raises important questions on these, and Manifesto, the EIS hopes to help ensure Manifesto highlight the key issues facing other, key challenges and priorities for a continuing bright future for education in our schools, colleges and universities and Scottish education. We are urging both post Referendum Scotland.” ask how these will be addressed by each sides of the Referendum debate, and each party following the Referendum.” of the parties involved, to make clear their He continued, “Scotland is rightfully commitments on how Scottish education extremely proud of its education system will be supported in the future.” which continues to offer a high-quality Mr Flanagan added, “Thankfully, policy Over the page – both sides of the comprehensive education to all pupils, decisions on Scottish education have long Referendum debate respond to the and free access to high-quality further been made in Scotland, and this has been issues raised in the EIS Manifesto

images: www.mkjphotography.co.uk www.eis.org.uk 7 SCOTTISH EDUCATION AND THE INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM The Campaigns Respond

Yes for comprehensive education SNP and Labour would end the bedroom reduce your pension entitlement or accrued and to tackle poverty tax that is harming households across the rights. It also undertakes to commission country, and both are likely to use powers an independent review of the appropriate EIS members know that power to make over the minimum wage and living wage to retirement age for Scotland (whether or decisions about education has been positive begin dealing with insecure poverty pay. not we follow the Westminster proposal of for Scotland. Different policies pursued by increasing the retirement age by another year) the Holyrood and London Governments We will also be able to deliver a and the impact this would have on working reflect divergent visions for education. In transformational shift in childcare provision. patterns of Scotland’s public sector workers. Scotland there remains widespread support The current Scottish Government is for a comprehensive system based on planning a near doubling of free provision Yes to lifelong learning based on the fairness and equality of opportunity, in stark for three and four year olds and longer- principle of education as a right contrast to the ideology-driven market-based term extension of free childcare to one Scotland has a proud tradition of high approach being pursued down south. and two-year-olds and this is an agenda quality, universal education, which could shared across other political parties. With partial independence over education be developed with a Yes vote. If we are we’ve protected Scotland from the worst of Yes for proper resourcing and rewarding and to hold true to the principle of education Westminster’s agenda, and taken forward our a system that meets the needs of every child as a right, not a privilege, basing access own distinct agenda, including in areas such to education on the ability to learn and Allocating resources to education is already as free school meals and nursery hours. not the ability to pay is absolutely vital. the responsibility of Scottish Governments. But we remain largely unable to tackle But with a No vote we put Scotland’s budget, While the Scottish Parliament has chosen inequalities that impact on educational and our education sector, at the mercy to make higher education free for Scottish outcomes. For example, the austerity of further cuts from Westminster, which students and is embarking upon progressive agenda could plunge another 100,000 continues to pursue an ideologically-driven Curriculum for Excellence reforms, the Scottish children into poverty by 2020. austerity agenda. To invest more in education Westminster administration is charging tuition after No, we need to take from other devolved fees of up to £9,000 a year and turning A Yes vote will deliver the range of budgets such as health or environment, secondary education into a postcode lottery. powers we need to tackle poverty and whereas with a Yes we could access savings reduce inequality – such as powers over Yes Scotland believe that preserving and of around £600 million from things like welfare, wages and taxation. The record widening access to Scotland’s further no longer paying for nuclear weapons or of successive Westminster governments and higher education institutions, free sending politicians to Westminster. in reducing poverty has been relatively at the point of need, is best achieved poor, and one government’s progress Only a Yes vote will deliver full control over with independence. Continued austerity can so easily be reversed by the next. Scotland’s revenues and the ability to set would mean further cuts to our budget, our own spending priorities. Scotland will potentially jeopardising the affordability Given the different political balance in the have far greater flexibility to direct funds and of free education in the future. A Yes Scottish Parliament, after a Yes there will be a resources towards education, in line with means we can set our own spending focus on creating a fairer welfare system and our priorities as a nation, whether that is priorities and safeguard that right. building a stronger economy where work pays. early years education or investing in schools, We’ll have the powers we need to generate There have also been proposals to colleges and universities, depending on new opportunities and support the creation enshrine access to education as a the government we elect in 2016 (the first of more jobs, and to act to ease the pressure fundamental right in an independent election to an independent parliament). on household budgets. Both Labour and Scotland’s written constitution. This will SNP proposals would help lift more families The White Paper on independence gives be a matter for those involved in drafting out of poverty and ensure children get the the clear commitment to protect existing a constitution after independence, but the best possible start in life. For example, both public sector pensions. A Yes vote will not opportunity will be there after a Yes vote.

8 The SEJ asked both sides of the Referendum debate for their views on the issues raised in the EIS Manifesto. Here, we print their responses - in full and unedited.

The Campaigns Respond

Better Together believes the brightest that even under the most optimistic The loss of funding would also future for Scotland’s education sector scenario an independent Scotland present significant challenges to is as part of the United Kingdom. would face a gap between tax income every university in Scotland. Education is already almost fully and spending more than twice as Scotland’s world-leading academic devolved to Scotland and as a country large as the rest of the UK. The research would also be at risk. As we have rightly always taken pride report suggests that between £3 a result of our excellence Scottish in our world-class education system. billion or £10 billion of cuts or tax universities receive over 13% of UK This will continue if Scotland votes increases would be required to get Research Council funding which is to stay in the UK in September: we our finances on a sustainable path. disproportionate to our population will continue to set our own priorities Even assuming the most optimistic share of around 8%. This is a perfect by a strong Scottish Parliament. scenario, the IFS say this would example of Scotland benefitting require either an 8% cut in public Leaving the UK would create from pooling and sharing resources services, a 9% increase in the basic unnecessary risks at all levels of across the UK. The Research Councils rate of income tax or a combination our education system. Independent have themselves spoken out against of the two. In these circumstances, economists such as the Institute for the “misleading” way the SNP have cuts to the education budget would Fiscal Studies (IFS) highlight that portrayed their view. They are in fact be significant. But it is a risk we don’t greater spending cuts or tax rises quite clear, “should there be a vote for have to make. As part of the UK, the would be required in an independent independence the current system could Scottish Parliament has the powers Scotland. This would put greater not continue.” The best way to protect to tackle the effect of poverty on pressure on the budgets of our the world-class position of Scotland’s education attainment and provide schools, colleges and universities. universities is through the benefit an education system that meets the As part of the UK we can have the from the greater scale, integration and needs of all Scotland’s children. best of both worlds: a strong Scottish coordination offered as part of the UK. Parliament deciding our priorities University funding would also be put The best future for Scotland’s for education in Scotland backed at risk if the UK was to break-up. education system is to remain a part up by the strength, security and With more universities in the world’s of the UK. Funding for our schools stability of the larger UK economy. top 200 per head of population and teachers is safer under a UK-wide than any other country on the All the pro-UK parties will bring forward system where resources are allocated planet Scotland’s universities are their own proposals on how we make on the basis of need not nationality. thriving as part of the UK. A huge our education system even better The loss of huge amounts of revenue legal problem hangs over SNP’s ahead of the next Scottish Parliament from English, Welsh and overseas white paper proposals to exclusively elections. However, we do believe students for our universities would charge English and Welsh students there are a number of significant create a funding shortfall that would tuition fees if we leave the UK and risks involved for our education have to be filled if our universities join the EU. The consequences system in separating from the UK. are to remain world-class. Also our of this are clear. The SNP have world-leading research can only be Firstly, Scotland’s public finances admitted under FOI law, that were guaranteed as part of UK-wide research would be put under severe strain if we this proposal be struck down as funding councils. It is therefore clear leave the UK. As part of the UK we are legal experts predict, the flood of to us that Scotland’s education system able to pool and share our resources students would mean a 97% fall is better off as part of the UK. to the benefit of everyone. A report in places for Scottish students. published by the independent IFS on This would affect the opportunities a separate Scotland’s finances found open to every student in Scotland.

To view the Manifesto visit: www.eis.org.uk 9 Guide to the EIS AGM 2014 The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the main decision making body of the EIS. AGM instructs Council, which in turn instructs the Committees of the Council.

