National Qualifications for 2021 need consideration

Discussion need to start now regarding SQA National/ Higher/Advanced Higher qualifications for 2021. With discussion of different models of phased and blended learning on return to school buildings, and the current home learning model, the government needs to look at the impact on qualification courses and assessment and address with SQA. This is essential to inform planning by LAs and schools for curriculum - planning will take time so decisions need to be clear in advance to allow this to happen effectively. (Not discussed/ revealed in Aug/Sept).

Why the contribution is important

To ensure schools and teachers can plan high quality curricula and assessment for the benefit of our young people at a crucial stage in their education.

by lw1710 on May 09, 2020 at 12:17PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.9
Based on: 10 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Minxminnie May 09, 2020 at 15:55

    The school shutdown, cancellation of exams and arrangements for awards were all announced too late, with insufficient time to prepare in a professional way. We need to learn lessons from this, as this comment says. An exam tests what the children have learned. They can't be expected to sit normal exams if they are not attending school regularly and are disadvantaged by inevitable staff absence, lack of continuity and emotional upset. A decision should be taken this side of the summer for one course element to be dropped, at least.

  • Posted by GrahamDane May 09, 2020 at 20:20

    Current arrangements are very unfair to candidates who don't have laptops or a quiet space to study or parents who can help with the work

  • Posted by LBrown23 May 09, 2020 at 20:50

    On top of the mess that was Nat5’s this year, it appears S5’s will be going in to sit Highers with a month less prep than is normally allowed. Provision needs to be made to allow for this to be considered when setting coursework/exams, and also a decent contingency plan, such as online/open book or socially distanced exams and properly planned remote learning, in case of a 2nd wave lockdown
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