18th October 2021
Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) was published in 2004 before being phased into Scottish schools. The idea behind CfE is that it aspires for children and young people (3-18 years old) to grow into successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. These four 'capacities' are recognised as being the high-level outcomes that all children and young people need to thrive in the 21st century. Based on this common philosophy, early years centres and primary and secondary schools have, over the years, been developing their own curriculum to help learners develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for life and work.
In 2020, Scotland invited the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to assess the implementation of CfE in pre-school centres and in primary and secondary schools to understand how the various curricula across Scotland have been designed and implemented. The OECD published its findings in June 2021 in its report Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence: Into the Future. Parents played an important part in the information and evidence collection process for the report. Members of the OECD team made virtual and actual school visits in which they interviewed parents. They also engaged with representatives from parental bodies, including Connect.
While the OECD found many strengths in CfE, they also pointed out that a number of changes were needed to improve the learning and opportunities for children and young people. Amongst the changes needed were improving the path between Broad General Education (3-15) and the Senior Phase (15-18) and improved alignment of assessment and qualifications with the aspirations of CfE. There were calls from parents and learners for an even stronger emphasis in the school curriculum on the preparation of children and young people for life and work than was the case in many current school practices. In recognising the important role that parents play in their child’s education, the OECD expressed concern that communication around CfE, including the complexity of examinations, remained confused, hindering its implementation and leaving CfE open to wide interpretations which overwhelm schools, learners and parents. They also reported parents’ views that documentation on CfE was ‘confused’ and ‘hard to find’, something supported by teachers and other practitioners.
In total, the OECD report set out 12 recommendations for change, all of which were accepted by the Scottish Government. As an initial response to these recommendations, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Shirley-Anne Somerville, announced on 22 June 2021 the intention to replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and consider a new specialist agency for both curriculum and assessment while also taking forward reform to Education Scotland, including removing the function of inspection from the agency.
I was appointed to act as an independent advisor to the Scottish Government to consider and advise on the implementation of the reform that will consider all functions currently delivered by both SQA and Education Scotland. I formally started work on 2 August and will be in post until the end of January 2022.
In taking on this role, I have put together an advisory group comprising practitioners and stakeholders representing over 50 organisations from across the education system and beyond. Parent bodies, including Connect, are part of this stakeholder group. With the support of the advisory group, I am taking forward the remit set which focuses largely on SQA and Education Scotland. I am having direct meetings with all stakeholder group members and have found it particularly useful to hear their concerns but also their views and ideas on what they think is needed for the future. I am also using this opportunity to explore how these changes will help to ensure that the current and future needs of all learners are well met, building on the best of what we now have and our experiences from the covid pandemic.
To help me do this, I have set up a national consultation which was launched on 30th September. The consultation is open to all who are interested in the future of Scottish education and I encourage all Connect members and the wider parental body in Scotland to complete the consultation document. This can be accessed through the education reform webpage.
The closing date for consultation responses is 26 November 2021.
I have hosted three of four twilight webinars for teachers, practitioners and anyone with an interest in education reform. The last of these general webinars will be held on 28 October and log-in details can be found on the webpage above.
However, I recognise the enormous interest from parents on the reform programme and will host a two-hour webinar specifically for parents on Wednesday 27 October commencing at 6.30pm. To book your free place, click here.
Beyond the formal consultation, I am keen to hear from anyone who feels that they have something to offer on the reform programme. Submissions can be sent to the email address EducationReform@gov.scot by 26 November and I will take all submissions into account in writing my independent report for the Cabinet Secretary.
The OECD report notes that the trust of parents and their genuine engagement in decision-making are critical elements in the success of CfE. I am keen to explore these, and other issues, with you at the webinar and through the other engagement opportunities I have offered in this article. I look forward to that engagement with as many of you as possible.
Professor Ken Muir
University of the West of Scotland
Independent Advisor to the Scottish Government