Around 350 members of the EIS honorary category Fellows, and one have been submitted by Council, (including the Office Bearers, members of the new Fellows replies on behalf Local Associations and Self-Governing of Council and Delegates from Local of themselves and their colleagues. Associations. The Motions and Associations and Self-Governing amendments are grouped into subject Associations (EIS-FELA and EIS-ULA)) are The incoming President (Tommy headings and blocks of time are allocated eligible to attend and vote at the AGM. Castles, South Lanarkshire) and Vice- to Motions under each heading. President (Patricia Duncan, Perth and The AGM is divided into a number Kinross) will then be introduced to the This year there are 64 Motions of discrete sessions each meeting and make short speeches. to be debated as follows: with its own particular item of The outgoing President, Phil Jackson business to be overtaken. and Vice-President Tommy Castles • 26 on Education matters; are then commemorated for their year • 2 on Employment Relations matters; The 2014 Annual General Meeting of office. The final business of the • 4 on Equality matters; (AGM) of the EIS will be held in Perth formal session is the declaration of • 13 on Salaries matters; Conference Hall, from Thursday 5 the election of the incoming Council. • 19 on Organisation matters. June to Saturday 7 June 2014. Below are the key events that take place First Business Session See www.eis.org.uk for full information over the three days and the order of on the Motions to be debated at the AGM. business for this year’s conference. This session is extremely important as it is where the AGM are able to review Fringe and other events The Formal Opening Session the work of Council and its Committees over the past twelve months. This The EIS holds a number of fringe This session embodies the traditions work comes before the consideration events at the AGM, offering the of the Institute which was founded and debating of Motions dealing with opportunity for external organisations in 1847. The President, Phil Jackson new policies. Constitutionally, the to speak to delegates in order to raise from Angus, welcomes the guests from AGM must either, approve, disapprove awareness of key issues. This year’s kindred organisations in the United or amend every decision taken by AGM fringe events include a debate Kingdom and Ireland, together with Council during the previous year. on The Referendum: Poverty, other trade union and official guests, Social Justice & Education featuring before giving his retiring address. Subsequent Business Sessions prominent speakers from both sides of the Referendum Campaign. The next part of the opening session Once the decisions of Council (and its involves the Convener of the Board of Committees) for the previous year have Further information on the EIS AGM, Examiners presenting the members who been approved, changes to the EIS including a full list of Motions to be have been admitted as Fellows of The EIS Constitution are then considered followed debated, will be made available on at a meeting held earlier in the afternoon. by the election of AGM delegates to the the EIS website www.eis.org.uk. The new Fellows in the ordinary category Standing Orders Committee, Disciplinary Regular updates will be posted on are those who have been recommended Committee and Appeals Committee. the AGM section of our website by their Local Associations and accepted and Twitter account throughout the by the Board of Examiners. There may Consideration of Motions event, so that members can keep also be one or more Fellows in the and Amendments updated as Resolutions are agreed. special or honorary category that is, “persons who have rendered signal The remainder of the Annual General service to education.” The Convener then Meeting is taken up with debating gives a speech on each of the special/ the Motions and amendments which

10 The Scottish Educational Journal ACT NOW! Well-Being Survey Highlights ACT TOGETHER Workload Pressures take control of workload

The results of the EIS survey on members’ well-being have laid bare the true scale of the workload demands that teachers and lecturers are currently facing. Severe workload burdens are increasing pressure and creating additional strain on teaching professionals, with potentially serious implications for their health and well-being. Here, the SEJ offers a brief overview of some of the main findings - view the full report and all the survey data atwww.eis.org.uk

Following on from a Motion at EIS AGM of workload pressures on teachers the practice of collegiate and distributive which called for a survey of members’ and lecturers, largely arising out of the leadership approaches, although it is well-being to be conducted, EIS changes to the curriculum, and paint disappointing to note that only 50% of Council commissioned SCOTT PORTER a worrying picture of a profession colleagues believe themselves to be Research and Marketing to carry out under the cosh. Teaching is a noble in collegiate working environments. the project. Almost 7,000 members profession but the fact that almost half Overall the statistics provide a substantial took part in the exercise, producing of the respondents would be reluctant body of evidence which should be a validity rating of 99%. The range of to recommend it as a career, speaks studied by all involved in Scottish responses provided a good reflection volumes for the mood of members. education, and which might hopefully of EIS membership across all sectors It’s no surprise that the greatest focus of lead to a renewed effort to tackle and at all levels, allowing for some the issue of excessive workload.” detailed analysis to be undertaken. job satisfaction is the work undertaken with pupils and students because The full report is available on the Commenting on the survey, EIS General teaching is about relationships. It is EIS website. It will be considered in Secretary Larry Flanagan, said, “The also interesting to note the correlation detail by the EIS Executive to inform survey results confirm the deep-set impact between a greater sense of well-being and the ongoing Workload Campaign.

view the full report and all the survey data at www.eis.org.uk www.eis.org.uk 11 What Time for Teaching?

A frank, anonymous interview with a Scottish teacher, revealing how workload pressures have impacted on work/life balance and health.

I’ve been a teacher of Social Science I’m proud and happy to be a teacher and something worthwhile for them as and Modern Studies for almost ten years believe my job, specifically as a teacher individuals and members of society. now. When people ask me if I enjoy my of the Social Sciences is an important However, my ego will not let me job, I always tell them the same thing – one. I feel real joy when pupils arrive believe that my life and indeed identity when it’s good it’s the most wonderful in my class excited about their newest is comprised solely of my role as a job ever, but when it’s bad, it’s awful. creation in art, or describe wonderment teacher. Whilst I like to think I’m far at a new found piece of mind-blowing I won’t pretend that I don’t believe one more interesting as a person, the year music, or are inspired by a short story of the best benefits about teaching is of the new National 4/5 qualifications read in English. the holidays. When asked if I believe have arguably proved different! teachers are paid enough I am always torn. If students I have taught leave at the Teachers have always complained In comparison to some other workers, I end of the course willing to consider about heavy workload, and rightly believe teachers who are paid at the top of a vote for a party different than that so. Any teacher will laugh at the their scale are reasonably paid (purely as of their parents, to recognise the suggestion that they can carry out classroom teachers with no management media’s role in selling them third-world all their tasks and duties within a responsibility). Of course it is at this point produced clothing brands, or engage thirty-five hour working week. that the whole ‘can of worms’ on what is with theories behind the causes of the real monetary worth of teachers’ skills crime before shouting a reactionary Even before the introduction of the new and labour to capitalism and a civilised statement about capital punishment, qualifications, most teachers I know society, springs open. then I feel I have accomplished will work at least sixty hours, which

“Essentially, teachers have been doing two jobs this year”

ACT NOW! ACT TOGETHER take control of workload

12 increases at times of prelims and looming but detracts from the real work that As suggested in January’s report by coursework deadlines. As professionals, teachers should actually be doing. the EIS, however, there is widespread we must prioritise the tasks of our frustration at the lack of clarity Reducing the relentless monitoring workload. With the implementation and guidance from the SQA over and tracking would let teachers of the new qualifications and the procedures, standards and vague focus on what is really important – related assessment requirements, requirements for verification. creating engaging lessons with real I am ashamed to say that some time to evaluate and adapt them, Much of the stress that I have experienced jotters from my lower year classes and allowing time for meaningful, is caused by the feeling of ‘stabbing have not been marked in weeks. individualised assessment and feedback in the dark’; hoping that content has This, of course, has the effect of to really enhance pupil progress. been covered sufficiently and that making those who have worked hard assessments will meet standards required. All teachers will recognise that to write feel undervalued as they feel that their In discussions with colleagues, much a meaningful report for each child teacher cannot even be bothered to look of the stress and anxiety felt is that in a class of thirty will take at least at the work they have done. Another they will somehow let pupils down by five hours. This year I will have had to obvious consequence is that those missing something that is crucial, having write a report for approximately 260 struggling with the subject or those just had paltry guidance from the SQA. pupils: this will take around forty- exploiting the lack of surveillance are five hours of a teacher’s time. Change is always met with resistance not having their problem recognised as when it requires upheaval and is labour quickly as they would have previously. I am now a few stone lighter than I was intensive. The dedicated professionals at the beginning of the academic year as Essentially, teachers have been who believe the change is for the doing two jobs this year: better and will improve everything that the job of educational standards teaching usually entails plus “you would not believe the will embrace it though. developing the new courses. However, many have Interestingly, it came increase in the number been left perplexed by later to my attention that the justification behind some teachers from other the design of the new regions were actually of teachers who are qualifications. An example given paid secondment of this being open posts to develop the new book assessments in courses for their region! now coming to me with which the pupils have unlimited time to achieve The development of the the learning outcome; new courses has affected mental health issues” an approach which me most – the resources stress has severely affected my appetite. in no way prepares them for the and the assessment pieces that the Never before in my life has my mental pressures and realities of the exam! SQA seemed reluctant to verify, despite health been so severely compromised. giving little or vague guidance as to Part of the revolution of the ‘Curriculum for what the required standards are. My friends and family worry almost Excellence’ is, of course, the expectation constantly for my wellbeing. My ability to that teachers will embrace a range of new, The region that I work in recently achieve a reasonable work/life balance innovative strategies, engaging learners introduced a new system for tracking, seems to decrease alongside my grasp with a variety of different learning styles. which was promised to make on a reasoned sense of perspective. Whilst the principles of this are exciting, monitoring, tracking and reporting the time pressures placed on actually less time consuming. However, all A friend and colleague of mine who delivering the densely packed content of that seems to have happened is that visited her GP due to panic attacks the course have seemed antithetical to this, we are now keying in screeds of data caused by anxiety at work, told me of the with little time to indulge in novel methods relating to ‘teacher targets’, ‘pupil doctor’s comment: “you would not believe of delivery. Even time to take detours down targets’, ‘assessment performance’ the increase in the number of teachers avenues of interest which students wish and other such ‘information’. who are now coming to me with mental to explore further is often stymied in the Much of this data is already in other health issues.” Another fellow teacher rush to cover all necessary material. systems and appears to serve no has experienced a nervous breakdown. Sadly, the vast majority of teachers I actual purpose in improving teaching The teaching community has been and learning in the classroom. When have discussed the new qualifications supportive to each other in the region with, including the new Highers and management were questioned as to the which I work in, sharing resources value and purpose of this, no cogent Advanced Highers soon to be introduced, amongst schools. However, many of the explanation as to how and to what ends question how the reorganisation meetings that have been organised for it was actually being analysed was given. of Scotland’s qualifications system the purpose of cross-school support in will impact on standards. The pervasive exasperation reaches new the area appeared to leave staff feeling heights when these time-consuming even more confused on issues such Many of us worry about the disadvantage administrative jobs appear to have no as assessment standards, and the this will cause our students as they are rationale other than ticking some box protocols regarding new coursework left unprepared for further education, that we know must exist somewhere elements of the qualifications. should they choose to embark upon it.

