6 Main Points from the SQA Appeals Update

SQA Update; Appeals 2020

On Friday, 19th June 2020, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) published its latest update for Schools, Colleges, Candidates and Parents/Carers to outline the finalised plans for the 2020 National Awards Appeals Process (SQAa, 2020).

This has raised concerns among teachers and pupils alike and once again, the SQA has become a topic for debate. There has been a lack of information as to how the Awards Authority will be moderating teacher estimates and we have been advised that any details regarding this issue will not be reported until after the candidates receive their awards on 4th August.

I have outlined below, 6 main points to note about the published appeals process:

1. Appeals will be classed as ‘post-certification reviews’ and must be submitted by schools and colleges; those requested directly from candidates or their parents/carers will not be accepted.

2. Two forms of post-certification review will be possible: ‘priority reviews’ for those requiring improved grades for entry into further education courses and ‘reviews’ for candidates not in that position.

3. Requests can be made from 4th till 14th August for priority reviews and from 4th till 21st August for reviews.

4. Schools and colleges a must ensure that alternative evidence is ready for collection by 20th August for priority reviews and 27th August for reviews.

5. All alternative evidence must have been generated prior to 29th May and a variety of forms other than tests and prelims will be accepted.

6. Outcomes of priority reviews will be provided on 4th September and there is no date as yet for outcomes of reviews.

Many teachers have turned to social media to raise concerns about the volume of work this will cause. This is particularly worrying at a time when schools and colleges will be returning to part-time, face-to-face/blended learning in August which itself will have associated complications. At the forefront of all our minds, teachers, parents, pupils alike, is the impact this could have on the grades of candidates and as such, heated discussions are looming.

In a statement issued by Fiona Robertson, SQA chief executive, on Friday 19th June, she said, “Learners are at the heart of what we do and we remain committed to delivering their 2020 results, in as fair a way as possible, allowing them to hold their heads high and progress to further learning or work” (SQA b, 2020).

I will continue to summarise news as it is published so please check back in and feel free to comment below.

References

SQA a, 2020. [online] Available at: <https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/files_ccc/post-certification-review-information-for-centres.pdf> [Accessed 20 June 2020].

SQA b, 2020. [online] Available at: <https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/94437.html> [Accessed 20 June 2020].