‘Lectures on drugs are useless – teach us how to write CVs’
PUPILS do not want to be lectured about drink and drugs – and would prefer lessons about writing CVs and filing tax returns, MSPs have been told.
Youngsters say they are taught ‘useless’ information about drugs and alcohol in personal and social education (PSE) classes.
A senior education lecturer has described the subject as ‘arid’, demanding a rethink of the syllabus.
The onslaught came after a Scottish parliamentary committee put out a call for comments on the subject, which is compulsory for Scottish secondary school students.
Hundreds of submissions were received from pupils, parents, teachers and campaigners, which criticised the teaching of the subject.
Teachers are accused of obsessing with sex, drink and drugs in what one parent branded a ‘cringeworthy’ manner.
One student stated: ‘I find PSE a complete waste of time. The only topics we really discuss are alcohol, drugs and how we should be revising for our prelims. We have been taught about alcohol and drugs since S1, which I find useless.’
Another, from a parent named R Ritchie, states: ‘My daughter is in S5 and considers PSE a lost opportunity. It is cringeworthy, concentrating on drink, drugs, sex. They need to know practical stuff – how to cook, make minor repairs, detect illness, identify everyday dangers etc.’
One anonymous submission stated: ‘There should be more life skills lessons, such as filling out a CV, learning how to pay taxes and how to manage a bank account.’
Dr Joan Mowat, senior lecturer in education at Strathclyde University, said: ‘PSE as it is currently conceived and delivered in Scottish schools is often arid, deemed to be not relevant by young people.
‘It is delivered often by the least experienced members of staff with often minimal support or guidance in its delivery.
‘This has led to PSE being regarded by staff and pupils alike as low status and something not to be taken seriously.’
But Jim Thewliss, general secretary of School Leaders Scotland, representing secondary school headteachers, said although taking on board pupils’ opinions was vital, PSE had value.
He added: ‘If you’re looking at skills for life, things like relationship with alcohol are important to that and it would be negligent to avoid it.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘The education and skills committee is seeking to gain an overview of the main issues of PSE to inform their future work.
‘Education Secretary John Swinney is due to appear before the committee on March 8 to discuss, among others, PSE.
‘Schools are encouraged to develop the curriculum to suit their local context and meet the needs of children and young people.
‘It is good practice for schools to consult with pupils and respond to their views appropriately.’
‘It is cringe-worthy. They need practical stuff’