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Specialist schools cause division Specialist schools cause division
(1 day 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, with the creation of science academies.Labour wants the number of such schools to increase, with the creation of science academies.
However, the Lib Dems believe the plan could lead to a divided system and the introduction of selection "through the back door".However, the Lib Dems believe the plan could lead to a divided system and the introduction of selection "through the back door".
Yet Labour insisted the idea is part of Scotland "staying ahead of the game".Yet Labour insisted 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.
I don't want to see a two-class education system in Scotland Iain Smith MSPI don't want to see a two-class education system in Scotland Iain Smith MSP
However, the first minister wants to see about six science academies created.However, the first minister wants to see about six science academies 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.
However, Iain Smith, the Lib Dem chairman of the parliament's education committee, said his party would not back Mr McConnell's plan.However, Iain Smith, the Lib Dem chairman of the parliament's education committee, said his party would not back Mr McConnell's plan.
"I think there is a threat that we are bringing in selection by the back door and that it will attract the best and most motivated pupils," he said."I think there is a threat that we are bringing in selection by the back door and that it will attract the best and most motivated pupils," he said.
"Children from the most deprived backgrounds, who we most need to help, will be left behind in poor schools."Children from the most deprived backgrounds, who we most need to help, will be left behind in poor schools.
"I don't want to see a two-class education system in Scotland - I want to see excellence in all schools for all pupils.""I don't want to see a two-class education system in Scotland - I want to see excellence in all schools for all pupils."
'Fair access''Fair access'
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.
"I don't think it would be best value for money," he said."I don't think it would be best value for money," he said.
"I worry that, if we're talking about half a dozen of these academies, where they would be placed to give pupils fair access to them.""I worry that, if we're talking about half a dozen of these academies, where they would be placed to give pupils fair access to them."
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.