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Specialist schools cause division Specialist schools cause division
(about 1 hour later)
A major split is opening between the Labour Party and its coalition partners the Liberal Democrats over the future of specialist schools.A major split is opening between the Labour Party and its coalition partners the Liberal Democrats over the future of specialist schools.
Labour wants the number of such schools to increase.Labour wants the number of such schools to increase.
But the Lib Dems believe the plan could lead to a divided system where the bright are educated separately from the not-so-bright. However, the Lib Dems believe the plan could lead to a divided system where the bright are educated separately from the not-so-bright.
The Labour Party insists, however, the idea is part of Scotland "staying ahead of the game".The Labour Party insists, however, the idea is part of Scotland "staying ahead of the game".
The Lib Dems believe that specialist schools undermine the fundamental principle of comprehensive education.The Lib Dems believe that specialist schools undermine the fundamental principle of comprehensive education.
Scotland already has seven schools specialising in subjects like music, dance and sport.Scotland already has seven schools specialising in subjects like music, dance and sport.
Stimulate interestStimulate interest
But the Labour Party looks set to move things on with the introduction of science academies. However, the Labour Party looks set to move things on, with the introduction of science academies.
First Minister Jack McConnell wants to see about six created.First Minister Jack McConnell wants to see about six created.
Each would teach senior pupils Highers and Advanced Highers in physics, chemistry and biology.Each would teach senior pupils Highers and Advanced Highers in physics, chemistry and biology.
The aim is to stimulate interest and expertise in subjects which will be of vital importance to the Scottish economy this century.The aim is to stimulate interest and expertise in subjects which will be of vital importance to the Scottish economy this century.
The Lib Dems believe specialist schools will be divisiveBut Iain Smith, the Lib Dem chairman of the parliament's education committee, said his party would not back Mr McConnell's plan. The Lib Dems believe specialist schools will be divisiveIain Smith, the Lib Dem chairman of the parliament's education committee, said his party would not back Mr McConnell's plan.
There has also been criticism from Professor John Coggins, a member of the Scottish Science Advisory Council.There has also been criticism from Professor John Coggins, a member of the Scottish Science Advisory Council.
He said he welcomed more money for science education but believed specialist schools was not the way forward. He said he welcomed more money for science education but believed specialist schools were not the way forward.
Prof Coggins, who is also vice principal of Glasgow University, believes the top priority for money should be to update science courses in schools and update teachers' skills. Prof Coggins, who is also vice-principal of Glasgow University, believes the top priority for money should be to update science courses in schools and update teachers' skills.
However, the Labour Party has insisted that while Scotland's reputation for science and engineering is still world-class, in order for it to keep ahead of the game it needs to stretch its youngsters further. However, the Labour Party has insisted that while Scotland's reputation for science and engineering is still world class, in order for it to keep ahead of the game it needs to stretch its youngsters further.
But the Lib Dems claim the policy amounts to selection of pupils by the back door. The Lib Dems claim the policy amounts to selection of pupils by the back door.