Nationals in Scottish Secondary Schools

[headlikeasieve]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knew why kids in S3 are being given exams in nationals this year? It's both private and state schools. I had assumed it was normal practice to test third years, but apparently it started with nationals.

I think I have two theories based on things I've heard. One is that they are being used to decide whether a child will do Nat 4 or Nat 5 in S4. The second, is that these will be used as final Nat 5 exams for pupils who do well, these pupils will then start Higher work in S4.

I went to all the school meetings about the intro. of the new qualifications but can't remember S3 exams ever being mentioned.

If anyone can help explain this to me I'd be grateful, thanks.

If they are internal S3 exams then they can't be the National 5 official exams which are set for May and externally marked like the old Standard Grade/Intermediates. I suspect it is to segregate the Nat 4s from the Nat 5s for going in to S4 for setting purposes. I know that in some subjects my DD's class has completed the "project" element for National 4 as part of these tests so in theory she could finish S3 with a National 4 award and then go on to National 5 in S4 but this is not consistent across all the subjects.

Potentially there is a theoretical possibility that they might put some in to do Highers in S4 but unlikely for the majority especially if they have not sat any formal Nat 5 exams first.

Most probably "banking" Nat 4 internally assessed unit outcomes. Some subjects, English and Maths for example, where pupils will have have a greater quantity of time allocated there is the possibility to have achieved all the required elements included Added Value for Nat 4 in S3. Therefore, allowing all of the fourth year to prepare pupils for Nat 5. Whereas, as subjects that the pupils only have once or twice per week would struggle to gather the evidence requires for the unit passes for Nat 4 hence the lack of consistency.

Shame that the schools are not clearly communicating what the children are being assessed in and why. Haven't heard of any schools beginning Higher work in S4 and given that the Nat 5 external assessments haven't taken place yet I would be sceptical about that sort of approach.

I know at ds' school, the head teacher is keen on them having experience of exams before they really count (in S4), so makes a point of getting them to sit exams in S3. I'm sure the fact that it helps differentiate potential Nat 4s from Nat 5s helps!

Thanks for the replies.

I guess it is to separate the 4's from the 5's. They were told at the start of S3 where they were, but that it would be subject to change until finally being decided in S4. I suppose if it's decided now it will take some of the pressure off for next year.

Even I'm feeling the stress!

As far as I'm aware it is to bank the Nat 4s and to set for S4.

DS school is also keen that the pupils are used to exam conditions.