Revision fees highlight bigger issues in Scottish education

Description

NEWS of children being charged for Easter holiday revision classes reveals a number of unresolved issues in Scottish education.

First, the hard push on revision in the close lead-up to exams tells us a few things. It was called “cramming” in my day, and the stress of it is well known to those who have done it. This is symptomatic of education’s drive for improved attainment and the pressure schools are under. That pressure is being transferred to staff and students. Whilst the Scottish school holiday pattern follows historic agricultural work patterns (and needs revised urgently for what helps with best learning) one might ask whether students should simply be enjoying their holidays?