Today was the day that long overdue details of this year’s Scottish Qualifications Authority appeals process were finally due to appear - but instead the SQA has tweeted a blog post dated 1 April with not one mention of appeals.
The target date was initially “early May” at the latest, then publication was expected last week, before this week - most likely today - became the target.
Another day has slipped by, however, with the nearest to an update being a tweet from the SQA at 4.01pm.
It states that: “Our latest blogpost answers a number of learners’ questions about this year’s National Qualifications.”
However, there is no mention of appeals in the blog, which is dated “1 April”.
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New education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville may have to address the issue of SQA appeals in the Scottish Parliament tomorrow.
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Michael Marra, Scottish Labour’s education spokesperson, said: “There is now less than a month until grades are due to be submitted and young people and teachers still have no idea how this process will conclude.
“The SQA have missed deadline after deadline and are treating learners with contempt.
“I will be seeking answers from the minister in Parliament by lodging an urgent question, and will again be demanding publication of the appeals process.”
Our latest blogpost answers a number of learners’ questions about this year’s National Qualifications - you can view it here - https://t.co/2AnQUpkWwc #SQA2021 pic.twitter.com/P8WLQP9dab
- SQA (@sqanews) May 25, 2021
Today, The Ferrett, an investigative news website, has highlighted more concerns about this year’s SQA assessment process.
Last Friday, first minister Nicola Sturgeon rejected the suggestion that another qualifications debacle was around the corner.
Ms Sturgeon also revealed that she had had discussions with education officials, amid concerns over ongoing exam-like assessment of students and the delay in the publication of guidance about SQA appeals.
