COUNCIL officials have insisted that young people are being taught in areas other than numeracy and literacy in Argyll and Bute.
Councillors questioned what is being done to teach primary pupils outwith those two subjects after attainment figures were listed in a report.
A question was also raised about whether secondary pupils were being pushed to achieve their full potential in the area, and whether parents were involved enough.
At the meeting of the council’s Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area committee on Wednesday, March 4, councillors discussed a report highlighting achievements in literacy and numeracy in the area’s primary schools.
Councillor Alastair Redman (Independent, Kintyre and the Islands) said: “The measure of maths and English is important; there is no doubt about that, as we use those in all the work we do.
“But I get the impression that there needs to be more emphasis on subjects like history and geography. Some parents have been asking about seemingly how little our young people know about these.”
Education manager Rosie Mackay responded: “We are reporting on national measures which are guided at Scottish Government level. The subjects you refer to are the themes usually continued through inter-disciplinary learning.
“There is more detail at secondary level because you are put into specific subjects, but I have noted one point in terms of parental feedback, that there is a feeling there is a gap there in terms of knowledge.
“Maybe making parents aware of what is being covered in terms of education in those subject areas might help.”
Councillor Dougie McFadzean (SNP, Kintyre and the Islands) then asked the same question at a meeting of the council’s community services committee the following day.
Head of education Wendy Brownlie responded: “Schools do track learning, and nationally it is imperative to report to the Scottish Government at P1, P4, P7 and S3 levels.
“There are national statistics, and all our head teachers talk to their teaching staff at least three or four times a year to discuss literacy and numeracy, which underpins everything. But they also track children’s progress in other areas.”
Councillor Maurice Corry (Conservative, Lomond North) also asked: “Are students being encouraged to go for more, like five Highers? Are they really achieving what they could achieve?
Are we also encouraging parents, carers, or guidance people?”
Head of education Jennifer Crocket said: “Ms Brownlie and I are always keen to assure members. It is about the culture and ethos developed in our schools, and if you look at our education plan, Thriving for Education, it is all about lifelong learning.
“The other thing I would say is that we are here to serve our learners and ensure we secure the best outcomes for every one.
“That is a conversation we have quite regularly with secondary school staff. Highers are an excellent measure for many of our children, but it is not always the right route for every child or young person.
“We have worked really hard alongside partners and the Scottish Government to ensure we are collaborating and we are celebrating achievement without taking our eye off Highers and qualifications our learners obtain.”
