Great news, kids! You won’t have to sit as many exams
PUPILS are likely to sit far fewer exams next year, as the Covid crisis prompts a radical revamp of school assessments. Councils are still planning reforms to allow social distancing, with some pupils in school just two or three days a week. Teachers have warned this ‘blended’ model of learning will have an impact on how much pupils can cover in the year. There are concerns a normal exam programme at the end of the year would disadvantage thousands of pupils.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is already looking at a revamp. That is set to include more ongoing assessment of youngsters, potentially resulting in fewer exams next year. An SQA spokesman said: ‘The SQA is part of the Scottish Government’s Education Recovery Group, which is monitoring a range of issues, including qualifications.
‘The Strategic Framework for Reopening Schools, Early Learning and Childcare Provision, published by the Scottish Government, makes clear that planning for the 2021 examination diet is under way.
‘The SQA will provide further advice to schools to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to capture the learning outcomes met by young people in the senior phase in school year 2020/21.
‘This will provide a strong evidence base to support assessment and certification.’
Last night, unions warned teachers must be given time to plan for changes to the qualification system. With schools due to return on August 11, that gives the SQA just over two months to decide on a system of assessment and communicate it to councils, schools and teachers.
Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the EIS, said: ‘Our members identified clarity as to how teaching and learning will be delivered as the main priority in planning for schools reopening, alongside time and support to allow teachers to prepare for this new model of delivery.
‘There is also a need for clarity on the structure of the qualifications system, as the blended model of learning from August will have an impact on the time available for learners to cover courses.’