Subject choice in schools to be reviewed by MSPs

MSPs are to consider whether there has been a narrowing of subject choice in Scotland's schools.The Scottish Parliament's Education and Skills Committee has said an inquiry will be held into what impact subject choice in schools is having on young people.Members will specifically explore the extent of, and basis for, any narrowing of subject choice.The committee is concerned that a reduction in subject choice as pupils enter the senior phase of school (S4-S6) can potentially impact on their qualifications for college, university and entering the workplace.Teachers, parents and pupils will be included in the inquiry to find out whether a narrowing is taking place and what this means in practice.It will also examine the level of uptake of particular subjects.In 2017, the Scottish Conservatives revealed that schools which were only a few miles apart were offering pupils a vastly different number of subjects to study. They said subject choice was narrowing in some areas owing to the teacher recruitment crisis. Earlier this year, teachers on the Tes online community forums said that some subjects like computing and technological education were disappearing from the timetable because schools could not recruit staff. Committee convener Clare Adamson said: "Subject choice may seem like a small issue but it is one which can have far-reaching consequences. “Ensuring that our young people can achieve to their full potential is something that we all want to see."For young people to have the perception that their future options may be limited by the subject choices that they can take at school, is something that must be avoided."