www.eis.org.uk 13 A year with the President

Outgoing President Phil Jackson, reflects upon his time in office and looks back at a challenging year for education.

When I set off on my Presidential year until the ‘work until you drop’ policy and our other partners in education, I wondered what would change during is reversed and educators once more did not heed the EIS’s call for a one that time and what impact and influence have a right to a dignified retirement. year delay in the new examinations. on events that the EIS would have. Six Curriculum for Excellence: Many issues I completed visits to around half of our months is a long time in education, remain unresolved with the Curriculum Local Associations during the course of never mind a year, and this year has for Excellence, a ship that has been so my Presidency and Vice-Presidency. My proved no different with regard to the ineptly steered that it is in serious danger recent visit to Falkirk Local Association pace of change and challenging issues. of running aground unless the challenges drew the usual discussion on CfE and the Further Education: It is our further posed by an overcrowded primary new exam system. The experience of S4 and higher education members who curriculum are taken more seriously. pupils and their teachers has not, by and have been in the vanguard of taking large, been a positive on obdurate management to resist one this year and every deteriorations in their conditions of I believe that in the next few years we opportunity will be taken service, and to fight for pay increases need to stand up and regain the heart to express our disquiet closer to the real value of what they do; in meetings with the and I applaud them for it. The Edinburgh and soul of our great profession, not Education Minister, college dispute was a classic case in Education Scotland point of what can be achieved by action for our own sakes, but to safeguard and the SQA. The and I was proud to have the opportunity the futures of all our young people. promised review of what to speak at their rally at the Scottish happened this year must Parliament. This was also the year that be full and frank. The This friction threatens to undermine the students occupied university campuses confusion over N6 Higher and ‘old’ Higher very heart of what we, as a profession for the first time in living memory. has been a further source of angst. are trying to achieve, and has been The third round of pension contribution exacerbated by the SQA’s level of I don’t want to be sounding like the voice increases was imposed by the Treasury response to teachers’ concerns and of doom and gloom here as great things in London and passed on by the the government’s failure to address are happening in Scottish education and, Scottish Government; pensions remain how teachers can be expected to repeatedly on my travels, my faith in our an open wound for our members and prepare pupils for exams in such a profession to deliver top quality education an issue on which we will not rest short period of time. Also, why they, for their pupils and students has been

14 The Scottish Educational Journal reaffirmed. When staff and pupils work unions’ education meeting with our A settlement on pay and conditions of in modern, fit for purpose buildings like English, Welsh and Irish counterparts service was finally reached, not what Falkirk High and Maddiston Primary, it was hosted by the NUT in Cardiff our members were hoping for, but, for does make life a little easier, of course! recently. It will not surprise you to pragmatic reasons, we had to accept learn that our shared concerns include what was on offer and move on. In Falkirk High it was wonderful to get early years’ provision, support for our the chance to have a discussion with Having reluctantly accepted a pay and students with additional support needs, S6 and S1 school ‘ambassadors’ and conditions ‘deal’ for the second time and pay, pensions and workload. hear about the pupils’ experiences in three years, members’ patience is and ambitions in their transitional Workload: I served on the Tackling running out with pay constraint and they years. (I also had an opportunity to Bureaucracy working group and the key look to a ‘restorative future’ when the have a discussion with pupils on a visit messages in the report are clear. Let us true value of our country’s educators to Hazelwood College in Belfast. This be under no illusions though that, there is acknowledged. The scourge of zero was a moving story of struggle against must be tangible evidence that something hours contracts and the issues of supply adversity as the College had grown from concrete is being done on workload, and teachers’ pay and FE funding have had small beginnings at the height of the that all the partners who signed up to a corrosive effect on our profession. ‘troubles’). The Port Glasgow Community the report are playing their full part, by The cuts in early years, community Campus and Woodmuir Primary in West the time the working group re-convenes. education, libraries and additional Calder are two other establishments Teachers themselves must also take support needs, with the threat of worse that made a big impression on me. responsibility; asserting themselves as cuts to come, have undermined our ability I am also grateful for Local Association activist professionals and exercising to ‘get it right for every child’ as required office-bearers trying their best to the promise of autonomy contained by the Children and Young Person’s accommodate my particular interest within the philosophy of CfE. It is legislation so enthusiastically supported

in ASN and I have had some very sometimes difficult to say ‘no’ or ‘not by MSPs. I hear all of these things from humbling and moving experiences on yet’ but, unless we are prepared to do members. Our national Committees, visits to special schools in places like this, then I fear that little will change. Sub-Committees and working groups Aberdeen. The work that staff do in discuss them on a regular basis. If members are faced with unreasonable such difficult circumstances is another reminder to me that the success of workload demands that conflict with their However, there is a disconnect between the education system is dependent on part within the working time agreement, local and national. We must ask the goodwill of staff that always put the school improvement plan or the ourselves, as a national body about our those in their care first, often to the principles in the Tackling Bureaucracy relationship with the Local Associations detriment of their own health in terms report, then they need to act jointly and if we are doing enough to support of stress and lack of work-life balance. to make appropriate representations them. Equally, to paraphrase JFK, our within the school and, failing resolution, members must ask if it is sometimes There are too many highlights of my visits outwith the school, through their Local a case of not what the union can do to Local Associations to elucidate here Association Secretary in the first instance. for you but what you can do for your but I would like to take this opportunity to union. We must find out why ballot thank local members and their office- Member engagement: A fundamental turnouts are falling and re-engage our bearers’ for their welcome and hospitality. challenge for us is building membership membership. The challenges ahead engagement and this should be our Collaboration: It is important that the EIS cannot be faced by leaving it to others. number one priority. There are deep is also involved in the broader economic concerns about the way CfE has been Over my year I have met so many people and political agenda and I believe we managed, the pressure on staff and who are passionate about education. have done a lot of successful political pupils sitting the new N5 exams, I believe that in the next few years we lobbying (in terms of informing attitude if the intense workload and lack of need to stand up and regain the heart not necessarily action!) over the past year. support in delivering the new exams, and soul of our great profession, not Our work with other unions is also vitally micromanagement by employers and for our own sakes, but to safeguard important and, indeed the second ‘four underinvestment in ICT systems. the futures of all our young people.

Pictures: President Phil Jackson on his recent visit to Maddiston Primary School in Falkirk. www.eis.org.uk 15 Photography: www.mkjphotography.co.uk The Baillie Gifford Schools Programme – where fantastic facts meet fascinating fiction

Meeting your favourite author can be an unforgettable experience and generations of youngsters have been inspired by a visit to the Edinburgh International Book Festival. This year’s Baillie Gifford Schools Programme runs from 18-26 August and features the finest authors and books for children and young adults today.

