Teachers’ anger over subject cutbacks

MORE than two in three Scottish teachers have blamed staff shortages for reductions in the number of subjects pupils can take.

A survey of 500 teachers by Holyrood’s education committee found staffing was the most commonly cited reason for reduced subject choice availability in S4.

A total of 342 responses made reference to staffing levels when describing factors influencing subject choice – even though it was not provided as a possible answer in the wording of the question. Some 82 per cent said subject choices for that year had reduced. Among the anonymous responses, one said: ‘There are not enough teachers in the school to deliver the courses required.’

Other factors cited were school size, mentioned 104 times, timetabling at 64 and local decision-making at 59.

The survey analysis, produced by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre was presented to MSPs ahead of an education committee meeting today.

Scottish Tory education spokesman Liz Smith said: ‘The SNP Government keeps avoiding the reasons why subject choice is increasingly restricted for Scottish pupils, but now teachers have exposed the truth.

‘The SNP has been in charge for 12 years and has to take full responsibility for this.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Teacher numbers are at their highest since 2010. Wherever possible, schools should ensure young people can choose their preferred subjects. Young people now have opportunities to study a broader range of qualifications, not just at school, but also at college and through apprenticeships.’