The event was held over two days and was designed to establish and share the standard for the Critical Reading paper for Higher English and provide essential training in the new RM Assessor e- marking system. The two days also provided training in the new front-loaded self-evaluation and support systems being implemented this year by SQA. Team Leaders were provided with both generic and specific training in the required coaching and feedback methodologies.
Team Leaders worked through practice and qualification scripts, supporting the PA as national standards were finalised. Practical experience of RM Assessor was provided on both days as appointees accessed materials and applied agreed standards, annotation and recording protocols.
The training provided me with clarity re national standards for Higher; these will impact directly on the Department’s practice next session as appropriate knowledge is shared and implemented.
The training has wider significance as knowledge of RM Assessor and its requirements will prove invaluable as we prepare pupils for the increasing number of e-marked exams. The assessor training and support processes rehearsed at the event have, in any case, immediate relevance to whole- school practice: support mechanisms for markers/colleagues at a time of change and challenge; monitoring and tracking of progress/systems knowledge and the rigorous application of shared standards.
