Analysis: Failure to learn from past exam formats will mean endless re-sits

THIS isn't the first time exams have had a radical overhaul. Higher Still, more than a decade ago, was widely regarded as a disaster and the rush to implement it was blamed.

This time, teachers wanted to be more cautious.

Last year, teaching union the EIS asked for a delay amid fears children could fail if schools were forced to rush Nationals in.

However, they are going ahead as planned, with current primary sevens set to be the first to sit the new courses in 2014.

A point of contention is the exam. The National 5 exam will account for no more than 50 per cent of the final grade (it was two-thirds at Standard grade] and there will be no exam at all at National 4.

Parents worry employers and universities won't see these as worthy when no external marker has judged the work.

However, few disagree a replacement for the Standard Grade is overdue. Introduced in the 1980s, Standards were hailed as a move towards a truly comprehensive system - designed to give every child a chance of a qualification.

However, so many gained a certificate they became regarded as too easy and not a true reflection of ability.

Scotland's education system has been criticised by international studies for not improving outcomes of children from deprived backgrounds.

A bottom level "foundation" at Standard Grade might be a fail but it could provide a child from a background where education is not valued with their first certificate.

Will the Nationals help tomorrow's children believe in education and aspire to learn in the same way?

Time will tell.