There are lots of lively events for infants Inspiring events such as the ever-popular Vivian French Don’t miss for all ages with her interactive story writing event, Inspiring school pupil and education pirate tales of adventure from Jonny activist Malala Yousafzai, who came to This year the Book Festival is Duddle, while Sarah McIntyre and widespread attention when she was shot remembering the First World War and Philip Reeve introduce Cakes in Space, by the Taliban for her campaigning, will be the line-up features many authors the follow up to their tremendously appearing on Monday 25 August to talk who’ve written fascinating books about successful Oliver and the Seawigs. about her life and her determination that this emotive period in our history. everyone has the right to an education. There are top writers for teens too. Michaela Morgan tells the compelling Author of the bestselling 13 Little Blue This event is a late addition to the tale of Walter Tull, the first black man to Envelopes and the Shades of London programme so you won’t find it in the be an officer in the series Maureen Johnson will brochure, but you can find out more by British Army, while be jetting in from America. contacting [email protected] John Boyne, author “Imagine a massive tent and book tickets in the usual way. of The Boy in the packed to the rafters with Anne Cassidy, Alan Striped Pyjamas, books. That’s what the Gibbons and Laura Jarratt will talk about children’s bookshop at will tell all about pushing A special day for his latest book the Festival looks like!” the boundaries in fiction primary schools which follows the for young adults. plight of one boy’s If you’re a primary teacher don’t miss father who goes missing in action There will be dystopian futures courtesy Baillie Gifford Gala Day on Tuesday 26 during the First World War. of Matt Haig with his futuristic Echo August. It’s when the gates to Charlotte Boy and a brand new graphic novel, Square Gardens are closed to the public Theresa Breslin and Mary Hooper look at Dark Satanic Mills, by literary siblings and the whole of the Book Festival site the roles that women played in the War Marcus and Julian Sedgwick. becomes a magical playground for primary and the Scottish Poetry schools. As well as an excellent line-up Library will lead an With the Independence Referendum round the corner, the Scottish Youth of exciting author events including Joan engaging workshop on Lennon and Simon Bartram, there will war poets and poetry. Parliament will explore what it means to have the right to vote. be fun, free activities to entertain you and your class including storytelling from the ever-popular Fergus McNicol and Mio Shapley and their magical kamishibai bicycle theatre, roaming jugglers to teach you some tricks and Free book voucher Dr Book will be on hand to prescribe a for all pupils remedy for your reading dilemmas. Books are at the heart of any visit to the Edinburgh International Book Festival and this year every pupil who attends an event in the Baillie Gifford Schools Programme will receive a £2 voucher to put towards the cost of a book in the Book Festival’s The EIS is a sponsor of the EIBF bookshops in Charlotte Square Gardens. Something for professionals For teachers and education professionals the Book Festival offers inspiring Continuing Professional Development events which explore key topics in the field. This year’s events will focus on early literacy, teenage stress, using different art forms to enhance learning and dealing with dyslexia. In addition, Children’s Laureate, Malorie Blackman, will share her passion for the power that fiction has to enable children to explore difficult subject matter. While you’re there… Imagine a massive tent packed to the rafters with books. That’s what the children’s bookshop at the Festival looks like! If you’re visiting the Festival build some time into your schedule to browse the thousands of titles on offer. Find out more A stunning setting accessible to all Tickets for events in the Baillie Gifford The Book Festival takes place in the beautiful Schools Programme cost £3 each Charlotte Square Gardens right in the heart of with one free adult ticket for every ten Edinburgh’s leafy west end. It’s a safe and child- pupils. The full programme listings and friendly environment and all of the purpose- booking information can be found in the built venues are wheelchair accessible with brochure which you can download from infra-red audio loops. Given prior notice, the www.edbookfest.co.uk or, to request Book Festival can provide a BSL interpreter. a printed copy, send your details to To arrange this, or discuss any other access [email protected] requirements, email [email protected]

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www.eis.org.uk 17 Supporting Teachers, Supporting Learning

The EIS is committed to supporting members with their CPD throughout their career.

CPD The EIS has provided keynote Event presentations by Larry Flanagan, Event Report Susan Quinn, Ex National President 14 June and Phil Jackson, President, at a recent event held in Dundee. EIS Local Association Secretaries have Beginning Professional advised how the process will work at Professional local level and local EIS Learning Reps Learning Conference Update and YOU have explained how they can offer practical support to colleagues on their This one day conference specifically The EIS Local Learning Reps have CPD, PRD and Professional Update. aimed at early phase teachers - final organised very well attended and year students, NQTs and those in the successful events to clarify Professional They can offer guidance on all aspects first three years of teaching - will be Update to teachers and lecturers including CPD portfolios and what these held on Saturday 14 June in the Stirling across Scotland over the last year. should contain. Participants at the events Management Centre. not only hear about the process but have Professional Update will affect everyone the opportunity to contribute to a panel The Conference will feature short who is registered with GTCS and will discussion and question how Professional keynote presentations and also start to roll out across Scotland from Update will ultimately affect them. workshops by Tapestry, Dyslexia August. The aim of Professional Update Scotland, Show Racism the Red Card is “to maintain and improve the quality EIS Learning Reps have been trained and the Open University. of teachers as outlined in the relevant to a very high level and are ideally placed to help you. Their contact details Details of the Conference are being Professional Standards and to enhance are listed under each local authority finalised currently and these will the impact they have on pupils’ learning.” area or FE College on the EIS website. appear on the website, electronic Professional Update will require a strong Click on the CPD Learning Rep icon to communications, and promotional Professional Review and Development access the contact details and further posters. If you are included in this group (PRD) process and GTCS has a validation information about CPD and Learning of early-phase teachers, please keep an role to ensure that local authority systems Reps. They can be contacted by email, eye open for this information when it is are “robust, and teachers are enabled telephone or on a face-to-face basis. promoted which will include details of to demonstrate skills they already have how to register for the workshops and as well as learn new ones.” Teachers It is anticipated that specific workshop the closing date. and lecturers will have responsibility events around Professional Update/PRD will be organised by Learning Reps over This will be an active conference which for their own professional learning. the next few months. Details of these will cover many aspects of CPD and The success of the events has revolved events will be emailed to members who it is anticipated that there will be a around the high quality speakers have provided us with an email address, high demand for places. To register who have attended. Each event or promotional posters sent out to schools an interest in attending and to receive has featured keynotes by Ken Muir, and colleges. Information will be regularly further information when the event Chief Executive of GTCS or one of updated on the CPD events section of the details are finalised please email his team, to clarify the Professional EIS website: Yvonne Hamilton: [email protected] Update process to participants. www.eis.org.uk/CPD/CPD_Events.htm as soon as possible.

18 The Scottish Educational Journal Event CPD Report Events Tackling Bureaucracy 3-18 in your area The EIS and Education Scotland recently were presented jointly by EIS Learning organised this event in Glasgow, attended Reps and Education Scotland personnel. by around 100 teachers. The event Key points included supporting was organised to assist teachers in professional dialogue rather than fulfilling Beginning Professional dealing with the increasing bureaucracy endless audit functions, and organising Learning Conference they are facing. Susan Quinn National experiences / evidence and outcomes. Ex-President and Norman Emerson, 14 June, Stirling Management Centre Education Scotland set the scene for This event was the first in a series and the morning, followed by a presentation further events will be held in Edinburgh Tackling Bureaucracy 3-18 by Larry Flanagan, General Secretary. on Saturday 20 September 2014 and Edinburgh on Saturday 20 September 2014 in Aberdeen in September/October Participants were then able to attend two 2014. Further information about the Aberdeen in September/October 2014 workshops from the choices available: Glasgow event including photos and Planning Learning, Profiling/Reporting, presentations can be found on the Moderation 3-15 or Moderation/ EIS website: www.eis.org.uk/CPD_ Verification (Secondary). The workshops Events/Previous_CPDevents.htm Further information Lyn McClintock EIS National CPD and Learning Rep Co-ordinator e: [email protected] t: 0141 353 3595 Check out the EIS website for upcoming events in your area. www.eis.org.uk (Details will appear in the Events section) photos: Ian Marshal

Health and Safety The government’s safety record “toxic, corrosive and hazardous” warns TUC has existed in Britain for many New report published on International Workers’ Memorial Day decades – with a disastrous effect on workers’ health and safety.” EIS General Secretary and TUC General The government’s “toxic, corrosive It adds that HSE’s occupational health Council member Larry Flanagan and hazardous” record on health and functions and official safety inspections commented: “There must be a sea- safety has placed workers at risk and have been “drastically cut”, new change in our attitude to health and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations have been blocked and some safety if we are going to stop this massive in jeopardy, the TUC has warned. existing protections removed, as well as health problem that costs the state reporting requirements undermined and The report published on International billions of pounds but which claims access to compensation for work-related Workers’ Memorial Day on 28 April the lives of far too many workers. injuries and illness has been restricted. states that the government’s persistent “If this assault on basic workplace ideological attacks on key health TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady protections continues it will have and safety legislation threaten even said: “The government says that the a significant impact on the health more accidents and injuries at work. UK is a safe place to work and that we and safety of people at work – don’t need any more regulation. If only The report Toxic, Corrosive and and that many more lives will be this were the case. With the UK ranked Hazardous: The government’s unnecessarily put at risk.” just 20th in the health and safety risk record on health and safety finds index of 34 developed nations, we’ve Members wishing to read the full report that since the coalition government hardly got a record to be proud of.” can access it at the following address: came to power in 2010, HSE has suffered a funding cut of over “There is a real danger that further www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/ 40 per cent and has seen its cuts and deregulation will destroy Government_Record_On_Health_And_ independence “undermined.” the workplace safety culture that Safety_2014_LR_Single_Pages.pdf

www.eis.org.uk 19 Scottish Learning Festival 2014 – raising achievement and attainment for all

The Scottish Learning Festival is a key event in the Scottish education calendar having attracted thousands of educational practitioners over the years.

