Schools audit for new exams ‘superficial’

SCOTLAND’S largest teaching union has criticised an “audit” being carried out to assess whether schools are ready for the introduction of new exams.

SCOTLAND’S largest teaching union has criticised an “audit” being carried out to assess whether schools are ready for the introduction of new exams.

The national body Education Scotland is visiting schools after concerns were raised that some are not fully prepared for the new Nationals in 2013-14.

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But the Educational Institute for Scotland (EIS) said its members were concerned the audit had been a “more superficial process than envisaged”.

It came as new guidance was published to help teachers prepare for the Nationals, which will replace Standard Grades and Intermediates.

East Renfrewshire Council, which is home to some of Scotland’s best-performing state schools, has said it will postpone their introduction by a year to give teachers more time to prepare, leading to calls that other councils should be allowed to do the same.

EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan said: “It’s absolutely essential that teachers’ voices are heard as part of this review, as it is classroom practitioners who are best able to judge what is required to deliver Curriculum for Excellence successfully.

“We will be pressing the Scottish Government and Education Scotland to listen to teachers, and to respond positively to requests for additional support.”

The documents published yesterday provide teachers and lecturers with the mandatory course content and assessment requirements for every new course and the information required to deliver them.

Education Scotland chief executive Dr Bill Maxwell added: “This rich set of advice and guidance has been developed by teachers for teachers. We have worked with a wide range of experienced subject teachers and lecturers. Specialist practitioners have also been closely involved.”