James Calder

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Fife Council reports on SQA results

by jamescalder on 25 August, 2020

A paper going to the Fife Council Policy and Coordination Committee has shown that pupils from the poorest backgrounds in Fife would have felt the worst effects if the Scottish Government has not made its u-turn on the exam results fiasco. Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson Councillor James Calder has welcomed the reversal but worries about the Scottish Government’s attitude towards social mobility.

For Highers here are the percentages of pupils with a lower grade for each SIMD quintile (Q1 being the most deprived and Q5 being the least deprived): Q1: 37.5% Q2: 33.2% Q3: 30.3% Q4: 26.8% Q5: 26.4%

Councillor Calder has said,

For a Government that professes to reduce the attainment gap between the best and worst off pupils, it seems as though this was a significant oversight by the SNP. It amazes me that their formula for the exam results was not analysed for the effect it would have for those from the most deprived backgrounds.

While pupils from all backgrounds had their grades reduced in Fife, the poorest were the worst affected.

With Higher results being important for many in deciding their future after school, it was essential this was done correctly. I am glad the Scottish Government made its u-turn after pressure from pupils affected, but it should never have got to this position.

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