SLF 2014 is taking place on 24 and This will take the shape of more than The full conference programme is 25 September in Glasgow’s SECC. 100 seminars, professional discussions available on the SLF website, Organised by Education Scotland, (the new name for the round table www.scottishlearningfestival.org.uk the theme of SLF 2014 is raising discussions), and keynote addresses The exhibition at SLF will bring learning achievement and attainment for alongside the largest education to life and will showcase over 100 all, with a focus on maximising exhibition in Scotland. educational suppliers covering all levels educational outcomes through: The Cabinet Secretary for Education and of education from well-established • early intervention and prevention Lifelong Learning, Michael Russell MSP companies to a host of companies - for children, young people and will deliver the opening keynote address, exhibiting for the first time. adult learners in order to maximise this will be followed by keynotes from The exhibition will also offer a range of educational outcomes; renowned speakers; features that will enhance a visit to SLF; • health and wellbeing - ranging from • Dr Frank Dick OBE, former British • Education Scotland stand physical education and sport to the full Athletics Federation’s Director of range of health and wellbeing subjects Coaching • Education Showcase which are the responsibility of all • Exhibitor Seminars • Dr Alma Harris, Professor and Pro- practitioners; Director (Leadership), Institute of • Local Authority Village • employability skills - to secure a Education, London • Cultural Village highly educated, well prepared and • John Carnochan OBE, QPM, FFPH, • Parental Involvement well-motivated young workforce able to Special Adviser Violence Prevention, • Village – NEW FOR 2014 compete in a global market. University of St Andrews A New Journey The exhibition and all these features are For the first time, the programme will free to attend; find out more about what This year signifies the start of a new feature three professional discussions will be going on at www.educationscotland. journey for SLF as the professional that will provide practitioners with the gov.uk/slf/exhibition/index.asp learning opportunities will be extended opportunity to engage in conversation and beyond the two-day event in Glasgow. debate. The discussions will be led by; Education Scotland is committed • Sir Ian Wood, Chair of the Commission to working in partnership with local for Developing Scotland’s Young authorities, professional associations Workforce including the EIS, and other partners • Sir Bill Gammell, Chairman and to deliver a range of new and existing Co-founder of the Winning Scotland outreach events that will extend the Foundation professional learning opportunities to practitioners around Scotland. • Kenneth Muir, Chief Executive GTCS Details of these events and others The programme will also include a high- will be available on the SLF website, profile spotlight seminar session each www.scottishlearningfestival.org.uk day and they will focus on the Early Year’s and from the various partners involved. Collaborative and the Scottish College for Educational Leadership. Looking Forward to September Book your place today In addition to the keynotes and If you’ve been inspired by the plans for At SLF in September, educational discussions, SLF will include over 100 SLF 2014 then visit the SLF website to practitioners will have access to a professional learning seminars presented find out more and book your place at wide range of practical approaches, by practitioners, young people, key Scotland’s leading educational event. resources and research aimed at national figures and education authority SLF 2014 truly has something for improving achievement and attainment staff from across Scotland. everyone involved in education. for all learners in Scotland. www.scottishlearningfestival.org.uk

20 The Scottish Educational Journal Visit the EIS at SLF at stand C24 Countdown to Savings!

Scheduled to launch this July, the EIS is joining with Countdown to offer a unique benefits programme for members.

The EIS Countdown membership • To save on a quick pastry and coffee offers you will find in your new guide, programme has been designed to bring from Patisserie Valerie, or on joining with even more to discover online. savings to you in all aspects of your your local DW Sports Fitness, all Meanwhile, a list of over 16,000 Local life – from the weekly shop and home you need to do is show your EIS offers, consisting of independent improvements to days out, holidays, Countdown membership card. restaurants, stores and services across fitness and more. You work hard and we • To save on driving lessons or membership the country, will provide you with a want you to get the most out of your life. with The AA, or on a fun day out at discount simply by showing your EIS As a provider of loyalty and benefits one of the SeaLife Centres & Countdown membership card programmes, Countdown have over 40 Sanctuaries, simply call the before paying at the till – years experience, listing groups like number in the offer and giving you ease of access the National Union of Teachers (NUT) quote the code given. whilst supporting local amongst their longer standing clients. The business. These offers • To save on a mobile programme has grown over the years to are part of a growing phone contract from include a wide range of in-store, phone list which you can Three, or on a special and web savings, cashback and their own search on your PC, or experience from Countdown Store with luxury, limited-time using GPS location on buyagift.com, click weekly offers. Making the best use of your mobile device on the dedicated link the offers available, as a member you when on the move. in the offer on the EIS could save an average of £912 a year.* Countdown website and In addition, the website Most of the Countdown savings enter the code where required. offers a range of other are divided into either National or options for ease of use. For • With many of the major high street Local offers. National offers, which keeping you up-to-date there are both brands, savings can be obtained through include high street names, all major New and Special Offers sections and, the purchase of discounted gift cards supermarkets, online stores, and so for those offers you keep coming back (including M&S, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, on, can be obtained through one or to, you can create your own favourites Cineworld, Currys/PC World, Topshop more of a selection of methods: list. There’s even a savings calculator and Burton) or vouchers (such as John so you can see just what you’ll save Lewis/Waitrose and Morrisons) – you can and, for that extra helping hand, either use these yourself or give them a dedicated Countdown Customer as gifts, and many gift cards can be Services team via phone or email. used online and be topped-up. For other ways to keep up-to-date Some offers, such as Cotswold you can also subscribe to receive Outdoor, SuperBreak and emails from Countdown, or follow Vauxhall, even allow you Countdown on social media. the option of more than one of these methods. You can Like ‘CountdownCardSavings’ These brands are only on Facebook, or Follow a few examples of the ‘@CountdownCard’ on Twitter.

There’s even a savings calculator so you can see just what you’ll save

*Figures calculated using data from the Office of National Statistics (2013) for UK household average yearly spend, with typical Countdown discounts applied.

Look out for more information on the EIS Countdown scheme enclosed with the June (AGM) edition of the SEJ www.eis.org.uk 21 4th International Summit on the Teaching Profession – New Zealand 2014

