Scotland Exams Gradually Returning to Normal

Exams in Scotland are starting to return to a more ‘normal’ format, with some modifications still in place due to Covid-19. This year, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) have developed an alternative assessment approach which has been tailored specifically for the 2020/21 academic year.

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The main focus of this new system is on ensuring that everyone can access exams and assessments, regardless of their circumstances or any issues they may be facing due to school closures. The SQA’s goal is to ensure fairness for all students by making sure that each student’s performance reflects their true ability, as opposed to being negatively impacted by extenuating factors like illness or closure.

This new approach includes an alternative approach to assessment, which involves a combination of coursework, projects and online tests. The SQA have also developed an ‘at-home’ exam for those students who are unable to take the traditional exams due to Covid restrictions. This exam will be conducted online and provide an accessible way for students to test their knowledge and skills.

The SQA have carefully designed a system that works best with everyone’s circumstances in mind. They have been listening closely to feedback from teachers, parents and students to ensure that the new assessment approach meets everyone’s needs.

Ultimately, this new system will help ensure fairness for all students so that everyone has the same chance to demonstrate their true ability and knowledge in their exams. It is also hoped that this system will be a step towards returning exams to pre-Covid times, so that students can take their exams as normal from the 2021/22 academic year onwards.

There are still many uncertainties about how this new system will work for everyone involved, but the SQA are working hard to ensure everything runs smoothly and without issue. With any luck, the new approach to assessment will allow all Scottish students to access evaluations and do well in their exams despite the difficult circumstances presented by Covid-19.

How will the SQA ensure that each student’s performance reflects their true ability and is not negatively impacted by extenuating factors?