Remembering the past, informing the future
This is a poignant time of year for anyone in this country who has served in the military, had family do so, or had their lives touched in any way by conflict.
The country fell quiet for two minutes on Thursday and will do so again for Remembrance Sunday to show respect to those members of the armed forces killed during war.
I will be attending services in Alloa and Sauchie, but there will be many hundreds of similar events happening around the country, including at the Scottish Government headquarters at St Andrews House.
Having served in the Armed Forces for a short period, a long time ago, I am particularly aware of the need to ensure our young people continue to be made aware of the sacrifices made in the last hundred years to defend the freedom of this country.
I also spent a day in September with a number of school pupils at the former Auschwitz concentration camp site in Poland. Not only was it an emotional occasion, it was a real eye-opener for all who took part. That kind of experience promotes deeper learning and helps young people develop informed, ethical views with understanding of the past and what it means for the present and the future.
Closer to home was my attendance earlier this week at the Service Families National Conference in Dunblane.
The event was organised by the Royal Caledonian Schools Trust (RCST), who were established in 1815 to help educate the sons and daughters of Scots who were serving, or who had served, in the armed forces, and the children of poor Scots in London.
Curriculum for Excellence enables young people to learn about the World Wars and other conflicts in a way that suits their circumstances without holding back on their significance.
Children of service families can face additional challenges in accessing the curriculum due to the nature of their parents’ postings in the Armed Forces.
Local authorities have a duty of care to meet the requirement of additional support needs – such as interrupted learning and dealing with bereavement – for service children. The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case.
War continues to impact upon Scottish lives to this day and I am dedicated to ensuring that the significance of Remembrance Sunday and the impact of conflict on people and society remain an integral part of teaching in Scotland.