What about the children?
Glasgow Corporation took a legal drubbing from the Court of Session. So far as 1972-73 is concerned the corporation must carry out selective recruitment for the five schools in question. The case has importance far beyond education, for it relates to the balance of power between central and local government, which is likely to become still more important when reorganisation makes local government larger and, some will argue, more representative.
Modern studies to expand
Modern studies was now accepted as a suitable school subject and could benefit from expansion at all levels, said Mr W.K Ferguson, HMI, at the inaugural conference of the Modern Studies Association, in Callendar Park College. Mr Alasdair Nicholson, principal lecturer at Jordanhill College and “the father of modern studies”, said the factual emphasis that had been necessary, if the subject was to be respected by teachers, was now outdated.
Integration is on the cards
The EIS council is to consider the question of integrating all education authority Catholic and non-Catholic schools. Mr R.B Murdoch, moving on behalf of Kincardineshire, said they had been influenced by the Ulster situation. At Stirling last weekend the institute’s annual meeting did not feel competent to take a decision on the question.
Professional status progresses
In his presidential address at the EIS annual meeting, Mr Thomas Jardine reviewed progress in teachers’ professional status since 1872. It had suffered because everyone had to undergo the educational process, so the teacher could not possess the mystique of the doctor or lawyer. Nevertheless, he outlined tremendous improvements: security of tenure, the right to consultation and teacher training.
Fighting big city sprawl
With persistence bordering on ruthlessness, Sweden’s government has for years used every possible means to concentrate the country’s sprawling population into Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo. One result of these population shifts is a decrease in people who can afford to live in the inner cities. Some 240 classes in inner Stockholm’s comprehensives will be abolished: there are not enough children.