The International Summit of the Teaching Profession is a joint conference organised by Education International (EI) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The summit was an idea which developed a “societal good” and not simply about • Embedding professional learning and from the perceived need to ensure that individuals. The message was warmly development for teachers which is global policy makers in education, often welcomed by teachers present, many flexible and enhances professional coordinated through the OECD, were of whom work in dramatically different autonomy but does not increase informed and challenged by teacher environments, often hostile to the workload and bureaucracy: ‘freeing representatives / trade unions, instead notion of teacher professionalism. teachers to teach = trust’ of being allowed to promulgate ideas and The Cabinet Secretary stressed the • Supporting teachers in their actions approaches often based on economic importance of partnership working as within the governmental role of and ideological imperatives. the basis of the collaborative approach tackling poverty and securing a more Summits are based on a 50/50 being pursued in Scotland, particularly cohesive society: ‘the best country partnership approach with each in relation to closing the attainment gap in which to grow up = cohesion’ delegation being a joint trade union / and addressing the impact of poverty. Commenting on the experience, Larry ministerial group; one of the sessions is The challenges faced in a time of financial Flanagan revealed; “It was clear from the set aside to establish a joint approach austerity were not ignored, however, and reaction of fellow teacher trade unionists, around the conference theme. Mr Flanagan specifically highlighted the that the message from Scotland In these international arenas the UK is difficulties of excessive workload and about the possibility of constructive considered as a single entity and in the remuneration as teacher concerns. social dialogue was very welcome. past that has most often meant that the The key points of the “That message stands in sharp contrast UK delegation has been primarily focused presentation were: to the GERM approach (Global Education on England and its experiences. The 4th Reform Movement) which lies behind summit was somewhat different, however, • Education as a ‘common weal’ the type of Gove driven agenda we as on this occasion the UK delegation • Local Accountability see in England and elsewhere, leading was led by Mike Russell, Scottish Cabinet to issues such as a deregulated, de- Secretary for Education as the Ministerial • Schools co-operating not professionalised teaching workforce, representative and Larry Flanagan, competing: partnerships performance pay, academies, and General Secretary of the EIS, from the • Recognising and supporting teacher eventually the privatisation of schools. trade union side. Ken Muir from the professionalism and development General Teaching Council of Scotland “Without minimising the challenges facing • High standards, expectations attended as part of the delegation. Scottish Education and its teachers, and achievement it’s important to recognise that we do The key question to be addressed was The final session saw all countries being operate in a more consensual system “How can high quality teachers and asked to present a fifty-second summary than some of our colleagues elsewhere.” leaders be attracted into and retained of their internal response to the challenge in the schools of greatest need?” of achieving equity and tackling poverty: The Scottish response was to challenge the premise and argue Scotland’s View – A that we had quality teachers working Collaborative Approach in areas of deprivation and the real • Through collaboration between question was how those teachers Education International is the government, the teaching unions and could be best supported. global federation of teacher trade other partners, develop the concept of unions; it has 401 trade unions The presentation stressed the importance an outcome agreement to achieve a affiliated to it, is organised in 172 of having a high quality, professionally consistent and measurable process to countries, and represents over 30 trained teaching force working in a locally improve attainment for young people and million educators. The EIS is one of accountable comprehensive education, schools with the greatest challenges: those affiliates. built on the basis that education was ‘closing the attainment gap = equity’

22 The Scottish Educational Journal Essential Campaigns

A look at the tireless work and campaigning of Rape Crisis, following the 2013 AGM resolution ‘to support the campaign and awareness raising work of Rape Crisis Scotland on rape and sexual violence’. The EIS also resolved to make an annual donation of £500, and are pleased to have done so in 2014.

Rape Crisis Scotland are at the frequency than they do for other crimes. So far the reception by schools and forefront of education and campaigning In many cases the decision to classify a other youth agencies has been extremely against sexual violence, and offer free, case as a ‘false allegation’ is taken by the encouraging, as most professionals confidential support and information to police, influenced by other factors such working with young people are aware of the those affected by rape or sexual abuse. as the mental health of the complainer, pressing need to address these issues. their alcohol and drug use; assumptions In 2012/13, there were 1,372 rapes Rape Crisis Scotland are also planning ways about the complainer’s credibility can reported to the police in Scotland – a to involve and consult with young people on also feed into this decision process. 16% rise on the previous year. There their views and needs, to ensure their work remains a low rate of convictions for As well as campaigning to raise the profile stays relevant and that young people can rape and a high rate of acquittals in of rape awareness and challenging public take on active roles in challenging sexism, Scotland, as well as a suspicion that attitudes to those seeking justice in course, sexualisation and inappropriate behaviours. acquittals infer guilt on the complainant. Rape Crisis Scotland provides essential Some prevention workers are training This was the idea being tackled in Rape services in the form of crisis centres for young people as peer educators to co- Crisis’ hard-hitting campaign, ‘This is survivors of sexual violence, and others facilitate sessions with them, and others not an invitation to rape me’, which who have been affected by the issue. Their are training students as Rape Crisis first hit the streets in October 2008. website provides a helpful FAQ for those ambassadors to communicate with their Based on a similar campaign in America, seeking help or answers and practical tips peers on the work of the centres. it challenged societal attitudes which for online safety. A peer research project on young people’s continue to play a significant role in limiting www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk experiences of disclosing sexual activity justice for those who have experienced Recently, Rape Crisis Scotland have within school and youth settings, to this crime. The campaign challenged obtained funding to develop prevention and inform responses and pathways to preconceived ideas about what was an intervention approaches for young people support, is also being planned. ‘excuse’ for committing rape, such as beliefs in schools and youth groups. This includes that the way a victim dressed impacted the hiring of nine additional workers The programme’s outcomes correspond the likelihood of being attacked, being for their crisis centres, and developing to the Relationships, sexual health and drunk, or even what kind of relationship a resource pack for schools. Titled the parenthood strand of the Curriculum for they had with their attacker prior to the ‘Sexual Violence Prevention Education’ Excellence, and early evaluations show that rape. These preconceived ideas also result project, it builds on programmes developed sessions are leading to improved knowledge in survivors delaying getting the help they by centres in their network, including and attitudes. Rape Crisis Scotland is happy need, or taking the matter to the police. the Glasgow ROSEY project (a service to accept requests for sessions in schools. Their next campaign was ‘Not Ever’, which that offers awareness raising workshops Please contact: ran as a TV advert in Scotland in 2010, within schools and youth groups). [email protected] and continued their work in changing for further information. After trialling draft materials with partner public attitudes to rape. The campaign agencies and teachers, sessions were also engaged young people in schools, trialled and content finalised. The where resources were used to generate Contacts: educational support pack includes discussion both offline and online. • Helpline: Phone free any day between 6pm materials for varying age groups on the and midnight on 08088 01 03 02 or if you The in-house campaign, ‘False Allegations’, topics of: gender; consent; what is sexual are deaf or hard of hearing on minicom addressed the idea that ‘crying rape’ is violence; sexualisation; social media; number 0141 353 3091 a common occurrence, when in reality impact and support needs; and how false allegations occur with no more can we help prevent sexual violence? • Email support: [email protected]

www.eis.org.uk 23 CONTACTS Headquarters

Edinburgh General Secretary Assistant Further & Higher Employment, Tel: 0131 225 6244 - Fax: 0131 220 3151 Larry Flanagan Secretaries Education Officer Health & Safety e-mail: [email protected] - [email protected] Drew Morrice David Belsey Officer Membership Tel: 0131 220 2268 Accountant Louise Wilson Dave McGinty Membership e-mail: [email protected] Colin Mackenzie Ken Wimbor Education & www.eis.org.uk Equality Officer Andrea Bradley

Area Offices

Dundee Edinburgh Glasgow 310 Broughty Ferry Road, Dundee, DD4 7NJ 46 Moray Place, Edinburgh EH3 6BH 6 Clairmont Gardens, Glasgow G3 7LW Tel: 0138 245 8270 - Fax: 0138 244 3144 Tel: 0131 225 3155 - Fax: 0131 220 3151 Tel: 0141 353 3595 - Fax: 0141 332 2778 Officer: Clare Stephen Officer: Leah Franchetti Officer: Stephen McCrossan e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Aberdeen, Dundee, Fife, Perth & Kinross, Scottish Borders, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, FELA Colleges: Dundee & Angus, Fife College, North Lanarkshire, Stirling Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire. Perth FELA Colleges: Borders, Coatbridge, New FELA Colleges: West College Scotland College Lanarkshire, Forth Valley Officer: Karen Barclay Officer: Frank Healy e-mail: [email protected] Officer: Terry Gray e-mail: [email protected] Aberdeenshire, Angus, Highland, Moray, Orkney, e-mail: [email protected] Argyll & Bute, Glasgow, Western Isles. Shetland East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian FELA Colleges: Glasgow Clyde College, Lews FELA Colleges: North East Scotland, Inverness, FELA Colleges: Edinburgh College, Newbattle Castle, Glasgow Kelvin, City of Glasgow Moray, North Highland, Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Orkney, Abbey, West Lothian Officer: Alan Scott Shetland e-mail: [email protected] Dumfries & Galloway, East Ayrshire, North Learning Representatives Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire Ayrshire College, Dumfries & For all your CPD questions and information find your nearest Learning Rep online at FELA Colleges: www.eis.org.uk or e-mail: [email protected] Galloway, South Lanarkshire EIS telephone Helpline Legal Helpline: 0141 332 2887

Local Association Secretaries - full contact details can be found at www.eis.org.uk

