In October of this session the Scottish Government announced the cancellation of the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) 2021 National 5 exams and last week they also announced the cancellation of the 2021 SQA exams for Higher and Advanced Higher courses. One week ago the SQA published on their website their plans for an Alternative Certification Model (ACM) for National 5 and we expect a similar plan for Higher and Advanced Higher in due course.

For National 5 the SQA have asked for pupil estimate grades to be based on between 2 and 4 pieces specific pieces of work. Each subject has their own specific requirements. Between now and the end of May 2021 the SQA will be checking with schools that the work is of the correct standard and that agreed National standards are being applied in all schools across Scotland. We will continue to let pupils know what grade they are working at through the Tracking Reports, the first of which was issued in November. Depending on pupil performance these Working Grades can be adjusted up and down as they move through each course. We have been asked to submit provisional grades by the end of March and final grades by the 28th of May 2021.

Given that we now know what the SQA are looking for and that there are no final exams in May 2021, and having consulted with pupils and staff over the last week, we have cancelled our Prelim Diet for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses that was scheduled for February 2021. Instead we will have regular assessments at a time when staff think pupils will perform to their best. As such we are in the process of developing an assessment calendar that we will share with S4, S5, S6 pupils through Teams. We are very mindful that the SQA have asked schools to ensure that assessments used are valid, reliable, practicable and fair. We will be working with staff from North Lanarkshire schools and beyond in order to moderate pupil work and to verify that we are consistently marking to the correct standard.

Mr Graham took the time this morning to speak to all S4, S5, S6 pupils to explain the situation regarding the prelims, cancelled SQA exams and future assessments. Staff are well aware of the competing demands on pupil time and have been asked to bear this in mind when scheduling future assessment dates. As there are less than 90 days between now and the 28th May 2021 we expect pupils on average to be undertaking at least one assessment per week when we return in January.

The SQA still intend to publish certificates on the 10th August 2021, and through the regular sharing of Working Grades we hope that there will be few surprises at that stage.

This is a new situation for all of us Parents, Carers, Pupils and Staff, we will need to work together to ensure the best outcome for the pupils. This will not be easy, however I am confident we will succeed. Please contact Pupil Support in the first instance if you have any concerns.

John Robertson

Headteacher

Calderhead High School