Neil McLennan

I HAVE a history of calling out nationalism in education, as do many progressives. Our children deserve better. They are global citizens growing up in an interconnected world. Narrow nationalist ideas and parochial power-games have no place in the classrooms. We need to expand children’s view of the world, not reduce it to the toxic tribalism which ripped the world apart in two world wars and continues to create artificial tensions alongside the hollowing out of debate.

I QUESTIONED various aspects of Scottish education in a recent Herald on Sunday interview with Neil Mackay – and seemed to spark wide discussion. While some criticised my views, others nodded in agreement. Many who read beyond the headline reached out privately in agreement, expressing concerns and thanking me for candidly raising issues. The silent majority is a significant issue for society and democracy in Scotland.

THE OECD has reported on Scotland’s Curriculum. The OECD is well regarded for thoroughness although its reports often need re-reading to find the subtle nuanced messages crafted carefully for policy makers to progress. The short, embargoed report available online last week included some puzzling ‘corporate speak’ alongside clearer messages.

Last weekend’s Herald on Sunday shared Dr Gordon Barclay’s Battle for George Square (1919) research alongside evidence showing Scottish school students’ prelim papers may have been marked with fake news included in the markers’ assessment criteria.

One hundred years ago men all along the Somme front line woke to the summer sun and prepared letters and last thoughts before going into battle. Many were confident and assured, although, despite artillery bombardments on German lines giving weight to commanders' assurances, many waited in trepidation at "going over the top".