Triple teaching trouble

UNDER-FIRE CfE teachers in Tayside could be asked to teach three different groups of pupils simultaneously in the same classroom, a whistleblower has claimed

A Tayside teacher has lifted the lid on a “scary” scenario that could see Higher pupils lumped in with those studying for National 4 and 5 (replacement standard grades) and others resitting a year.

Despite the concerns about next year’s structure and a current increase in workload, she said teachers across Scotland believe pupils will get good results.

“Most teachers feel the results will be fabulous this year,” she said. “I don’t think the SQA or the Scottish Government will let it fail considering what’s happening in September.

“The exam results come out in August and most teachers believe everybody will pass their National 5.”

She added: “If you have a small department you might end up with sixth years doing highers as well as having others doing National 5s in the same class. That’s a danger a lot of teachers are quite worried about next year.

“And what about the kids who study for National 4 and then stay at that level the next year? Essentially you could have a tri-level class.”

The teacher claimed the existing crop of fourth year students are being used as “guinea pigs” and will take a second hit next year when the new highers are implemented.

She said: “Not many people were fans of standard grade, and I wasn’t a fan, but at least you had three levels.

“The National 5 is so close to what fifth years were doing last year that it’s too much of a leap for a lot of the fourth year kids.

“At this time of the year we are now trying to assess if they should be dropped down a level or should we put more focus on them?”

The teacher added: “Time is so restricted. The old standard grade system allowed for two years of preparation and now it’s only one year. It’s such an increased workload and it’s being rushed through.”

Teachers are now having to formulate assessments ahead of National 5 exams rather than draw on approved SQA documents.

Many are fearful their efforts may not meet SQA verification standards.

“It’s very daunting because what if we get it wrong?”

It’s claimed teachers have enjoyed “unprecedented” support.