Many assessments for 2021 Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) courses are “exams in all but name” and should not go ahead, according to backers of a new petition.

The petition was started by a school student yesterday and has so far gained some 2,000 supporters.

The petitioner, Deni Mcgurty, writes that she is urging “the SQA to reconsider the act of the final grade of students in 2021”, the second year in a row that exams have been cancelled as a result of Covid.

The use of a term such as “final assessment” to describe this year’s arrangements is a “mockery”, she says, adding that “it’s where students like myself need to do an exam in [the] classroom”.

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She points out that students have been in school buildings for fewer than four months in 2020-21, “most of us less with [Covid-enforced] isolation”.

While the news that exams were being cancelled had alleviated students’ stress, they had been given short notice that they would then have a “final assessment”, prompting the question, “why not just call it an exam?”

Ms Mcgurty said that “just changing the name is an outrage when the lack of education [this year] is significant”, and she raised concerns about the impact on students with learning disabilities and those suffering mental health difficulties.

One comment on the petition reads: “As someone in S5 sitting their Highers, who struggles with mental health, I think these ‘assessments’ are not fair! We were told it would be classwork but here we are sitting exams in a classroom when we have hardly been at school this year. I am so far behind in one of my classes due to Covid, which is not fair, how do they expect me to sit and do an ‘assessment’?”

Another comment on the petition reads: “Students are being treated with contempt. First they are told final exams have been cancelled. Then, with a month’s notice, they are told they will sit a final assessment in a classroom (ie, an exam) without having been in school for most of the year. Coursework has not been completed and only had limited online remote teaching. Surely the submitted coursework over the year should be used to determine the award.”

This week, we heard from @CYPCS young advisers and @Bruce_Adamson about the impact of the pandemic on young people. The full session can be watched here: https://t.co/mub9lNIa0Y pic.twitter.com/v50liZbZMJ

- Education & Skills Committee (currently inactive) (@SP_EduSkills) March 13, 2021

Dr Tracy Kirk, a legal academic in Scotland who specialises in children and youth rights, told Tes Scotland: “There has been a lack of transparency this academic year despite clear potential for Covid-related lockdowns and the need for social isolation among students. The impact of this situation upon our young people, an age group already more susceptible to mental illness, shows a complete disregard for their needs and rights.

“We have requested the SQA provide a ‘no-detriments approach’ for this academic year (and last), so no student is disadvantaged due to inability to access online learning, lack of support for additional support needs, the need to self-isolate and other extenuating circumstances - which must include impact upon mental health.

“However, so far this has been ignored and it is our young people suffering as a result. Running assessments that are exams in all but name is unacceptable and it is clearly placing significant pressure on many of our young people, pressure that could be removed if the SQA chose to listen. We cannot let our young people become the Covid generation.”

An SQA spokesperson said: “We have been clear that there is no requirement to simulate a full exam setting. A mixture of assessment approaches, including practical work and coursework, where appropriate, has been advised. We have provided teachers and lecturers with detailed assessment guidance for every subject, which highlights the flexible approaches in which assessment can be carried out.

“Throughout the creation of this year’s model, the views and impact on young people have been at the heart of our decision making.

 “The alternative certification model has been developed by the National Qualifications Group, which includes wide representation from the education system, including local authorities, teachers and young people. The group has been clear that awards this year must be based on demonstrated attainment.

“SQA has not used the term ‘final assessment’ in any of its guidance.”

The petition can be viewed here.