The SQA has announced a “sensitive approach” to exam grading, days before results are issued to thousands of young Scots across the country.
In an online meeting to provide background on the grading processes, Scottish Qualification Authority officials Gill Stewart and Martyn Ware delivered a presentation outlining the approach taken for 2023.
Attention was drawn to a ‘package of support’ for young people this year, including course modifications, an ‘exceptional circumstances’ consideration service, a free appeals service, and “a sensitive approach to grading.”
Described as an “extra layer of protection”, the approach apparently ensures that the impact of the pandemic, changes to courses, and the removal of revision support compared with last year, are all taken into account when setting final grades for this year.
The officials also stated that a wide range of data was reviewed in order to “ensure all factors had been fully considered” before decisions were made on final grade boundaries and pass marks. This data did not include information about individual students, schools or council areas, nor did it include deprivation data.
However, when pressed for further clarification of what the “sensitive approach” meant in practice, the officials stated that they were showing “sensitivity to the experience of learners”.
Specific details were not provided, with those in attendance advised that the impact would become clear on results day.
