Teaching union backs action vote

The SSTA's leader had voiced concern over the curriculum plans

A Scottish secondary teachers' union has voted overwhelmingly for a ballot on industrial action if curriculum changes are not funded properly.

The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association meeting in Peebles debated government plans to shake up Scotland's curriculum and exam system.

Members also expressed fears that exam grades could be inflated and discredited under the proposals.

On Thursday, the SSTA's president had warned of risks in the new curriculum.

Ann Ballinger said curriculum changes could "tarnish" the reputation of the exam system.

Class teachers may mark more exams under the new system, putting them under pressure to "massage" the results, she said.

The planned "Curriculum of Excellence" aims to provide continuous education from ages three to 18, with an emphasis on cross-curricular teaching and independent learning.