Exam kids celebrate after U-turn
Tens of thousands of school pupils are to have their exam results upgraded after the Scottish Government agreed to accept teacher estimates of grades.
The government U-turn follows an outcry from pupils after a moderation system saw 125,000 estimated results being downgraded.
All results that were downgraded will now be withdrawn and replaced by the original estimates.
And while in West Lothian overall grades improved on last year, many pupils were left disappointed.
There had been claims that the moderation system unfairly penalised pupils because their school have historically not performed as well.
Education Secretary John Swinney said he was sorry for the“feeling of unfairness”caused by the downgrading, adding that it was“deeply regrettable we got this wrong.”
Councillor David Dodds, a recentlyretired headteacher and executive councillor for education in West Lothian, branded the situation“an absolute farce”.
He argued that grade predictions were based on robust evidence and a teacher’s personal judgement and knowledge of each pupil’s ability.
Mr Dodds said: “It is the case that bright pupils from a school with a lower level of attainment are marked down by a statistical model which is stacked against them. Nothing short of state sponsored discrimination.”
West Lothian Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “The First Minister has previously asserted that young people should know that if they have the talent and work hard, then they should be able to fulfil their potential and their dreams.
“Her prime duty has to be that due recognition be given to our pupils and their teachers as opposed to saving John Swinney’s skin. It is my earnest hope that our pupils are treated fairly to allow them to pursue the path they cherish.”
Councillor Frank Anderson, depute leader of the SNP group, said: “It will be very welcome news to all our students and the fact that the government has apologised for the distress caused and sorted the issue.
“The pupils can rest easy knowing that all their hard work and teacher assessments have been recognised in full. This was an unprecedented experience which set out to cater for an overall standard but seemed devoid of any individuality, taking account of the pupil, school or assessment for each individual.”
Until last week Ms Sturgeon had defended the SQA marking model.
Conservative MSP Miles Briggs said: “Thousands of pupils have been badly let down during this debacle.”
And Labour MSP Neil Findlay added: “When the future of these young people was on the line John Swinney didn’t want to listen but when his job was on the line suddenly he heard their voice.
“Pupil and political pressure forced this change and I thank the hundreds of pupils and their parents who contacted me for their support.”
SNP MSP Angela Constance said:“Mr Swinney listened to concerns, took responsibility and not only apologised but has taken action to make amends. It is vital that young people do not lose faith with the education system as education is the route out of poverty.”