Teacher shortage claim over exams

A TEACHER shortage has forced a school to put on weekend lessons to ensure its pupils are fully prepared for their exams, it has been claimed.
Picture: TSPLPicture: TSPL
Picture: TSPL

During questions at Holyrood yesterday, Labour’s Kezia Dugdale said a “serious shortage” of chemistry teachers at Prestwick Academy had forced the head to bring in staff from other local authorities so that classes could be offered on Saturdays.

Ms Dugdale said there was growing concern from parents over the new National exams, brought in to replace Standard Grades as part of the Curriculum for Excellence.

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Education secretary Mike Russell had been answering questions about the departure of Roderic Gillespie, a senior figure at the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) who is leaving to take up a new post overseas.

Mr Russell said: “The SQA has made it clear that the new qualifications will be unaffected. Mr Gillespie was involved in the development of the exams, he has not been involved in their implementation. ”

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