News / Parent councils oppose S4 education change
PLANS by Shetland Islands Council to reduce the number of subjects to be studied by S4 pupils from seven to six have been strongly opposed by all relevant parent councils in the isles.
The parents said they wanted to “avoid a race to the bottom” and argued that the choice of just six subjects for 13 and 14 year olds was far too narrow.
Calder said reducing the number of subjects to six was the board’s “preferred position” but it was “not a policy, and it is not a decision that has been made”.
He added: “For a number of different learning and teaching reasons and in the spirit of Curriculum of Excellence we are proposing to move to a six subject option model from 2017/18.
“We welcome engagement from all stakeholders on our plans. The Shetland learning project board will consider the views of all stakeholders.”
The proposed changes are part of implementing the Curriculum of Excellence, which also includes the introduction of vocational courses for S4 pupils in partnership with Shetland’s two colleges.
On Tuesday, parents praised the council for piloting engineering and health and care courses for pupils keen to leave school after S4, but warned that this should not be to the detriment of those choosing a more academic path.
Anderson High School parent council chairwoman Frances Valente said the move could have “terrible” consequences.
“For example, my son’s cousin in England is in the same age group, and she is doing eleven subjects at her school,” she said.
“When it was eight subjects for standard grade here a few years back, I thought it was not many, but six is just ridiculous.”
She warned that pupils were now most likely to drop subjects such as languages, arts and history, adding that education was not just for gaining access to university courses.
“In ten years time, I think, the educational situation in Shetland will be appalling, because whole subjects will be missing as pupil have not taken them in sufficient numbers to make it worthwhile having teachers,” she said.
“We feel that nothing much can be done about this because this is a decision that is being taken without going even to councillors.”
Calder said that under the new Curriculum of Excellence there was not enough time to teach eight subjects to gain the new National 5 qualifications.
In the past senior education started at S3 level – allowing pupils two years to study eight subjects to standard grade level.
Now a young person moves into the senior phase at fourth year, allowing for only six subjects to be studied in the timeframe available.
“To reassure parents,” Calder said, “there is still the capacity to collect a number of qualifications over fourth, fifth and sixth year: nationals, highers, advanced highers and also SVQs and national certificates from the new academies at the Shetland College and NAFC Marine Centre.”
“Often a young people pick up a higher in a subject they have not done the National 5 in.”
Hilary Burgess, parents council chair at Sandwick junior high, responded: “We would prefer to investigate options which make use of the S3 year to spread the work for nationals over two years rather than one and which enable more learning options to be retained.”
The council is holding a number drop in sessions next week to gauge views from parents on the proposed changes.
They are at:
- Anderson High School, 16 Sept, 3pm to 4pm;
- Brae High School, 16 Sept, 2.30pm to 4pm;
- Sandwick Junior High School, 16 Sept, 2.30pm to 4pm;
- Aith Junior High School, 17 Sept, 3.10pm to 4.10pm;
- Mid Yell Junior High School, 17 Sept, 2.30pm to 4pm.
Written submissions can be sent to Shetland Learning Partnership, Children’s Services, Hayfield House, Hayfield Lane, Lerwick, ZE1 0QD, or by e-mail to robin.calder@shetland.gov.uk
In November 2013 the Shetland Learning Partnership was given delegated authority to implement these and other changes. More information can be found at www.shetland.gov.uk/education/Shetland-Learning-Partnership.asp
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