Panel debate organised by Policy Scotland at the University of Glasgow. 12 September 2014. Chaired by Des McNulty, featuring Peter Peacock, Professor Louise Hayward, Philip Rycroft and George McBride.
The introduction of the Curriculum for Excellence is arguably the most significant change in Scottish Education for a generation. The policy was adopted following a National Debate on Education initiated in the early years of the Scottish Parliament. After a very lengthy consultative and deliberative process, a framework was agreed which redefined the purpose, nature and methods of delivery of school education.
In this session, jointly organised by Policy Scotland and the Robert Owen Centre, brought together a panel of people most closely involved in senior roles in the formulation and development of the Curriculum for Excellence to provide their insight into the early stages of policy development.
Our panel members included Peter Peacock who was the Minister of Education at the time the policy was being formulated, Philip Rycroft who was the senior civil servant leading the policy development process and Louise Hayward Professor in Pedagogy Policy and Practice . Their reminiscences, and those of other distinguished guests on our panel, provided unique insights into the gestation of the Curriculum for Excellence from an ‘insider’ perspective.