Convener Clare Adamson asks how we avoid inequality being built into the system when schools are taking account of local demographics.

Mr Swinney says he would be "deeply concerned" if young people were not getting the education opportunities they need because of their background.

"I don't think that's what is happening," he adds.

But it is important that we are certain that is not the case, the education secretary accepts.

SNP MSP Jenny Gilruth asks how can Mr Swinney be sure the broad general education is being delivered.

The education secretary reiterates that schools have to be able to demonstrate educational rationale for their choices and that they address the entitlements that young people have through the curriculum for excellence.

Ms Gilruth also wonders if Mr Swinney thinks the SQA needs to look at allocation of subjects to get timetabling consistency.

There is an assumption made that prior learning is not relevant to allocation of the 160 hours, which has perhaps constrained thinking as to how courses should be delivered, he argues.

I have asked Education Scotland to lead the process of ensuring good educational practice is shared more widely across the education system, Mr Swinney tells the committee.

Ultimately a head teacher has got to demonstrate the educational strength of their schools, he adds.

The education secretary says the SQA does not have the same level of responsibility because the curriculum, and not qualifications, must drive education.

Mr Gray says some schools have not been inspected for 15 years, asking "is that not a bit of a concern?"

Mr Swinney insists there are several ways schools are held accountable and just because there has not been an inspection does not mean there have not been discussions.

Labour MSP Iain Gray asks Mr Swinney at what point does the degree of curricular flexibility undermine curricular cohesion and actually lead to "curricular chaos".

The education secretary replies that he wouldn't characterise it that way, explaining Scotland opted to move away from a rigid structure to a more flexible curriculum.

He believes greater empowerment for schools ensures that flexibility can be deployed in an effective way.

Mr Swinney argues the two essential requirements are: that schools demonstrate an educational rationale for their choices; and they must engage with parents, the economic environment and their pupils.

This will inevitably lead to differences around the country, he argues.

Image source, Getty Images

MSPs have voted to recognise "serious concerns" about "fundamental failings" around subject choice in schools.

More than half of the pupils who responded to a Holyrood survey said they were not able to take all of the subjects they wanted to at school.

And opposition members defeated the government to call for "urgent action" after a debate.

Education Secretary John Swinney said a wide range of subjects was available, and that exam passes were on the up.

But all four opposition parties united to reject his amendment and pass the Conservative motion for the debate.

Read more here.

I recognise that there will be a minority of pupils who will not be able to take all the courses they want to take, says Mr Swinney.

He says he cannot guarantee unfettered choice for students, nor would local authorities be able to make that promise.

"I don't think there has been a narrowing of choice, I think there has been a broadening of opportunity for young people", he tells the committee.

Ms Smith says the chief examiner felt there was a disconnect between the broad general education and senior phases.

The education secretary accepts the transition was not as seamless as if should have been which was why guidance was created.

We have to be satisfied the broad general education phase is deep and challenging enough to ensure pupils are ready to enter the senior phase, he adds.

Ms Smith asks about the "considerable downturns" in the number of people taking some core subjects, such as modern languages.

There is growth in the uptake of modern languages at the Higher level, replies Mr Swinney.

Tory MSP Liz Smith asks about the design of the curriculum for excellence and whether he is "absolutely confident" that consultation was comprehensive and resulted in the right approach.

The education secretary replies that he is confident that there has been "extensive consultation" and discussion, and his experience in the role tells him there needs to be a lot of time for consultation.

He reiterates that young people need to be properly equipped for the senior phase.

John Swinney says curriculum for excellence paved the way for a broad general education for S1 to S3 and a senior phase from S4 to S6.

The focus of the committee has fallen heavily on the qualifications taken at S4, ignoring the fact the curriculum is designed to provide a three year experience across the senior phase, he argues.

Mr Swinney says schools will choose different approaches depending on the context in which they are operating, with some planning for five/six subjects in S4 while others offer eight courses.

The crux of the discussion must be on the quality of the experience of young people, he says.

The education secretary says the answer to this is unlikely to be based on how many subjects are available to them in each year, but the quality of learning and the depth of study across the senior phase.

He accepts that not every school has the new system "cracked" but insists that many have.

The committee is hearing from:

• Education Secretary John Swinney
• Andrew Bruce, a Scottish government official
• Murray McVicar, a Scottish government official

Mr Swinney explains improving the life chances of children in Scotland is a priority for the Scottish government and leadership in schools plays a key part of this.

There is currently no requirement for head teachers to hold the Standard for Headship before appointment, he says.

Only state and grant-aided schools fall within the remit of the regulations being considered today, adds Mr Swinney.

The education secretary confirms the Scottish government will continue to fund the Into Headship qualification, external until the end of this parliament.

Image source, PA

But first the committee is considering The Head Teachers Education and Training Standards (Scotland) Regulations 2019, external.

It will ensure that anyone appointed to their first permanent head teacher post from August 2020 must have been awarded the Standard for Headship by the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

Education Secretary John Swinney and his officials will briefly discuss it with the committee.

Image source, Getty Images

The education committee will begin soon.

The bulk of today's session will be on subject choices in school, with Education Secretary John Swinney giving evidence.

Concerns have been raised that pupils are having to take fewer subjects in the senior phase since the shift towards the curriculum for excellence.

Read the committee papers here., external

Image source, PA

Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on Wednesday 29 May 2019.

The education committee discusses subject choices with Education Secretary John Swinney this morning.

It will also discuss head teacher training standards.

Image source, PA

After lunch, there will be a statement on the Referendums (Scotland) Bill.

Then health and local government ministers face portfolio questions.

Scottish Labour leads a debate on BiFab and renewables contracts.

Finally, Green MSP Mark Ruskell has a member's debate on expanding Scotland's railways.