SQA Statement on the Coronavirus, and impact on the National Qualifications 2020 Examinations Timetable

Thursday 12 March

We know that learners, parents and carers, schools and colleges will be concerned about the possible impact of the Coronavirus on the National Qualifications 2020 Examinations Timetable.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is continuing to monitor the situation, in close contact with the Scottish Government and other regulators and awarding bodies across the UK.

At present there is no change to the published National Qualifications examination timetable. Our advice therefore is to continue to prepare as normal. All current deadlines for coursework and other assessments remain in place and the exam timetable is currently scheduled to run from 27 April until 4 June 2020.

Schools and colleges should be gathering any alternative evidence on candidate performance as they would do in the normal way, and as per our guidance every year, to support any consideration of exceptional circumstances. This evidence should inform estimated grades, again as it should every year.

We fully recognise that this is an evolving situation and, as you would expect, we are working through a range of scenarios. Our overriding priority, drawing on the latest guidance, is to deliver a safe and secure examination timetable with minimal disruption, which is fair to learners.

Markers and invigilators play a critical role in the delivery of our qualifications. We are reviewing our marking and invigilation processes and will issue further communication to schools and colleges shortly.

We are also strongly encouraging all candidates to sign up to MySQA, our online and text service, as a direct way to receive their results.

We will continue to review the latest evidence and will communicate further updates as necessary.

North Lanarkshire Council is working very closely with NHS Lanarkshire and any updates required on the virus will be shared with our staff and residents.

Health Protection Scotland has issued detailed guidance to head teachers and heads of establishment and this will used to make sure we take any action necessary to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

For the latest information and advice please go to: https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

You can also follow @NHS24 on Twitter and Facebook.

Summary of Advice

• Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.
• Bin the tissue.
• To kill germs, wash your hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser gel.

click to download poster

On Wednesday 5^th February Braidhurst welcomed local councillors into the school to celebrate the opening of the new 4G football pitch and to showcase the fantastic partnership work between North Lanarkshire Council, North Lanarkshire Leisure Football Development and Scottish FA Central Region, which enables the Braidhurst football programmes to flourish.

The event began with a presentation highlighting the incredible work of the School of Football programmes and the planning and organisation that went into creating the new pitch. Head Teacher, Mrs Rooney, and School of Football Coach, Mr Young, also spoke to the invited guests before Principal Teacher of PE, Mr O’Neill, and a selection of School of Football pupils spoke about their first-hand experience of the programme which places young people at its centre.

The event ended with a coaching session on the new 4G synthetic pitch which impressed all in attendance. Depute Leader of North Lanarkshire Council and local Councillor of Motherwell West, Paul Kelly, praised the pitch as the “best in the country.”   We were also delighted to welcome Councillor Megan Gallacher and Councillor Frank McNally.

The school are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the School of Football and Girls’ School of Football programmes 2020.

For more info please Click here

The application can be accessed online: apply online

Applications close by the end of the school day on Friday 13th March 2020

Good luck to all applicants.