ARTIST WHO HAD HIS UNI DREAMS RUBBED OUT
THEY look as though they were drawn by a skilled and seasoned professional.
But these amazing sketches are the work of a schoolboy – who has now sarcastically ‘thanked’ the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) after he became one of the many victims of the grading scandal.
Sean Robertson, a student at Portlethen Academy in Aberdeen, was devastated after receiving his results on Tuesday and learning he had been awarded a C in Higher art.
The 18-year-old is one of thousands of pupils affected by the SQA’s controversial marking system following the cancellation of exams due to the pandemic. Sean was expected to achieve B or possibly an A grade and now may lose his university place.
After receiving his grade, he shared his detailed drawings on social media – with an overwhelmingly response.
His artworks include lifelike pencil sketches of a baby, a group of boys and an elderly couple.
Sean said he felt ‘let down’ by the SQA and tweeted ‘cheers for the C in art’ alongside his creations.
Yesterday, he said: ‘I needed two Bs to get into university but ended up getting two Cs. Throughout all of my final year I was told I was at a B
working grade. I was so disappointed and let down by the SQA. I think the SQA assumed teachers were overestimating their students’ grades and from statistics.
‘I’ve seen they’ve been “classist” in their awarding of grades. My friends that are straight-A students received Bs for the first time ever – they’re appealing, too. My Mum and Dad, having known how much hard work I’ve put in, are disappointed and frustrated.’
Sean added: ‘At first I posted [the drawings] for a laugh but after all the likes and comments, it’s boosted my self-esteem and assured me it wasn’t just me who thought the SQA possibly made a mistake.’
Laura Rettie, vice-president of global communications at education consultancy Studee, said: ‘I empathise with how frustrating it is for teachers who have given a student a grade they believe was deserved, only for it to be changed by someone who has never had anything to do with the student. The appeals process is there for anyone who feels they’ve been mis-graded.’
An SQA spokesman said: ‘We advised teachers and lecturers that any completed coursework, including art and design portfolios, be taken in to account when estimating grades. As part of our free appeals service this year, teachers are asked to submit alternative evidence to support requests.’
‘So disappointed and let down by SQA’