EIS delegates reject Scottish texts exam demand as ‘flawed educational thinking’

Teachers have criticised ”flawed educational thinking” that will make a question on Scottish texts a compulsory part of the Higher English exam.

Delegates at the EIS teaching union’s conference in Dundee called overwhelmingly for the Government decision to be reversed.

Under the present plans, pupils sitting the test from 2014 onwards will have to answer at least one question on a Scottish novel, play or poem.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority is soon to discuss which texts will be on an official list.

Education secretary Mike Russell has argued that the move will ensure more pupils learn about Scottish culture and literature.

He has been backed by Liz Lochhead, Scotland’s makar or poet laureate.

However, Edinburgh English teacher Allan Crosbie told delegates: ”The problem, and where most English teachers would disagree with Liz Lochhead and Mike Russell, is the diktat that it will now be a requirement to answer an exam question on at least one of these texts.

”The diktat has flawed educational thinking at its heart and is completely contrary to the spirit of the new curriculum.”