Issued: 17 March 2010
Scottish Minister Makes Return Visit To Monifieth High School
The Scottish Government's Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning made a return visit to Monifieth High School on Tuesday 16 March to find out more about the innovative ways the school is transforming teaching and learning.
Keith Brown first visited Monifieth last August, to hear about the school's plans for delivering the new Curriculum for Excellence, the biggest reform of Scotland's education system for a generation.
In 2009 all first year pupils at Monifieth High School embarked on the full Curriculum for Excellence experience a year ahead of the national timeline and during this visit the minister praised the progress being made and asked to return once the full programme was underway.
On Tuesday, Mr Brown once again met with teachers and pupils to listen to their experiences first-hand. During his visit Mr Brown joined S1 pupils during a history lesson on the Stuart kings and queens, to see how the use of props and other techniques are being used to develop a more effective and memorable way to learn.
Welcoming Mr Brown back to the school, Angus vice-convener of Education Margaret Thomson said: “I am delighted the minister has once again recognised the ground-breaking work being carried out in Angus to develop the new curriculum.
“Angus Council is committed to taking forward Curriculum for Excellence in ways which ensure that all our young people experience engaging and inspiring learning opportunities, which will equip them with the range of knowledge and skills which they will require as they develop as people and citizens.”
Mr Brown, commented: "I visited Monifieth High last summer and was very impressed by the enthusiasm of pupils and staff for the new approach we're taking forward under Curriculum for Excellence – which is why I was keen to return.
“Curriculum for Excellence is about bringing learning to life and giving our young people the skills they need in a modern, changing world. That's just what Monifieth High is offering, with education that is exciting and engaging and the school is a great example for other schools across Scotland to follow."
Head teacher Richard Coton added: “A Government minister visiting a school is always a great honour but for the Minister for Schools and Skills to visit twice in eight months is quite exceptional, and I am very proud that he has recognised the work being carried out at the school to provide our young people with the best possible educational experiences.”