Education
The RSE is in a unique position to consider education as a whole and relate it to the major social, economic, and environmental challenges, exploring what society needs from its education, skills, and assessment system.
Key questions that sit beneath this overarching challenge include:
- What does society value in education and skills?
- How do we ensure we have the skills to achieve net zero?
- What knowledge do learners need?
- What is the balance between knowledge and skills?
- What is it we are seeking to assess in education?
The RSE’s plans focus on the education and skills system that will be needed as we transition to a net zero economy and sustainable development and practices, while stressing inclusion and interdependence and coherence across the education system.
On this page:
News
Policy advice
Schools
Resources
Projects
Committees
Newsletter
Contact
Dr Janet Brown FRSE, RSE Education Committee Convener
The education and skills system is a continuum, stretching from the early years to lifelong learning. It supports initial learning, reskilling, and upskilling at all life stages. Learning occurs in nurseries, schools, colleges, universities, training, workplaces, and in many other domains. Changes introduced to one aspect of this intricate whole can have profound and sometimes unintended impacts on other parts of the system.
As we move into the second quarter of the 21st century, it is critical that the Scottish education and skills system delivers for learners and for Scotland. We need an overarching, long-term vision that is developed into an achievable policy with measurable impact and which recognises the interdependency of the system and enables it to be flexible and responsive.
Policy advice
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Industrial decarbonisation and skills in Scotland
Read MoreIndustrial decarbonisation presents Scotland with a major opportunity to reshape its economy for the future. To succeed, the transition must be: Strategically planned, socially inclusive, and economically sustainable
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Policy in practice: How Scotland can get it right
Read MoreThe Policy in practice: How Scotland can get it right report brings together the work of three RSE-convened workgroups focused on the economy, the environment, and social inclusion and cohesion. It looks not only at what Scotland might choose to prioritise, but also at how policy can be done differently – how decisions are made, how trade-offs are handled, and how people can be more meaningfully involved in shaping change
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Funding of tertiary education in Scotland report
Read MoreThis report captures insights from a conference, providing policymakers with a resource as they navigate the choices that will shape the system’s long-term potential.
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Addressing workplace skills needs in Scotland through reform of mathematical and data education
Read MoreA roundtable summary on how mathematical and data education must change to meet the shifting needs of the Scottish industrial landscape.
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Report on national workshop into childhood health inequalities
Read MoreThis report outlines the urgency of coordinated, long-term, and community-informed action to address the systemic challenges impacting children’s health and well-being.
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Productivity – the micro dimension
Read MoreWith key partners like Prosper and leading experts, we’ve been asking why has productivity stalled and what can we do about it – at the business and governmental level.
The Young People’s Programme
The RSE and its Fellowship work with young people and schools across Scotland to deliver engaging, relevant learning experiences that align with the Curriculum for Excellence. Our Young People’s Programme offers year-round activities and events designed to support classroom learning and help young people develop the skills they need for the future.
School talks
To support classroom learning and pupils’ curiosity, the RSE offers a range of free talks to primary and secondary schools throughout Scotland, led by experts from the RSE’s Fellowship and beyond. See our available talks and sign up via the enquiry form.
How does the education reform agenda align with Scotland’s biggest priorities?
The RSE calls for closer alignment of Scotland’s education and skills policy with the nation’s strategic objectives.
Committees and working groups
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Contact us
For more information regarding the programme, please contact the team on:
Education policy – publicpolicy@theRSE.org.uk
Schools and young people activity – schools@theRSE.org.uk