Some of these cutting-edge changes are of benefit to pupils at Monifieth High School, as Bernard McLeary, chief executive of Learning and Teaching Scotland, found when he visited the school on Tuesday.

Welcoming Mr McLeary, rector Richard Coton said: "Thirty years ago schools taught their pupils that they were going into a job for life. But now, how can we prepare our young people for a whole series of jobs – many of which haven't even been invented yet?

"Today's young people need to be really flexible. New technologies are emerging all the time and tomorrow's employees will need the skills to grasp the opportunities ahead of the competition. But equally, relationships and the family are under pressure in a high-speed world. People-skills and a strong sense of values are really important. And you definitely need a 'can-do' attitude. That's what today's changes in schools are all about."

Monifieth High is already making success of these vital developments. In August 2009 all first-years embarked on the full Curriculum for Excellence experience, a year ahead of the national timeline.

"We wanted to give our pupils and staff the advantage of a year longer to experience the opportunities and to spread the changes," Mr Coton explained.



"It's been a lot of hard work but it's worth it because the pupils are so positive. We feel that Curriculum for Excellence encourages us to mainstream some of the innovations we've already been piloting for several years."

Mr McLeary said: "Monifieth High is a pioneering school and was one of the very first establishments to give all of its parents access to 'Glow', the Scottish schools intranet."

During his visit, Mr McLeary saw pupils using the latest laser technology and the school's outdoor classrooms powered by solar panels and a wind turbine.

And he wasn't short of ideas to take away either, after meetings with enthusiastic pupils and with just some of the hard-working staff who are developing Curriculum for Excellence in the school.