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Scottish school reforms take to international stage

On 14 November 2004, the Scottish Executive announced discussions with Finnish and German Education Ministers, to strengthen comparisons between Scotland's education performance and that of other countries.

The background is a recent study of over 30 countries, in which Scotland ranked fifth and sixth in the world for maths and reading. Scottish Ministers want Scotland to take part in more studies of this type to measure international performance and ensure the country is continuing to compete globally.

Other Executive activity to boost the international dimension of Scottish education includes:

• Signing a formal declaration of education co-operation with France on 30 November

• Exploring opportunities for educational collaboration with China, following the First Minister's recent visit there

• Hosting a series of education seminars in Scotland House, Brussels, to allow other European countries to learn more about Scottish education

• Hosting the 5th annual Scottish International Education Conference on 23 November 23 2004, bringing together over 100 delegates from countries including France, Spain, Poland, Pakistan and the Ukraine

• Investing £330,000 to participate further in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS)

The Executive unveiled a package of school reforms under the banner Ambitious, Excellent Schools on November 1.

Among the 12 key actions included 'more international comparisons between Scotland's education performance and that of other countries to ensure Scotland continues to compete internationally'.