is not to prime children for formal learning, but to develop their personalities, confidence and social skills
may incidentally convey some formal learning such as basic reading or arithmetic
not intended to be simply a babysitting or childcare service for working parents
will prepare the children for the start of their formal learning life
Primary (5-11 years, P1-P7)
will take youngsters who are confident in themselves and are able to relate well to other children
will equip them with skills in reading, writing, numbers, thinking and citizenship
provide a wide range of experiences and train these young minds to be curious and confident
they will leave this stage with the ability to learn more specialist information
soft skills such as music, visual art, researching, conversation and sport will be very important
pupils should leave primary with at least some skill on a musical instrument
no qualifications will be awarded from primary
there will be no “graduations”
Secondary (11-13 years, S1-S3)
S1-S3 will be common to every student and there will be no specialisation until S4.
a mix of practical, vocational and academic tuition will be available
basic skills such as cooking and simple DIY will be taught
tuition will be streamed where beneficial, stretching the able and supporting the weak
Secondary (14-17 years, S4-S6)
S4-S6 will be the time of increasing specialisation and expertise, but there will remain a common curriculum of music, physical activity and citizenship
a mix of practical, vocational and academic tuition will be available
the SQA will be abolished and Scottish schools will adopt appropriate international standards
school leaving age will remain at 16 but secondary school education will be offered for 6 years or until the age of 18, whichever is later
Secondary (11-17 years, S1-S6)
the stage when pupils gain the widest range of knowledge to carry them through their lives
at their most receptive to new experiences
equip young people with the experiences, skills and confidence to make the next steps into a productive and engaging life of their own choosing
Continuing (life-long)
support will be given to third party and voluntary organisations such as the Workers’ Educational Association, to allow interested learners to continue their education at times and in locations that suit their life circumstances
night classes during the winter months at secondary schools, colleges and universities will be revived
Funding
education vouchers will be available to allow parental choice
vouchers will be able to support properly qualified home schooling
funding of higher education will be reformed and student maintenance grants will be available (if possible)