Scottish Labour plan new certificate to help towards university admission
Scottish Labour want to introduce a Scottish Graduation Certificate that would help towards university admission for pupils who struggle with traditional exams.
Scottish Labour want to introduce a Scottish Graduation Certificate that would help towards university admission for pupils who struggle with traditional exams.
The certificate would be gained in the later years of secondary school and would involve vocational courses, work experience and exams, party leader Kezia Dugdale said.
Labour believe it would allow schools to offer more vocational options in partnership with colleges and employers, and university level courses and build on the success of the Youth Awards network, which includes achievement gained through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
The party said the Labour Government in Wales has secured an agreement with universities for a similar certificate towards admissions.
Ms Dugdale has previously set out plans for reform to primary schools through a Fair Start Fund as she prioritises education in the Scottish election campaign.
Ms Dugdale said: Creating a Scottish Graduation Certificate will develop a highly skilled workforce that will help young people compete for the jobs of the future.
Too many young people who don't have more traditional qualifications don't get a second chance to get on to college or university. Thousands of young people across the country have skills and talents that simply aren't recognised by today's education system.
Too often when schools try to do things differently they struggle because they are never given the recognition accorded to traditional exam results.
We have set out a bold plan to reform our schools and to stop the SNP's cuts to education. Faced with the choice between using the powers of the Scottish Parliament to invest in education or carrying on with the SNP's cuts to schools, we choose to use the powers.''