Aberdeen City East Lothian Moray South Lanarkshire Grant Bruce Gael Gillan Susan Slater Bill Ramsay Office: 01224 538070 Office: 01620 829010 Tel: 01343 557942 Office: 01698 452769 [email protected] [email protected] Mobile: 07811 347905 [email protected] [email protected] Aberdeenshire East Renfrewshire Stirling Pat Flanagan Alan Munro North Ayrshire William Dick Office: 01569 762626 Office: 0141 881 8219 Gordon Smith School: 01786 443239 [email protected] [email protected] Office: 01563 574090 [email protected] [email protected] Angus Edinburgh West Dunbartonshire David Drysdale Alison Thornton North Lanarkshire Stewart Paterson 01307 466683 Office: 0131 225 3474 Ricky Cullen Office: 01389 772073 [email protected] Mobile: 07773 234752 Office: 0141 332 3202 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Argyll & Bute West Lothian Billy Marshall Falkirk Orkney Islands Elsie Aitken School: 01369 705010 Margaret Smith Jim Lawson School: 01501 770208 Mobile: 07807 639011 Office: 01324 506698 School: 01856 850660 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Western Isles Clackmannanshire Fife Perth & Kinross Richard Fraser Gavin Hunter Cathy Grant Patricia Duncan School: 01851 704481 Mobile: 07515 985596 Office: 01592 657710 Tel: 01738 450467 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Dumfries & Galloway Glasgow Renfrewshire John Dennis Hugh Donnelly Brian McGovern Direct: 01387 261590 Office: 0141 572 0550 Office: 0141 889 9022 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Dundee Highland Scottish Borders Kevin Nolan Andrew Stewart Watson Crawford Mobile: 07577 689630 Office: 01349 884750 07894 049157 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] East Ayrshire Inverclyde Shetland Islands Bryce Wilson Thomas Tracey Steve Davidson EIS Financial Services Office: 01292 551100 Home: 01475 725124 [email protected] Mobile: 07970 489558 [email protected] If you would like to arrange to speak South Ayrshire to your EIS-FS consultant, please [email protected] Midlothian Mairi Raeburn tel: 0141 332 8004 East Dunbartonshire Sonia Kordiak Mobile: 07907 022830 Kenneth Brown Mobile: 07973 394715 [email protected] email: [email protected] - Office: 0141 237 1757 [email protected] www.eisfs.co.uk [email protected]

24 The Scottish Educational Journal Would you like to advertise in the SEJ? Classifieds Do you have a holiday home to let, items to sell or are you looking for something that a colleague might be able to help with? What are you waiting for? Members of the EIS can place box ads for as little as 20p per word. Contact us at [email protected] or call 0131 225 6244 and see if we can help you out.

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www.eis.org.uk 25 Interesting Times for Colleges

In recent years, the government’s far reaching plans for the FE sector were overshadowed by the furore around funding cuts. Funding now seems to have stabilised (albeit below previous levels) allowing more attention to be focused on other important matters.

The government’s plans for the FE Separate to the Post-16 Education Act, practice’ in the FE sector. The event also sector are so fundamental that they the government’s acceptance of the set a policy for no redundancies within needed a change in the law to realise Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) the sector – as parts of the public sector them and thus the Post-16 Education decision to consider FE Colleges in have already experienced in Scotland. Bill was passed last year. It should be Scotland as public bodies from April The Conference also made EIS-FELA remembered that the rationale for the 2014 onwards, thus classifies employees Constitutional changes to ensure government’s proposals for improving as public sector workers. Whilst this is that each FE region has at least governance and for good news for staff, one representative on the EIS-FELA national bargaining were it does add financial The re-establishment Executive Committee. There is no doubt first pushed by the EIS. constraints to colleges that national bargaining will bring of national bargaining which may lead to the ‘Regionalisation’ is the additional work and responsibilities use of ‘arm’s length moniker often given will have a significant to the EIS-FELA Executive Committee, trusts’; an area of to the government’s but it will also bring opportunities to effect on the terms and potential concern. FE programme. improve members’ working lives. Regionalisation is the conditions of members These issues facing National Bargaining and the Post- process of turning the FE sector come 16 Education Act both give trade forty or so independent colleges across with each of their own challenges and unions a clear role within the Scotland into thirteen FE regions, each opportunities for members and the EIS FE sector. It is for the EIS-FELA with its own Regional College or network collectively. It is the role of EIS-FELA Executive to take Conference policies of assigned colleges. This has led to Annual Conference to develop policies forward and use them to shape a rash of college mergers, bringing a to address these for the FE sector. and improve the FE sector for the considerable amount of change for The 2014 Conference determined benefit of staff and students alike. students and staff alike. Mergers often EIS-FELA policy in dealing with any pay take many years to bed down, and The refreshed EIS-FELA Executive harmonisation that national bargaining substantial challenges lie ahead. Committee membership will help brings and it reaffirmed the long-standing build stronger links with members Two new Regional Strategic Bodies will goal of a return to national bargaining in all regions and they remain the become operational over the summer for lecturers, based upon conditions driving force of any effective union. to fund FE provision and coordinate of service and salaries that are ‘best Interesting times lie ahead. ‘Assigned Colleges’ in Glasgow and the Highlands & Islands multi-college FE Regions. Time will tell how things will play out in these regions – especially with the unique region of the Highlands & Islands. The Post-16 Education Act also amends the statutory basis under which colleges are governed. This summer will see the changeover to the new basis – with Regional Chairs playing a significant role. The Act also gave the government the means of imposing national bargaining on the FE sector. Colleges and trade unions met through much of 2013 and tentatively agreed a voluntary national bargaining – which has since been agreed to by EIS-FELA members in a national ballot. The re-establishment of national bargaining will have a significant effect on the terms and conditions of members. It may also give an opportunity to explore other issues that affect the workplace, with a view to making the FE sector a better place to work and study within.

26 The Scottish Educational Journal Photography: www.mkjphotography.co.uk EIS Members to the Fore at STUC Congress The 117th Annual Congress of the Scottish Trades Union Congress took place in the Caird Hall, Dundee during the recent Spring break.

The principal theme of this year’s to be challenged effectively, trade She explained: “More and more families, Congress focused on the STUC’s unions would need to coordinate their particularly as a result of welfare cuts, ‘A Just Scotland Campaign’ which campaigns and act collectively. are being shoved into desperate straits, represents the trade union movement’s blighting lives and the future of an contribution to the referendum debate. entire generation.” Annie concluded it was essential that myths which sought First up for the EIS was Nick McKerrell to blame the poor for poverty had no who successfully moved the composite influence on education policy or practice. Motion on zero-hours contracts. The Motion called for an end to the use The Congress included contributions of zero and short hours’ contracts and a question/answer session in education and the public sector, from Alex Salmond (First Minister) but also in companies seeking and Johann Lamont (Leader of publicly procured contracts. the Scottish Labour Party). Tommy Castles moved the Motion on Nick rejected the Orwellian double Scottish Education and the Independence Helen Connor questioned the First speak of employers who sought to dress Referendum and highlighted a number Minister on why “Scottish further up the casualisation and exploitation of key priorities for the EIS, post the education students should have any faith of workers as ‘flexible working’. He Referendum in September, including in a future post Referendum government gave examples, including Edinburgh “nursery education for all 3-5 year given the severe cuts inflicted on the University who keep approximately olds; class size reductions; and FE sector” and sought a reassurance 2,500 workers on zero-hours contracts. guaranteed funding for all children that those cuts would be reversed. Moving the EIS Motion covering the work with additional support needs.” The Labour leader was questioned in of the Wood Commission for ‘Developing He said: “You have to properly resource a similar vein as to Labour’s “plans for Scotland’s Young Workforce’, Phil Jackson a Just Education System yet we face cuts the future funding of FE in Scotland stressed the need for the proposals to school budgets which will inevitably especially in relation to the recent to be properly resourced: “We call for damage the quality of the Education Woods Commission” and specifically significant investment to achieve the provided for children and young adults. whether she could guarantee that laudable aims of the Wood Commission. We also need to ensure there are fees for FE would remain free? It would be fair to say that neither “Asking staff in schools and college sufficient numbers of support staff who politician provided the straightforward to play a bigger role in ‘re-engaging play a vital role in the Education System.” reassurance being sought by the EIS! the disengaged’, spending time with businesses, participating in regional EIS nominees Helen Connor, Larry college boards, providing work experience Flanagan and Ken Wimbor were again and simulation, producing activity successful in securing places on the agreements etcetera, cannot be done by STUC General Council for 2014-2015. teachers and lecturers who are already overworked and under resourced.” Larry Flanagan seconded a Motion on Public Sector Pay where an EIS amendment seeking to build public sector unity had been accepted. Larry Helen Connor joined the debate on the underlined how talk of economic Children and Young People Bill to stress recovery sounded particularly “hollow concerns about the role of the named to many public sector workers”, person, and seconded a Motion on particularly against a backdrop of Teacher Wellbeing with a very personal banking bonus excess alongside account of her recent experience even more MP expenses scandals. of returning to work after illness. Larry referred to the public sector Annie McCrae supported a Motion pension strike as an example of the on Welfare Reforms and the effects “potential power of the trade union on poverty. Annie referred to the movement to act together” and suggested 21% of Scottish children living that if public sector pay restraint was in poverty as “a scandal.”

