Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association

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The recurring theme of my last several District Secretary Reports, and indeed motions to Congress, was that of ‘Groundhog Day,’ ie, that each year we faced again the same issues of indiscipline, large classes and unrealistic expectations of teachers, in addition to ongoing pernicious issues such as workplace bullying and intimidation. There was, several years ago, a brief moment when we thought things might be changing –

The McCrone Agreement with its recommendation of ‘time and place working’ allowed teachers at least a modicum of control of where and when they undertook their duties (provided of course, nobody wanted them for anything else). Working Time Agreements at least in theory allowed teachers the discretion to prioritise their commitments. Annexe E, even if never fully implemented, was there to protect us from undertaking unreasonable or inappropriate duties. ‘Collegiality’ became almost a buzz word.

The Teacher Induction Scheme, admired across the world, transformed the experiences of probationary teachers and future generations of Scotland’s children, with guarantees of support put in place and a reasonable work load accepted as a right.

Maximum class sizes of twenty in S1 and S2 English and Maths seemed a good start – what a difference that made for teachers and pupils alike.

The Chartered Teacher Scheme, also admired in other countries, might not have been without its flaws; however, it did guarantee that, after many hours of additional work and no small expense, teachers could aspire to professional salary levels while continuing to work in the classroom to improve outcomes for young people.



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An excellent overall focus is to use the themes of the Olympics values, charter and/or creed …
Olympic values: Respect, friendship and excellence.
Paralympic values: courage, determination, inspiration and equality
The Olympic Charter states that the goal of the Olympic movement is to help build a better and a more peaceful world.

Linked to above pupils can explore global issues of sustainability, human rights and interdependence involved with the games e.g. links to clothing and merchandise production, fair trade provision at sites, travel etc.

If exploring the significance of the rings, flame, values etc a useful link is: http://www.olympic.org/Documents/Reports/EN/en_report_1303.pdf

If exploring lives in other countries, the Development Education Centres have a variety of photo-packs based on life in other parts of the world and also copies of the series ‘Letters from around the World’ in which young people share their lives. Included in this series are letters from China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Spain, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Brazil.

Lots of interesting activities and ideas linked to the Olympics and its core values while exploring the significance and interconnections of world sporting events to Universal Rights and other global aspects can be found below:


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This advice sets out the context for working for contract and should answer all but the most complicated questions. If you have a query not answered by this information please do not hesitate to contact the Association at info©ssta.org.uk

The Legal Position – Informing the Employer

The Association has complied with the legal requirement to inform employers:

• Results of the ballot
• A list of the workplaces where affected employees work
• The total number of affected employees
• Information about the type of action planned

There is no need for any member to add to that information.


The Contractual Position (SNCT)

3.6 Teachers (other than short term supply teachers) shall have a 35 hr working week. The working week shall apply on a pro rata basis to teachers on part time contracts

3.7 within the 35 hr week, a maximum of 22.5 hrs will be devoted to class contact, except for those teachers on the national induction scheme.

3.9 An allowance of no less than one third of the teacher’s actual class contact commitment is provided for preparation and correction. The use of the remaining time will be subject to agreement at school level based on the Code of Practice on Working Time Agreements,


Our Advice

Members should always exercise caution when deciding which work is extraneous to contract. As a guide we suggest the following as core duties, neglect of which deem a member to be in breach of contract

1. Teaching of assigned classes to a maximum of 22.5 hrs per week
   
2. Preparation for assigned classed and correction of the work of assigned classes
   
3. Covering for absent colleagues within the same maximum of 22.5 hrs per week
   
4. Matters agreed in the school Working Time Agreement. This is an agreement binding on all signatories and will be either an annual or a weekly plan. Key events identified in the agreed calendar must be honoured.

If a member is asked to undertake any additional duty, not included in the above, the deciding factor is the 35 hr working week. If you have available time (due to a reduced timetable for example) it is appropriate to undertake the work. If the requested work would cause you to exceed the 35 hr week then you should agree a priority for the duties with your line manager.

Voluntary activities are just that. If you are involved in a club or activity on an entirely voluntary basis and wish to continue that is entirely your decision. If the activity is not voluntary it should stop unless it forms part of your agreed 35 hr working week.

Planned events, particularly those where pupils have contributed towards the cost, should go ahead but no new events should be planned during the course of this action.

A PDF version of this advice is available to download from here

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During the last 2 weeks of April members were balloted on industrial action to protect teachers’ pensions. The question asked if members were willing to participate in ‘action short of strike action’. Only members known to be in employment were balloted. 85.8% of respondents agreed to action taking place. As a result of this Executive decided on Monday 30 April to declare a ‘work to contract’ with effect from Monday 14 May 2012. Detailed advice will be sent to members who will be asked to teach assigned classes, complete those tasks listed in their working time agreement and undertake no other tasks.