‘Sleepwalking’ into exams crisis

EDUCATION bosses are ‘sleepwalking into a crisis’ amid a row over alternative assessments, it was claimed yesterday.

Exams have been cancelled after the pandemic forced pupils into long periods of home learning – but the classroom tests they are now sitting are being called ‘exams in all but name’, with soaring pupil anxiety and evidence of widespread cheating.

In a letter to Education Secretary John Swinney, Scottish Labour education spokesman Michael Marra wrote: ‘One of the issues of greatest concern is the crammed exam diets young people are being forced through, despite repeated assurances from yourself and other ministers that there are no exams. Media reports, social media and correspondence to myself indicate the detrimental impact on wellbeing these arrangements are having.

‘It is unacceptable that young people – and their teachers – are partaking in this process when there remains no clarity surrounding the process of appeals that will be open to them.’

Mr Marra said there had been no clarity or leadership from the Scottish Government or Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), so schools were taking different approaches to testing. He added: ‘John Swinney and the SQA are sleepwalking into a crisis.’ Tory MSP Jamie Greene warned pupils were ‘hugely anxious and stressed’.

Students say that between school closures and the loss of study leave they are ill prepared for the assessments.

The row comes amid concern over reports of cheating, with pupils sitting tests at different times sharing questions on social media.

The SQA said: ‘We hope to announce details of the appeals process shortly.

‘There is no requirement to replicate a full formal exam or prelim diet this year.

‘Results need to be based on demonstrated attainment by assessment in a flexible way to suit local circumstances.’