The Education (National Priorities) (Scotland) Order 2000

Citation and commencement

1.  This Order may be cited as the Education (National Priorities) (Scotland) Order 2000 and shall come into force on the day after the day on which it is made.

Interpretation

2.  In this Order–

“literacy” means competence in reading and writing (including word processing) and understanding and appreciating different types of texts including literary texts and an ability to precis material in a logical order; and

“numeracy” means competence with numbers and using graphical skills to interpret and communicate quantifiable information (including facility with graphs, symbols, diagrams and calculators), and in applying numerical and other mathematical and statistical skills in everyday and more abstract contexts.

National Priorities

3.  The National priorities in education for the purposes of section 4(1) of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000 are–

(1) to raise standards of educational attainment for all in schools, especially in the core skills of literacy and numeracy, and to achieve better levels in national measures of achievement including examination results;

(2) to support and develop the skills of teachers, the self-discipline of pupils and to enhance school environments so that they are conducive to teaching and learning;

(3) to promote equality and help every pupil benefit from education, with particular regard paid to pupils with disabilities and special educational needs, and to Gaelic and other lesser used languages;

(4) to work with parents to teach pupils respect for self and one another and their interdependence with other members of their neighbourhood and society and to teach them the duties and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society; and

(5) to equip pupils with the foundation skills, attitudes and expectations necessary to prosper in a changing society and to encourage creativity and ambition.

JACK McCONNELL

A member of the Scottish Executive

St Andrew’s House,

Edinburgh

19th December 2000