Glasgow pupils to get two extra days off before summer as teachers prepare for new curriculum
The Scottish Government, Cosla and teaching unions have agreed up to two additional in-service days this academic year. Glasgow City Council will now consult on dates.
Holy Cross Primary School in Glasgow. Schools across the city will close for up to two extra in-service days this academic year. · Photograph: Michal Klajban (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Children in Glasgow will have an extra two days off school before the summer holidays, it has been revealed.
The move is to give teachers time to prepare for major changes to the curriculum.
The Scottish Government and council body Cosla have agreed with teaching unions to allow up to two additional days this academic year when schools will be closed to pupils, so staff can train for the new curriculum.
Biggest change in a decade
An updated curriculum is being introduced across Scotland, and teachers have been sent draft materials to be tested and refined before final versions are circulated early next year.
The Scottish Government said more than 3,800 teachers, practitioners, council education leads and experts have so far registered an interest in reviewing the drafts and giving independent feedback.
"A significant milestone"
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: "This is a significant milestone in delivering the most substantial curriculum reform in a decade."
She said the draft materials build on the strengths of Curriculum for Excellence and respond to the OECD's call for greater clarity, stronger progression and a clearer focus on knowledge.
"Teachers must have appropriate time and support to prepare properly – investing in dedicated time now will ensure high-quality learning and teaching for young people once the updated curriculum is implemented," she said.
Ms McAllan said she had encouraged councils to align the additional days with existing school holidays to keep disruption to a minimum.
Glasgow to consult on dates
A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: "Glasgow welcomes the development of an additional two days in-service. This will allow Glasgow to provide valuable training to staff."
The council described the new Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC) as the biggest change to Scottish education since Curriculum for Excellence was introduced, and said it was vital that staff are supported to implement it.
"Glasgow will now work with staff, young people and parents in identifying the best dates for these additional in-set days," the spokesperson added.
What parents need to know
The exact dates have not yet been set. If councils follow the Education Secretary's advice, the extra days are likely to be placed next to existing holidays, such as the start or end of a term, rather than in the middle of a teaching week.
Parents are advised to look out for confirmation from their child's school or from Glasgow City Council once the dates are agreed, particularly if they need to arrange childcare.