13 September 2013
'The Big Education Debate' to take place in Dundee on September 18th
Education Secretary Michael Russell and a panel drawn from across the political spectrum will debate the implications of
next year's referendum for education in Scotland at the University of Dundee next week.
Representatives from all of Scotland's main parties will be represented at 'The Big Education Debate' as they discuss what
a 'yes' or 'no' vote would mean for the Scottish education system. Organised by the University's '5 Million Questions'
initiative and Dundee University Students' Association (DUSA), the event takes place at the Dalhousie Building on Wednesday,
18th September, exactly one year before Scotland goes to the polls to vote on independence.
The panel comprises Mr Russell, Neil Bibby MSP (Labour), Pauline Hinchion (Co-Convener of the Dundee Green Party), Liz
Smith MSP (Conservative), Liam McArthur MSP (Liberal Democrats), and Professor Pete Downes, Principal of the University of
Dundee and Convenor of Universities Scotland. The debate will be chaired by David Torrance, Associate Director of 5
Million Questions.
Mr Torrance said, "Although Scotland has always enjoyed a large degree of educational independence, even before the
creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, it will still be a hotly debated issue between now and September 2014.
"Would independence improve the quality of Scotland's schools? Would independence help or hinder attempts to tackle
educational inequality? And when it comes to higher education, what would independence mean for university admissions
and research funding, both currently handled on a UK-wide basis?"
Education is certain to be one of the most hotly contested issues surrounding the referendum. Students are keen to
know whether their interests will be best served by remaining in the UK or as part of a newly independent Scotland,
while parents want to know what the future holds for their children. The event will allow audience members the
chance to ask the questions that matter to them to the people who will determine policy before and after the referendum.
Zuchaela Smylie, Vice President of Communications and Campaigns at DUSA, said, 'It is our aim to encourage people
from all backgrounds to come and join in with this debate. It is important to explore the issue of Independence in
relation to higher education and how it affects such a wide range of individuals, including parents concerned about
their children's future education as well as those currently in Higher Education.
'It must be highlighted that this issue is not limited to Scottish nationals but is something which should be considered
by our RUK, EU and international students. The Big Education Debate presents an opportunity to come along and listen to each
party's stance on the matter, ask any questions you have and find out information on issues which you may not have previously
thought of. We welcome all students and members of the public and look forward to seeing you all there.'
The University launched the 5 Million Questions project to examine the issues surrounding the biggest event in Scotland
for over 300 years. Every aspect of Scottish life stands to be impacted upon by the result of the 2014 referendum, and
everyone has a question about how the decision will affect them and the future of the country.
The public debate to this stage has been both highly technical and overtly party political. 5 Million Questions aims
to stimulate wider debate, apply academic rigour to examination of the issues, and engage with the public on all aspects
of the major questions they are facing.
The Big Education Debate takes place at the Dalhousie Building, Old Hawkhill, at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 18th September.
The event is open to all members of the public and free tickets can be obtained by visiting https://thebigeducationdebate.eventbrite.co.uk.
More information about 5 Million Questions is available at www.fivemillionquestions.org.
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277 |
