Margaret Smith

18 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools it has contacted since August 2010 to monitor the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence and how many times it has contacted each of these schools.

Answer · Michael Russell: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-37644 on 2 December 2010 All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2…

18 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities it has met since August 2010 to monitor the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence and how many such meetings have taken place.

Answer · Michael Russell: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-37644 on 2 December 2010 All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at <a href="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2…

18 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities it has contacted since August 2010 to monitor the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence and how many times contact has been made.

Answer · Michael Russell: We continue to seek and receive regular feedback from local authorities and schools on progress with the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), which is now a reality in our schools.</p> <p >The CfE Management Board, which includes representation…

18 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how it has monitored the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence since August 2010.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Management Board is using a range of evidence from partners to monitor and advise on implementation matters. The board meets every two months. At each meeting, the programme is reviewed and progress published timescales is …

18 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received representations from the Association for Science Education Scotland regarding the need for more guidance on implementing and teaching the Curriculum for Excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects and, if so, what the (a) nature and (b) …

Answer · Michael Russell: We have received no representations from the Association for Science Education Scotland concerning additional guidance for Curriculum for Excellence. The Association has the opportunity to discuss their views through their membership of the Science and Engine…

18 Nov 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is planning to provide additional Curriculum for Excellence guidance for teachers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Science and Engineering 21 action plan advisory group has identified the need to improve the accessibility of materials for teachers. The recommendations of the advisory group will sit alongside the work of other excellence groups on mathematics and techn…

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when the decision was taken not to pursue the introduction of the International Baccalaureate in schools and which stakeholders were notified.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Scottish Government considered the International Baccalaureate qualification in 2007 and concluded that future priority would be given to supporting the development and delivery of Scottish Baccalaureate qualifications. Schools and colleges continue to ha…

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the possibility of extending the Scottish Baccalaureate into subject areas beyond languages and science.

Answer · Michael Russell: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-35971 on 22 September 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at: </p> <p ><a href="http://www.scottish.parli…

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will keep the potential for the introduction of the International Baccalaureate under review.

Answer · Michael Russell: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-36432 on 1 October 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at: </p> <p ><a href="http://www.scottish.parliame…

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what universities it has consulted regarding the suitability of the International Baccalaureate as a university entrance qualification; on how many occasions they were consulted, and when this consultation took place.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Scottish Government has not consulted universities on the International Baccalaureate and entry requirements.</p>

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what formal analysis it has made of the demand for the International Baccalaureate in schools; when this was carried out; what the findings of this assessment were, and whether these findings are available publicly.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Scottish Government has not carried out a formal analysis of the demand for the International Baccalaureate qualification. However, schools and colleges continue to have the flexibility to offer qualifications which best suit the needs of their pupils, in…

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what stakeholders it has consulted on the suitability of the International Baccalaureate for use in schools; on how many occasions they were consulted, and when this took place.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Scottish Government scoped the provision of the International Baccalaureate in 2007 and consulted with two of the three independent schools offering the qualification at that time.</b></p>

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what stakeholders have been consulted in analysing the Scottish Baccalaureate; on how many occasions they were consulted, and when this took place.

Answer · Michael Russell: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-36424 on 1 October 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Busines…

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has made of the International Baccalaureate’s suitability for use in schools; when this was carried out, what the findings of it were and whether the findings are available publicly.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Scottish Government scoped the provision of the International Baccalaureate qualification in 2007 and consulted with independent schools offering the qualification at that time. This informed subsequent advice to ministers on the qualification. The Scotti…

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has made of the Scottish Baccalaureate; when this was carried out, what the findings of it were and whether the findings are available publicly.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is currently conducting an evaluation of the Scottish Baccalaureates. A wide range of issues are being considered including the content of the qualification, uptake in the first year, quality assurance, approaches t…

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the new national guidelines on child protection, as is outlined in its 2010-11 programme for government.

Answer · Adam Ingram: The new national guidance on child protection is due to be published in the late autumn 2010.</b></p>

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when the Activity Agreement pilots will be completed and when it will publish the evaluation results.

Answer · Keith Brown: The Activity Agreement (AA) Pilots will run until 31 March 2011. We are in the process of appointing an external contractor to carry out an independent evaluation of the AA pilots that will include the identification of good practice. The evaluation is due to…

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what form the improved advice and information for graduates outlined in its 2010-11 programme for government will take, (b) when this will become available and (c) how much funding will be allocated to this provision.

