Chamber
Plenary, 13 Sep 2001
13 Sep 2001 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Scottish Qualifications Authority
I, too, welcome the extent to which events have moved on from this time last year. However, I remain concerned about one aspect of the SQA. I echo the minister's view that there should be stability for the SQA—that is extremely important for the morale of staff—but stability can induce atrophy. I am aware that one of the most helpful, if embarrassing, indicators of the extent of last year's deficiencies was the independent report that was procured by the Executive. Would it be appropriate for the current regime to consider the appointment of an independent auditor to examine existing management practices and procedures?
All is not well at the SQA. I am engaged in the case of a young constituent who is unable to secure his place at the University of Glasgow because, allegedly, his results were never sent from the SQA to that university. Accidents can happen in any organisation, but if the public's confidence is to be maintained, it is important that some evidence is made available to show that the current regime is as good as it can be, pending what might happen in future. The involvement of an external assessment procedure to help the SQA could be instrumental in attaining that objective.
All is not well at the SQA. I am engaged in the case of a young constituent who is unable to secure his place at the University of Glasgow because, allegedly, his results were never sent from the SQA to that university. Accidents can happen in any organisation, but if the public's confidence is to be maintained, it is important that some evidence is made available to show that the current regime is as good as it can be, pending what might happen in future. The involvement of an external assessment procedure to help the SQA could be instrumental in attaining that objective.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Sir David Steel):
NPA
We are running ahead of ourselves, but we now come to the ministerial statement by Jack McConnell on the future of the Scottish Qualifications Authority and ...
The Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs (Mr Jack McConnell):
Lab
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Michael Russell (South of Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
I welcome the minister's statement and join him in paying tribute to all those who have been involved with the exam results this year, in particular the SQA ...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
I thank Mike Russell for his thanks and congratulations, which are much appreciated. I knew that Colin MacLean and Mike Russell had been at university togeth...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
A large number of members have indicated that they want to ask questions, so I appeal for brevity.
Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con):
Con
The Conservatives, too, welcome the minister's statement—I thank him for making an advance copy available to us. We welcome the fact that the 2001 exams roun...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
I welcome Murdo Fraser to the front bench and to a seat that may appeal to him. I thank him for his comments. I can think of no more able deputy for Brian Mo...
George Lyon (Argyll and Bute) (LD):
LD
I offer my thanks to all the SQA staff and civil servants who worked so hard to make the 2001 diet a success. As the father of two girls who were involved in...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
I am very pleased that George Lyon's daughters managed to receive their certificates. I wish that I had been in that position at 9 o'clock on the Tuesday mor...
Karen Gillon (Clydesdale) (Lab):
Lab
I welcome the minister's statement and associate myself with the congratulations that have been offered to those who were involved in the successful delivery...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
I repeat my thanks to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee, under the convenership of both Karen Gillon and her predecessor Mary Mulligan, for its cont...
Alex Neil (Central Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
As the convener of the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee, I welcome those of the minister's recommendations that are based on that committee's repor...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
I will consider Alex Neil's final point when we draft the bill. Let me be clear: we intend to take additional ministerial powers in the legislation, but they...
Dennis Canavan (Falkirk West):
*
What further consideration has been given to the suggestion that, in cases where both the candidate and the school are dissatisfied with the outcome of an ap...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
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Dr Sylvia Jackson (Stirling) (Lab):
Lab
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Mr McConnell:
Lab
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Miss Annabel Goldie (West of Scotland) (Con):
Con
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Mr McConnell:
Lab
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Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East) (Lab):
Lab
I thank the minister for his statement on the SQA and I congratulate all those who are involved in education—particularly teachers—on the delivery of the 200...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
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Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD):
LD
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Mr McConnell:
Lab
I have some reservations about referring to individual cases from last year, although individual cases that require attention from the SQA and those who have...
Mr Frank McAveety (Glasgow Shettleston) (Lab):
Lab
I welcome the minister's statement. Will he give us further information about the impact of this year's appeals? Last year, the problem with appeals was one ...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
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Mr Murray Tosh (South of Scotland) (Con):
Con
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Mr McConnell:
Lab
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Bristow Muldoon (Livingston) (Lab):
Lab
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Mr McConnell:
Lab
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Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD):
LD
As part of his reforms of the SQA, does the minister plan to ensure that a truly independent person or body will exist whose task it will be to ensure that, ...