SCOTTISH teachers have been urged to press ahead with the development of the controversial new school curriculum after the publication of the first exam papers.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) made the call after revealing specimen papers for the new National 5 qualifications that replace Standard Grades in 2013/14.

Teaching unions had called for a delay to the exams, arguing some schools will not be ready.

East Renfrewshire Council has already pulled out of the first year of the new National 5s, preferring pupils to sit existing qualifications instead.

Last month, a survey by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) teaching union found more than half of teachers lacked confidence that schools were ready to deliver the new exams.

However, the SQA said the exam papers had been delivered ahead of schedule with a delay now not an option.

The SQA also highlighted the changes the new national qualifications will bring. They pointed to the fact that exams now contribute 80% of a pupil's final mark, compared with 100%.

The remaining marks will be made up of projects designed to test a range of new skills such as problem-solving and the ability to apply knowledge to issues which impact on wider society.

Dr Gill Stewart, director of qualifications development, said: "Teachers always like to see the end point of the course to see what we are assessing.

"They have that information now and we believe there is a growing confidence out there.

"We have moved on from the idea of a delay and we hope that teachers will appreciate that what this new curriculum does is give them back their professional autonomy. The majority of teachers will embrace that."

Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the EIS, gave a cautious welcome to the publication of the exam papers, but said teachers would also need reassurance on how they would be marked.

He said: "We welcome the publication of the specimen exam papers for National 5 as this is the type of information and support that teachers identified in our recent survey as being of the most practical use."

Iain Ellis, chairman of the National Parent Forum of Scotland, added: "What is crucial is how it is delivered to young people to ensure it engages them and helps them to learn."

Minister for Learning Dr Allan said: "These materials will help teachers who are preparing to introduce the new qualifications and help ensure pupils develop the skills they need for learning, life and work."