Can any secondary teachers help? Will highers be assessed on work done August -December 2020?

[Mibb]

Hi Scotsnetters. My DC S5 has not been in school since August (mental health reasons). What are the chances we could still turn this around? Will assessments be made based on work the class will already have done, or will that vary from school to school / teacher to teacher? Obviously I will talk to school but hoping someone on here might have some idea, Thanks

Has your dc been doing work while at home?

She has done some work, but not as much as if she had been in school, so if marks are based mainly on work up til now, then she's in a bad position

If she has been regularly returning the online work for assessment up to now, I'd say she's in with a good chance. But if she hasn't, then the next term of work will build on what's been done this term, which would make it very tricky. Make an appointment to speak with her guidance teacher, would be my advice.

Is S6 an option? It would reduce the pressure

Difficult to say. I know that for pupils who are unable to come into school due to mental or physical health conditions we are trying to make arrangements for evidence that might be used to be gathered under controlled conditions in the home when that is allowed. We are hoping that between outreach staff, pupil support teams etc that we could obtain evidence that has the necessary integrity. Not suggesting that your DD's work wouldn't have this just that we will need to account for procedures.

But sadly it's a substantial amount of pupils and we don't know when restrictions will permit for home visits.

Thank you for the replies, I really appreciate you taking the time Lidl and Possums :) I will definitely talk to school. What a year this has been!

My DS was told the assessed grades would be weighted towards later assesments after Christmas.

That's true Wbeezer. The best evidence will for most be obtained after completing the courses. That is also what SQA are advising but secure class tests, prelims etc can be used as part of the body of evidence if need be.

If teachers go back national 5 guidelines then maybe. Basically assessments should be quality not quantity and at least 2 pieces. They produced a list that ranked evidence- prelims (some schools are doing 2 in jan then April), assignment (doesn't count to final grade but is still evidence) then class tests. I know each subject is different but these are the guides for my subject

Presumably you have some flexibility when children have missed some elements? So if a child misses prelims, you can give the extra weight to something else?

We would need work that was done under exam conditions at some point - so work done at home could be done with someone's assistance, using your books the internet etc. In school we would do a timed essay without assistance as some of our evidence