Chamber
Plenary, 27 Jun 2001
27 Jun 2001 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
National Qualifications<br />(2001 Exam Diet)
It is appropriate for any long-term review to include on-going monitoring of the implementation of the new qualifications and the role of the Scottish Qualifications Authority. This year, we are committed to a review of the future of the SQA board and of the status of the SQA. Given the excellent work that was done by the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee—which produced one of the three inquiry reports referred to by Irene McGugan—it is important that the long-term review goes ahead.
All three reports informed the action that we have taken. Due to those reports, and the efforts of many people, we have managed to maintain a broad consensus across Scotland to work together to deliver this year's examination diet. Any report recommendations that it was not possible to implement this year will lie on the table to be addressed soon after 14 August.
Many lessons are to be learned from this year, not least from those who have experienced the system at first hand. I pass on every individual case that is passed to me, including comments from people who have been involved in marking. Comments are passed to me directly or they are given to me by MSPs or by other means—that includes the letters page of The Herald and other publications. All those comments are helpful.
It is appropriate that we learn the lessons, but we should not give in to the problems that have existed. The number of markers has doubled in recent years. There is no point allocating blame. Our resolve must be to solve the problems and to ensure that the marking system works better in future years. For example, one of the changes that will probably have to be made in years to come is the introduction of a process of appointing markers annually, rather than on two or three-year contracts. We can simplify the system, address some of the difficulties and make the system better for all concerned. As we try to achieve that, I am learning at all times from the lessons of those who are most involved.
All three reports informed the action that we have taken. Due to those reports, and the efforts of many people, we have managed to maintain a broad consensus across Scotland to work together to deliver this year's examination diet. Any report recommendations that it was not possible to implement this year will lie on the table to be addressed soon after 14 August.
Many lessons are to be learned from this year, not least from those who have experienced the system at first hand. I pass on every individual case that is passed to me, including comments from people who have been involved in marking. Comments are passed to me directly or they are given to me by MSPs or by other means—that includes the letters page of The Herald and other publications. All those comments are helpful.
It is appropriate that we learn the lessons, but we should not give in to the problems that have existed. The number of markers has doubled in recent years. There is no point allocating blame. Our resolve must be to solve the problems and to ensure that the marking system works better in future years. For example, one of the changes that will probably have to be made in years to come is the introduction of a process of appointing markers annually, rather than on two or three-year contracts. We can simplify the system, address some of the difficulties and make the system better for all concerned. As we try to achieve that, I am learning at all times from the lessons of those who are most involved.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Sir David Steel):
NPA
Our next item of business is a statement by Mr Jack McConnell, on national qualifications and the 2001 exam diet. As usual, there will be questions at the en...
The Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs (Mr Jack McConnell):
Lab
Like everyone, I was saddened to read this morning of yet another tragic suicide of a young person in Scotland, which should be a source of great concern to ...
Irene McGugan (North-East Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
I give a broad welcome to the largely positive developments and progress that have taken place since Easter. I add also the Scottish National Party's appreci...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
It is appropriate for any long-term review to include on-going monitoring of the implementation of the new qualifications and the role of the Scottish Qualif...
Mr Brian Monteith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con):
Con
In trying to calm our nerves, the minister has clearly taken today's prayer to heart. Thankfully, there will be no deep intakes of breath following the minis...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
The review that I referred to has been under way for some months. It is not a new review; it was referred to by the Minister for Finance and Local Government...
Ian Jenkins (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD):
LD
I welcome the minister's statement, which seems practical and contains lots of positive news. I thank everyone involved in the work that has gone into prepar...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
I understand that next year's examination diet timetable allows three weeks for marking—longer than was available this year or last year. That is certainly a...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
Seven members would like to be called and we have just under seven minutes, so exchanges should be short.
Karen Gillon (Clydesdale) (Lab):
Lab
I thank the minister for his statement.On the appeals process for this year and next year, the minister will agree that it is unacceptable that some students...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
The arrangements that I outlined are for both types of centre—further education colleges and schools. There will be special helplines for both and there will...
Alex Neil (Central Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
I, too, welcome the minister's statement. I have three short, sharp questions.First, I heard what the minister said about appeals, but there was a little hin...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
Mr Neil will not be surprised to learn that they are easy questions for which there are probably not exact answers. I do not have a figure for the exact spen...
Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East) (Lab):
Lab
I welcome the minister's statement, especially his commitment to consult the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.Does the minister agree that teachers and...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
On the involvement of young people, I pay tribute to Jennifer Bryce, from Cumnock Academy, and Victoria MacDuff, from St Modan's High School in Stirling, who...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
We have run out of time, but I will take the four remaining members if they ask one question each. The minister will give an omnibus reply.
Stewart Stevenson (Banff and Buchan) (SNP):
SNP
If the minister were wearing a halo today, it would be a 1,000-watt halo. Well done.I will focus on the data that have come into the SQA system from the Scot...
Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD):
LD
Can the minister assure us that his package of measures will greatly reduce the flood of paperwork that engulfs schools and colleges?
Hugh Henry (Paisley South) (Lab):
Lab
Will the minister give a commitment to continue initiatives such as meeting head teachers and teachers at the secondary schools that serve my constituency of...
Richard Lochhead (North-East Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
Following on from Hugh Henry's question, I return to the theme of acquiring direct feedback from Scotland's teachers. They can write to the letters pages of ...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
On the first question, we are endeavouring to do just what Mr Stevenson has asked and ensure that all data are appropriate and accurate. On Mr Gorrie's quest...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
I thank members for their co-operation.