Scotland - Education

Education in Scotland - the high road to learning

Will ye no come back again? There's always something you can study with the Scottish Education system.

Education in Scotland has a very long and rich history. Since its introduction more than 600 years ago, the system has realized wonderful results in comparison to other regions of the United Kingdom. Among the most fundamental concerns of the Scottish education system is the government’s resolution in provision of free nursery system for all children at least two years prior to primary school. The idea here is to help the children explore the world and open possibilities for a secure future and to develop self-esteem and confidence. The Scottish government insists on pre-school education to offer a strong foundation for the young. This phase of education is geared towards promoting the individual child's development and broadens their scope of learning and understanding. It also initiates enthusiasm in children for the academic work ahead in other education phases.

The pre-school curriculum is set free for parents and guidance professionals to choose preferences on where they want children to take the elementary education. They can choose between various options available for instance, voluntary, private, or public centres. The curriculum offers room for effective programme for better learning conditions. The centres have different approaches but the parental roles are essential in transforming the character of a child and integral human development.

For primary school, the system emphasizes creativity, balance, and breadth of respective child. Children between the ages of five to twelve years are introduced to writing, early mathematics, expressions in speech, and reading. They involve themselves in art and other musical and physical activities. They get the access and touch on new technologies with the use of computers. Key duties of budgeting and plans for developing primary schools are left for the respective schools but the role of management solely lies in the docket of the local authorities.

The secondary school system aims at creating more opportunities and enthusiasm in all students as they prepare for college, university or college. The new systems introduced in 1999 enables the students to have access to extra skills to meet the demands of the current world. The government and the relevant authorities acknowledge that the job market constantly changes and therefore the curriculum must keep up with the pace. The secondary system curricula are independently created by respective schools with the advice of the local authorities, the special agencies and the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED). The qualifications for this stage Scottish Certificate of Education that is the standard grade gained at the end of the four-year secondary studies. The three levels of the Foundation, the General, and the Credit awards are given to the students upon successful completion of the courses.

Upon completion of secondary school, students can join colleges, institutes for special courses or universities to improve and specialize on their knowledge and skills. Higher Education is open for students after the age of nineteen with three years for degree and four for Honours. These awards are recognized globally. Further education in Scotland comprises learning, more training and achieving the special careers. Community and adult education are some of the lifelong initiatives of the government and individual students to accomplish the education system in Scotland.