Schoolkids are worried some of their peers are at an unfair advantage due to the botched handling of exams.
As each school is dealing with assessments differently many pupils feel they are at a disadvantage.
Last night, Labour’s education spokesman Michael Marra said the “grotesque unfairness of the system” must not limit the futures of Scotland’s young people.
Some pupils have had little or no warning of exams and no study leave while others have had a month’s notice and time at home.
And while some students have had exam hints from teachers, others have had no help.
Glasgow Youth Council launched survey of fourth, fifth and sixth year pupils last week and has been swamped with replies. Rose Martin, a sixth year pupil and the GYC’s executive communications and outreach officer, said: “The overwhelming response is we have not been consulted as much as we should have been.
“Every school is doing it their own way. There have been leaks of exams and learning online has disadvantaged a lot of people who may not have a great wi-fi signal or a quiet space.”
She added: “From the responses so far, some teachers have been giving away what’s in the exam. It is all a case of luck in who your teacher is and what school you go to.
“Some have been as subtle as a brick but other pupils have not even been given any notice, they just go in and it is sitting on their desks. Others have had notice but no hint as to what is in it.”
She said the unfair situation could have a direct impact on trying to secure a university place.
She added: “I already have an unconditional place to study psychology but a lot of my friends are relying this year on their exam results. They were confident of getting the grades they needed but now they have lost faith. Some are even considering dropping out of school at the end of fifth year and going to college. That was never a consideration before this.”
And pupils are also concerned that there has been no clear indication of the appeals process.
The SQA said it would be announced last Tuesday but no publication was made and it is now less than a month until provisional grades must be made.
Marra said: “To treat our young people in this way is totally unacceptable. I would say to every young person – if you are suffering, please ask for help. This mess, the grotesque unfairness of the system put in front of you, will not define your life. We will fight to ensure it does not limit your future.”
Marra has been assured by the Scottish Government the appeals process will be outlined this week.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said the Alternative Certification Model has “the flexibility to ensure that, as far as possible, there is maximum opportunity for learners to undertake the required learning and be given the best chance to succeed in their course assessments”.
She added: “A later certification contingency is available for learners who have experienced severe disruption and have not been unable to complete their assessment evidence within the flexibilities already provided.”
●GYC’s survey is found here.
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