Scottish Conservative MSP Graham Simpson condemned the lack of subject choice for pupils in South Lanarkshire schools during a Scottish Parliament Education debate.
In South Lanarkshire only 4 schools are offering 8 subjects at S4. This is having a knock-on effect of the restricted choice on Higher and Advanced Higher and schools in poorer areas are suffering most.
The number of choices offered at S4 goes from nine at Stonelaw High and eight at Trinity, St Andrew’s and St Bride’s and Holy Cross. Seven subjects are offered at Calderglen, Calderside, Duncranrig, Larkhall, Lesmahagow, St John Ogilivie, Strathaven and Uddingston, to six subjects at Biggar, Carluke, Hamilton Grammar and Lanark.
Evidence submitted to the Education Committee at the Scottish Parliament by Professor Jim Scott revealed that a very small number of schools across Scotland allow 8 subjects in S4. The majority of state schools are now offering only 6 subjects. The SNP is in danger of failing a ‘whole generation’ of pupils, according to evidence given to the Scottish Parliament education committee’s inquiry into subject choice reduction. Giving evidence to the committee today, Professor Jim Scott said “we are in danger of a whole generation going past who have not had a good experience in education.”
Despite the SNP Government’s claims that their curriculum changes mean pupils have more time to study skills and vocational training, Professor Scott said “there is considerable variability in this…I really find it difficult to say to you that anything is improving at all.” He added: “there is little evidence of new infill in terms of vocational or other courses.”
Graham Simpson said “I am extremely worried that only 4 state schools across South Lanarkshire offer 8 subjects at S4.
“Why should a kid at Biggar not have the same opportunities as someone at St Andrew’s and St Bride’s in East Kilbride? Every child across South Lanarkshire should have the same opportunities.
“Children are being failed by lack of subject choice. This is completely unacceptable. This will be impacting the futures of our children, particularly pupils attending schools in poorer areas. While Nicola Sturgeon is busy pushing for another independence referendum, experts have fully exposed the extent of the subject choice crisis affecting so many schools across Scotland.
“Parents simply do not buy the argument that restricting subject choice is beneficial. Clearly, limitations in subject choice restrict the choices a pupil can make and can lead them into choosing subjects in which they have little interest. This can affect their motivation and overall attainment. And I would contend, can affect them for the rest of their lives.
“Instead of giving statements on independence, Nicola Sturgeon should be explaining why experts think the SNP’s education reforms are failing a generation of pupils.”