During todays Education, Communities and Organisational Development Committee at Moray Council Cllr Tim Eagle sought unequivocal reassure that pupils will be fully supported during the SQA assessments and any appeals process this year. Many young people have contacted Councillor Tim Eagle over the last couple of months with concerns over the SQA grading this year. This follows concerns raised nationally about the SQA assessment process, with pupils asked to complete ‘exam’ style assessments.
Commenting Cllr Tim Eagle said;
“I have had a number of contacts from young people and youth workers in the last couple of weeks regarding exam style assessments senior phase pupils have been sitting.
Pupils had initially been told that grades this year would be based on coursework evidence following the cancelling of exams by the SNP earlier in the academic year. I recognise that the lockdown in the new year caused problems with collecting assessment data but students have raised their concerns of ‘exam’ style assessments with limited preparation time.
This has left some senior phase pupils feeling both upset and excluded from the process.
I recognise and have spoken to teachers who are doing there very best for pupils but I worry both SQA and the Scottish Government are changing rules so fast that it is leaving schools, teachers and pupils in very difficult situations. The SNP cannot allow another disaster like they created last year.
It is absolutely vital, given we are seeing significant increase in mental health problems in young people that we follow policies ensuring the voice of young people is heard loud and clear. I have today made an absolute plea, which I am pleased was supported by officers, that we will stand by Morays young people throughout the assessment and appeals period.
I urge any pupil with questions of concerns to please come forward and speak to the school."
