Scottish Government plans to scrap some assessments

"The Scottish government plans to scrap some `unit assessments` which are marked by teachers and make up a proportion of pupils' final mark."

"Instead final exams will be strengthened and externally marked coursework in some subjects will also contribute to students' grades."

"National 5 courses will be altered next year and Higher courses in 2018."

"Under the government's plans, some exams may now form 100% of the final mark. In other cases, the externally marked coursework may make up a significant proportion."

"The move comes after Education Secretary John Swinney told teachers he was `absolutely committed` to reducing their workload earlier this year..."

"Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) have been on a partial work to rule over the issue."

"Its general secretary, Larry Flanagan, said news of the government's plans would be welcomed by teachers, pupils and parents."

"`Since the introduction of new national qualifications, pupils and teachers have been placed under an excessive and unnecessary assessment burden during the senior phase of secondary, leading finally to EIS industrial action,` he said."

"`The agreement to remove mandatory unit assessments as a requirement from all National 5 and Higher courses is a victory both for common sense and for that campaign of action, carried out by EIS members in secondary schools across Scotland`."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-37430455

　

About time.  It`s a pity some pupils are still having to go through the assessments this year.