Schools to adopt new curriculum structure
DETAILS of a new common curriculum structure which will be introduced across Shetland’s secondary schools from May 2018 in tandem with an asymmetric period week have been revealed.
Secondary four pupils will continue to study seven subjects after controversial plans to reduce the number to six were shelved.
Between secondary four and six, youths will be given a range of pathways and programmes to choose from, from school based subjects to apprenticeships and volunteering schemes.
National Parent Forum of Scotland chairwoman and Shetland representative Fiona Nicholson said she was pleased that secondary four pupils will still be able to study seven subjects as it will give a “better range of choice”.
She added that discussions between Shetland Islands Council and a range of a stakeholders over the new curriculum structure were “really valuable”.
Under the plans, the secondary one to three curriculum structure will allow for greater flexibility to develop programmes more in tune with “learners needs and their local circumstances”.
In secondary three, pupils will be able to personalise their learning with up to nine options. Some of the work done in third year will go towards their studies for the National Four and Five qualifications attained in secondary four.
SIC’s director of children’s services Helen Budge said discussions have been held over a number of months to fine-tune the structure.
“A huge amount of work has taken place during 2016 engaging with and listening to the views of all our stakeholders, including young people, teachers, parents and school managers,” she said.
“This decision will provide clarity for our schools and enables us all to move forward to a new curriculum structure and curriculum timetable from May 2018. It will also provide consistency and cohesion for our young people where transitions regularly take place during their secondary experience.”
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As previously reported, all secondary schools in Shetland will work to a 33-period a week timetable from May 2018.
Children will attend school between Monday and Thursday for slightly longer than present before going home earlier on Friday afternoon.
It will see pupils have periods of 50 minutes, while the amount of time children will spend in school will be the same.
The system is already active at Aith Junior High School and Whalsay School, while it has also been utilised in some other local authorities in Scotland.
Parent council members have spoken in support of the new timetable structure, particularly in relation to kids leaving school earlier on Fridays.
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