In 2022 the Scottish Qualifications Authority’s (SQA) approach to grading was “generous” in a bid to take account of the impact of the pandemic on students sitting exams.
Last year the approach to grading was described as “sensitive”. Now the SQA has said that it will “consider any impact on learners completing coursework for the first time” when determining final grades.
The body has also said, in a communication sent to schools today, that appeals will be free of charge this year and students will retain the right to appeal directly, without going through their school.
This academic year is the first time since the pandemic hit that Scottish students have been required to complete the coursework aspect of all National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications.
These assignments and projects that contribute to final grades were scrapped or reduced for many subjects during the Covid pandemic to make more time for learning and teaching, in the face of high staff and pupil absence rates.
The decision to reintroduce coursework this year was controversial - the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) described it as “foolhardy” and called on the SQA to reconsider.
The SSTA argued that younger students had suffered greater learning loss because senior students were prioritised during the pandemic.
SQA reintroduces coursework
Nevertheless, the SQA argued coursework provides learners with “a more balanced approach to assessment”, and it has returned this year, with the exception of a handful of courses.
Now the SQA says it plans to “consider any impact” that the reintroduction of coursework has had this year through its “well-established grading processes”.
It adds: “This will provide fairness and safeguards for learners and help to provide assurances across the wider education community.
“We will share more detailed information on our approach to grading when we issue the 2024 results in August.”
Every year, in the wake of the exams, grade boundaries can be adjusted if, for example, an exam is deemed to be too easy or too hard.
During the pandemic the impact of Covid was considered during grade boundary discussions, and now the SQA appears to be suggesting that it will consider whether the demands of reintroducing coursework need to be mitigated against when it comes to the cut-off points for grades.
Exam appeals to remain free
Regarding appeals, the exams body says: “Learners will be able to appeal any of their final grades by requesting a review of their SQA-marked assessment components. In keeping with last year, the service will continue to be free and available for learners to access directly.”
It adds that “alternative assessment evidence will not be required”.
However, students with exceptional circumstances will be able to have alternative assessment evidence reviewed to help determine their grades.
This year learners will be able to apply to the Examination Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service (EECCS) if they are unable to attend an exam or if they believe their performance in the exam was affected by a personal circumstance, or an unplanned incident on the day, which was beyond their control.
For example, this might involve a medical condition or bereavement, or a disruption on the day of the exam that is reported by the chief invigilator.
The SQA update can be read in full on the body’s website.
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