TEACHERS have attacked the way Scotland’s exam body has revised a number of key qualifications.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) was told to reduce the assessment burden on teachers by removing internal assessments.
The SQA has now released guidelines for National 5 qualifications, but some school staff are concerned the changes will lead to additional workload.
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There are also concerns examiners intend to make changes to final exams without proper consultataion with teachers leaving pupils lacking preparation time.
Seamus Searson, general secretary of the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association, said: “We have heard concern from subject teachers that not all internal assessments have been removed while other believes changes to coursework and final exams will increase workload rather than reduce it.”
However, a spokesman for the SQA said staff had been working with subject specialists from across the teaching profession on the changes.
He said: “The removal of unit assessments means we need to strengthen the course assessments to protect integrity, breadth and standards of National courses.
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“Internally assessed aspects of course assessment have always been a feature for some subjects such as speaking and conversation in languages, performance in PE, and practical and process activities in design and manufacture.
“Removal of units and strengthening of course assessments will have a positive impact on workload.”
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