photography: Louis Flood/STUC and Alan Richardson www.eis.org.uk 27 SEJ FORUM

CfE Concerns for Education decreed: “Curriculum for Dear Editor Excellence is about freeing up teachers to deliver the best quality education to have not answered one single outcome We are now at the end of the first cycle of help young people succeed in the global properly. Who in their right mind devised the introduction of the CFE examinations workplace, and about assisting in the a system where candidates can actually and without doubt this is one of the development of skills. It is not about be penalised for working at “A” Grade hardest years I have endured in my fifteen burdensome paperwork.” standard? year teaching career to date. Nothing could be further from the Although there are some amendments I started my career in education when truth. The SQA have devised a ridiculous to the verification process, it still remains Higher Still was being introduced, but assessment system, which simply cannot bureaucratic and very time consuming. at least there were various “support be completed within the nationally Departments have been verified three packages” put in place to ensure the agreed 35 hour week. In my own subject, times this session. There is no doubt it is curriculum was in place. Over the last Geography, I have summarised the because of numbers being presented; with year the SQA has continually shirked its assessment outcomes which are required more than 12 pupils in your presentation responsibilities and dumped them on the for Higher. There are twenty in total then you seem to be “targeted” for shoulders of already overworked teachers. which candidates must complete across verification. The main issue and of critical concern the three units to achieve unit passes, I sincerely hope the EIS will continue to to secondary teachers across Scotland and allow progression to the final exam. push the SQA and the Scottish Government is the assessment process devised by Many of these outcomes are not actually to simplify this process and make it more the SQA. This is a system which is totally assessed in the external examination accessible, less burdensome and user unsustainable. which is also farcical. friendly for both teachers and pupils alike. The current SQA assessment process At present a candidate can get over Yours sincerely is completely contrary to the aims of CFE. 90% for a unit assessment but can Name and address provided In June of 2013 the Cabinet Secretary still be awarded a fail, because they

New publication on public Andy Daly is hanging up his service Management English jotters after 36 years Dr Robert (Bobby) Mackie of University teaching at of the West of Scotland’s Business School Larbert High is providing his insight into the country’s School. He has public service sector with his new book, been the School Managing Scotland’s Public Services. Rep for 30 years Dr Mackie has been a member of the and was honoured to receive an FEIS EIS since 1978, working at Bell College, Dr Mackie said: “I am delighted by the at the AGM in 2013. The school held Glasgow Caledonian University and response I have already received to the an event at the Park Hotel to celebrate currently at the University of the West of book. The book marries important theory his retirement and was attended by Scotland Hamilton Campus. with real life practice, which I hope will many colleagues, past and present. The book, which was officially launched make it the go-to text for public service The Local Association was represented at an event at the University’s Hamilton managers, Further and Higher education by Margaret Smith. We all wish Andy Campus in March, is aimed at those managers, and all others with an interest a long, happy and healthy retirement. involved or with an interest in public in the ways in which public services are service management. managed.”

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28 The Scottish Educational Journal On Children’s home life might be coming across to have “wasted” her drawings, rather than teaching staff. But apart from that? nurtured her early attempts at creativity. Creativity At Place2Be we worked therapeutically More than that, there was a sense of things with a 10 year old girl in P7, during her being joined up and put back together Jonathan Wood, National Manager, last year at primary school. This girl was again. Something was being made sense Scotland for Place2Be explains something of an outsider, usually unkempt of. why creativity is so important. and awkward, gaining a bit of a reputation This girl has a difficult road ahead. She We all know the potential children have locally for hanging around the town with does not have a supportive family. She is for creativity. The outpouring of drawings, the older, more rebellious kids. unlikely to be a high achiever at school. stories, songs, dance routines, and But in school she was monosyllabic, But the work she did with us had started playground games, as they get to grips and not really achieving much: at best to make a difference to how she related to with the basics, can be hard to manage. ignored and at worst difficult, to the point others. A friend of my daughter’s used to bring of exclusion. In her sessions with us, in Being accepted at her real emotional some of her drawings to our house where a room full of art materials and toys, she level and not judged as failing then, meant the walls were always papered with layers was very reluctant to engage with anything to her that she was essentially ok. ‘Re- of artwork, because her mum used to except a baby doll. doing’ an earlier stage through play – the “waste” them. Still it goes on. An afternoon There was no exuberant creativity going sleeping baby, the cutting and sticking with my three year old grandson cutting on here. Just a very low level tucking the – gave her a small chance to repair and and sticking resulted in an indeterminate baby up, getting her out and putting her replace something missing. mass of glue, magazine and crayon to back to bed again. “Baby needs to sleep,” As children do, we must take their play hang up somewhere. she said. “Very tired.” Not much else. seriously. It is, as Robert Louis Stevenson “What is it?” I asked. One day, she decided to do some says, the “serious work” of childhood. “A kangaroo,” he said. cutting and sticking. It became the regular activity while baby slept, not much more Perhaps he’d seen different kinds of sophisticated than my grandson’s work: www.place2be.org.uk kangaroo to the ones I was familiar with. cut something out – glue it to something If you would like Jonathan to address any But can all this inventiveness tell us else – glue something else on that. emotional health/wellbeing issues that about more than simply the exuberance There was a sense for the therapist you’re currently challenged by, in your and liveliness of our children? Obviously of a much younger child in the room – classroom or the wider school environment as a parent you read your children’s stories someone who had somehow missed a - get in touch with the Editor and we’ll pass at parents’ evenings for clues about how stage; someone whose mum was likely to your enquiry direct to Jonathan.

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across down 1 Spleen, for example, was soundly dipped under good property (8,5) 1 In reality the polypeptide factory existed (2,5) 8 Long way off in pan loaf arrangement (4) 2 She sings at Christmas time and is sung (5) 9 Scalper given credit and all in French (6,4) 3 Let liar compose the truth (7) 10 Round copper left and right, to do with the eye (6) 4 Safe Authority looking after world peace (8,7) 11 Inert rig out for someone who is shy perhaps (8) 5 Got the segregated quarter of the city (6) 12 Conforming to a standard, she illuminated unknown character (9) 6 The consequence of going to new class following 14 Starts from an inherent lacking and do not succeed (4) geometry say (9) 15 Singular when, at a previous time, one included carbon (4) 7 Being active during the day can ruin lad! (7) 16 Northern urge produces epicurean delicacy (6,3) 13 Raincoat protecting apple and PC (9) 20 Merci translated Yukon hat! (5-3) 15 Go to hell too and find man who did not trust his wife (7) 21 Short 20 across in thin scientific study (6) 17 Bill as company ordered red pepper sauce (7) 23 Rations taken into consideration (10) 18 North grey French one manufactured armaments (7) 24 Doctrine educated inherent want (4) 19 Small scale diversion with a lisp! (6) 25 Halt gloomy hop and develop science of 10 across (13) 22 Dance to sunbed then leave (5)

atkins, E W di id nb v u a r Crossword 80 answers: Down: 1 Oedema, 2 Edgy, 3 Atom bomb, 4 Esso in, 5 Gold D g : h r Across: : 7 Vendetta, 9 Soothe, 10 Levy, 11 Misconduct, 12 medals, 6 Choc-ices, 8 Asset stripper, 13 Trench coat, 15 e n

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EIS Financial Services Limited / Registered in Scotland No. SC122216 / Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority EIS Financial Services Limited / Registered in Scotland No. SC122216 / Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority A young person with autism isn’t the same as a young person with autism.

Can you tell the differences between these two young people Every young person at New Struan School has a Personalised with autism? Possibly not, but at New Struan School we can. Learning Plan. Places range from 52-week placements to day-only New Struan is run by Scottish Autism, Scotland’s leading autism places and we work with young people from across Scotland. charity. It’s designed for autism and purpose-built to provide To find out more visit www.newstruanschool.org/individual or the sort of specialist learning environment that mainstream you can contact Head Teacher Jasmine Miller for an initial chat education can’t always deliver. on 01259 222000. Here we use our 35 years of experience and specialist training If you know a pupil with autism who might benefit from this unique to get to the core of an individual’s autism. Our teachers have learning environment, please get in touch. Places are limited, but the expertise to reduce a pupil’s anxieties and to break down for some young people going to New Struan School could be the barriers to learning. only alternative to going nowhere at all.

Phone: 01259 222000 | Web: newstruanschool.org/individual | Email: [email protected]

Press Client: Scottish Autism Doc: 130370 SA-SEJ-FP-297x210-10.01.14 WC: NSS Referral Size: 297mm x 210mm A/C: SB AW: BG Publication: SEJ Date: 09.01.14 Version: 3