The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Downgrading of results
Former Angus depute head teacher accuses SQA of ‘inherent bias’ after thousands of pupils’ marks were lowered
The Scottish Qualifications Authority’s downgrading of pupils’ results is a “great cause for concern”, according to a retired Angus depute head teacher.
Robert Funai taught maths for 40 years at eight different schools across Angus, Ayrshire and Dundee, latterly as depute head at Brechin High until 2016.
He now tutors pupils in Dundee with Robertsons Education Centre, based in Broughty Ferry.
Despite equal ability in maths, he said two pupils from contrasting areas of the city were awarded different grades, which led him to write to local politicians for help.
He has asked them to consider whether there is an “inherent bias” from the SQA as many pupils from poorer backgrounds saw their grades reduced.
This year’s exams were graded on teacher estimates from coursework and prelims and adjusted by the SQA based criteria including historic school results.
More than 133,000 results were adjusted, the vast majority downgraded.
There was a 15% gap between the actual and estimated pass rates for children in the most deprived areas, compared to 7% for those in the least deprived areas.
Mr Funai said: “I taught mathematics in the following schools: Belmont Academy, Auchinleck Academy, Linlathen High School, Harris Academy, Rossie Secure School,
Montrose Academy, Brechin High School and Arbroath Academy.
“Each of these schools is completely different in the environment in which they sit or sat as well as the demographic which they serve or served.
“Pupils in all of these schools had various levels of ability but all had those who were successful and those who were less so.
“Those that worked hard, irrespective of their environment and demographic, were successful.
“The results for this past academic session (2019-20) would give great cause for concern and alarm to all those with a keen interest in educating our young people.”
Mr Funai has asked Dundee politicians, MSPs and MPs to consider which schools gained the most from the examination boards grading system.
He said: “I would like an explanation as to how it is possible for two young people from two different schools from different demographic areas and who produce top quality work in mathematics be awarded different grades if the evidence and teacher estimates are the same?
“For me there can only be one answer: The school attended by these young people.
The SQA said this year’s results saw an increase in the number of disadvantaged young people gaining Highers.
A spokesman said: “The most disadvantaged young people have achieved better results in 2020 compared to both 2019 and the average results for the last four years.”
Nicola Sturgeon yesterday defended the system but admitted said she would have probably protested against it if it had happened while she was at school.
Ms Sturgeon said she understood many pupils will be feeling “aggrieved” but refused to reverse the decision “because I don’t think that would be the right thing to do either”.
Asked whether she would have be joining the protest planned in Glasgow’s George Square this morning if her own results had been downgraded because of her school’s historic standards, Ms Sturgeon said it was “very possible”.
She said: “I totally understand and sympathise and empathise.”
She added: “Every young person or their families who might be watching, who is feeling that understandable grievance right now that their award is lower than the teacher estimates submitted for them can go through the appeal process where their individual circumstances are looked at.”
Protest organiser Erin Bleakley, 17, said: “We deserve the same life chances as young people in affluent areas.
“How can anyone expect to close the attainment gap when your hard work can be wiped out based on your postcode?
“There needs to be recognition that living somewhere that is termed an area of deprivation should not be something that prevents young people from progressing to further or higher education.”
The teenager attends St Andrew’s High School in Carntyne, Glasgow, which earlier this year was identified as being the second most deprived area in the country, according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.
The deadline for submitting appeals for students waiting on a college or university place is August 14, and August 21 for all other pupils.
Appeal verdicts will be sent to school or colleges by September 4.
“We deserve the same life chances as young people in affluent areas. ERIN BLEAKLEY