The Scottish Government has announced the introduction of new science and languages Baccalaureates.
Launching the scheme at Stirling University Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "The new Baccalaureates are designed to stretch our most able young people and the first awards will be made in 2010. The Baccalaureates will contribute to the Government's principal purpose of creating a more successful Scotland with opportunities for all to flourish through increasing sustainable economic growth."
"The awards aim to encourage more of our young people to study science and language courses in the later stages of secondary school, raise the status of S6 and assist our young people in making the transition from school to higher and further education and employment."
The new qualifications, based on the existing system of Highers, are intended to smooth the transition between school and university or employment.
The Science Baccalaureate will consist of a maths Higher, two science Highers, one science at advanced Higher, and an "interdisciplinary" project to be taken at the Advanced Higher level.
The Language Baccalaureate will consist of English or Gaelic at Higher level, two modern or classical language courses at Higher, one modern or classical language course at Advanced Higher, and an interdisciplinary course at Advanced Higher level.
The Conservatives have accused the Government of making the awards system even more complicated.
Launching the scheme at Stirling University Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "The new Baccalaureates are designed to stretch our most able young people and the first awards will be made in 2010. The Baccalaureates will contribute to the Government's principal purpose of creating a more successful Scotland with opportunities for all to flourish through increasing sustainable economic growth."
"The awards aim to encourage more of our young people to study science and language courses in the later stages of secondary school, raise the status of S6 and assist our young people in making the transition from school to higher and further education and employment."
The new qualifications, based on the existing system of Highers, are intended to smooth the transition between school and university or employment.
The Science Baccalaureate will consist of a maths Higher, two science Highers, one science at advanced Higher, and an "interdisciplinary" project to be taken at the Advanced Higher level.
The Language Baccalaureate will consist of English or Gaelic at Higher level, two modern or classical language courses at Higher, one modern or classical language course at Advanced Higher, and an interdisciplinary course at Advanced Higher level.
The Conservatives have accused the Government of making the awards system even more complicated.