Answer · Michael Russell: (a) A new e-guidance facility and improved Shared Graduates Vacancy Service (SVS) website are being developed by the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Service Scotland, They are also developing an interactive version of What Do Graduates Do? (WDGD) to …

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many additional graduate placements and internships, as outlined in its 2010-11 programme for government, will be created, (b) how will these graduate placements and internships will be funded, (c) how much will they cost and (d) when they will be made available.

Answer · Michael Russell: (a) Over 750 new graduate placements are expected to be created over the next three years.</p> <p >(b) The Scottish Government has provided funding for 40 placements managed by the Centre for Scottish Public Policy (CSPP) under its adopt an intern programme.…

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive (a) when it will establish the new entrepreneurial programme for young people leaving school, college and university in summer 2010 as outlined in its 2010-11 programme for government, (b) what form it will take, (c) how many places will be available annually (d) and how much funding will…

Answer · Keith Brown: The Scottish Government recognises that investment in entrepreneurial learning is essential to increasing our business start up rate so we can to achieve and sustain higher economic growth in Scotland.</p> <p >(a) The first group of young people start on 4 …

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional training and volunteer places for young people leaving school, college and university in summer 2010 will be provided, and how much spending will be allocated to providing these places, as is outlined in its 2010-11 programme for government.

Answer · Michael Russell: A £6.5 million package of measures for summer leavers was announced on 17 June 2010 and includes:</b></p> <p >- a minimum of 800 targeted pathway opportunities;</p> <p >- a £1,000 incentive for up to 2,000 employers who take on a modern apprentice who is …

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish an Information, Advice and Guidance Strategy to encourage and support people to access learning and employment, as is outlined in its 2010-11 programme for government.

Answer · Keith Brown: The Scottish Government is committed to the universal delivery of Career Information, Advice and Guidance, including targeted support for those that need it most.</p> <p >The Scottish Government will publish a Career Information, Advice and Guidance Strategy…

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish a revised Skills Strategy, as outlined in its 2010-11 programme for government.

Answer · Keith Brown: I am pleased to announce that the refreshed Skills Strategy, <i >Skills for Scotland: Accelerating the Recovery and Increasing Sustainable Economic Growth</i>, is being published today. Copies will be available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre - …

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish guidance on how to manage exclusion, as outlined in its 2010-11 programme for government.

Answer · Keith Brown: The Scottish Government will publish draft guidance, <i >Included, Engaged and Involved Part 2: a positive approach to managing exclusions</i> on the Scottish Government website on 6 October 2010 for national consultation.</p>

21 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce the regulations to establish a maximum primary one class size of 25 and when these will come into force.

Answer · Michael Russell: Regulations to establish a primary one class size maximum of 25 were laid on 16 September 2010. Subject to parliamentary approval they will come into force on 11 October 2010 and will apply for the 2011-12 academic year.</b></p>

20 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what stakeholders it has consulted regarding its proposals to cease the collection and publication of a range of national education statistics; when the consultation was undertaken; what the findings were, and whether the findings are available publicly.

Answer · Michael Russell: Users of Scottish Government Schools Statistics have been invited to express their views on draft proposals for changes to the scope and format of schools statistics. The online survey is available on the Scottish Government website between 25 August and 28 S…

20 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities it has consulted regarding its proposals to cease the collection and publication of a range of national education statistics; when the consultation was undertaken; what the findings were, and whether the findings are available publicly.

Answer · Michael Russell: Users of Scottish Government Schools Statistics have been invited to express their views on draft proposals for changes to the scope and format of schools statistics. The online survey is available on the Scottish Government website between 25 August and 28 S…

20 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the number of man-hours that will be saved should its proposals to cease collection and publication of a range of national education statistics be enacted.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Scottish Government is clear it wishes to remove the burden it places on schools and teachers for statistics unless there is clear Scottish Government need. Whilst there may be some savings within Scottish Government, the focus of this proposal is to remo…

20 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what savings it has estimated that there will be for (a) local authorities and (b) if its proposals to cease the collection and publication of a range of national education statistics are enacted and from where these savings will come.

Answer · Michael Russell: The Scottish Government is clear it wishes to remove the burden it places on schools and teachers for statistics unless there is clear Scottish Government need. Financial and time savings resulting from this rationalisation will ultimately depend on the decis…

1 Sep 2010 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what rate of population of Scotland are estimated to be degree graduates (a) currently and (b) in each of the last five years.

Answer · Michael Russell: The following table shows the number and proportion of working age people (excluding those aged under 20) who hold a degree-level qualification. This information is drawn from the Annual Population Survey, for which the latest data covers January to December …