Chamber
Plenary, 13 Sep 2001
13 Sep 2001 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Scottish Qualifications Authority
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 together. I am always keen to embrace consensus in the chamber and to work closely with the Opposition and colleagues. I can assure Mike Russell that at no time did I see that as a difficulty for anybody.
I am happy to answer Mike Russell's questions directly, but also wish to make a general point. A number of factors made this year's exams round a success. The most consistent factor in the months between last autumn and this summer was that every decision was taken with the objective of delivering the certificates on 14 August accurately and on time. That meant that, at times, there were calls from Michael Russell and others to change the system. We rejected those calls, because to change the system during the year rather than ensuring that it was working could have damaged the production of certificates. Stability is as much a consideration as anything else. Quite apart from the principles involved, the organisational upheaval that would be required were the SQA to move to agency status makes that option a non-starter.
We need to keep our eye on the longer term. Michael Russell talked about restoring normal service. In my view, normal service in the Scottish examination system should be an independent awarding and certification body. We should keep that objective to the forefront of our minds, instead of taking a short-term decision based on the current situation.
There will continue to be a close relationship between the SQA and the education department, because that relationship has been of benefit over recent months. However, it needs to move on to a new level. The SQA, particularly the board of the SQA, needs to carry out to the best of its ability the responsibilities that it has been given. Consultation will take place on the proposals that I have set out, because this Parliament demands that in its procedures for scrutinising draft legislation. However, if today I did not make clear to everyone involved—to the staff of the SQA, to this Parliament and to everyone—what I see as the best way forward, I would be failing to live up to my responsibilities. I hope that Michael Russell will concede that I am averse to doing that.
The member pointed out that the SQA has to serve two different client groups. I believe that we have a body that can deliver exam certification and deal with assessment issues for both schools and colleges in Scotland. Our job is to ensure that it works better than it does at the moment.
I am happy to answer Mike Russell's questions directly, but also wish to make a general point. A number of factors made this year's exams round a success. The most consistent factor in the months between last autumn and this summer was that every decision was taken with the objective of delivering the certificates on 14 August accurately and on time. That meant that, at times, there were calls from Michael Russell and others to change the system. We rejected those calls, because to change the system during the year rather than ensuring that it was working could have damaged the production of certificates. Stability is as much a consideration as anything else. Quite apart from the principles involved, the organisational upheaval that would be required were the SQA to move to agency status makes that option a non-starter.
We need to keep our eye on the longer term. Michael Russell talked about restoring normal service. In my view, normal service in the Scottish examination system should be an independent awarding and certification body. We should keep that objective to the forefront of our minds, instead of taking a short-term decision based on the current situation.
There will continue to be a close relationship between the SQA and the education department, because that relationship has been of benefit over recent months. However, it needs to move on to a new level. The SQA, particularly the board of the SQA, needs to carry out to the best of its ability the responsibilities that it has been given. Consultation will take place on the proposals that I have set out, because this Parliament demands that in its procedures for scrutinising draft legislation. However, if today I did not make clear to everyone involved—to the staff of the SQA, to this Parliament and to everyone—what I see as the best way forward, I would be failing to live up to my responsibilities. I hope that Michael Russell will concede that I am averse to doing that.
The member pointed out that the SQA has to serve two different client groups. I believe that we have a body that can deliver exam certification and deal with assessment issues for both schools and colleges in Scotland. Our job is to ensure that it works better than it does at the moment.
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
On 14 August, almost all Scotland's school exams candidates received accurate certificates of their examination results.The fact that I am able to make that ...
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
Mr Canavan is aware of my personal sympathy for the proposal that marked examination scripts should be made available. The SQA, which has the main role in co...
Dr Sylvia Jackson (Stirling) (Lab):
Lab
If the outcome of the consultation process is that it will be too difficult for scripts to be returned to schools, will the minister at least support the ide...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
Sylvia Jackson made an excellent point. One of the lessons that must be learned from the way in which the marking process is administered and information fro...
Miss Annabel Goldie (West of Scotland) (Con):
Con
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 minist...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
In addition to the report that the Executive commissioned—which, I agree, was central to directing some of the improvements that were required—the new chair,...
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
There have been significant improvements in the arrangements for colleges, even in recent weeks. Over the past 10 months, I have been conscious of the fact t...
Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD):
LD
Will the minister give an undertaking that the remit of the proposed advisory body that he announced today will include an examination of higher still? Many ...
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
We do not yet have figures for the standard grade appeals, which were due only recently. However, the higher appeals—including the urgent appeals—show a much...
Mr Murray Tosh (South of Scotland) (Con):
Con
The minister looks relaxed and confident occupying the First Minister's seat. Perhaps he aspires to fill it on a permanent basis.I want to pursue Dennis Cana...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
I am sure that the SQA will examine the range of possibilities when it examines the outcome of its consultation on that issue. It is right and proper that it...
Bristow Muldoon (Livingston) (Lab):
Lab
Further to Mr McAveety's question on the appeals system, my constituents have identified problems with the urgent appeals system, which produces results that...
Mr McConnell:
Lab
There are a number of issues about entrance to university. Long before I was a member of the Scottish Parliament, when I was at Stirling University, I was in...
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, ...