This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-36194687
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Higher English exam papers replaced after 'leak' | Higher English exam papers replaced after 'leak' |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Exam papers for this year's Higher English tests have had to be replaced at short notice amid concerns some questions were leaked, it has emerged. | Exam papers for this year's Higher English tests have had to be replaced at short notice amid concerns some questions were leaked, it has emerged. |
Tens of thousands of candidates across Scotland will be sitting the exam on Thursday. | Tens of thousands of candidates across Scotland will be sitting the exam on Thursday. |
A new version of one of the two exam papers was sent out to schools and exam centres last week. | |
A spokesman for the exams agency, the SQA, said it was a "precautionary measure". | A spokesman for the exams agency, the SQA, said it was a "precautionary measure". |
The BBC understands that there was a concern some of the questions could have been leaked. | The BBC understands that there was a concern some of the questions could have been leaked. |
The SQA spokesman said: "We identified a potential issue with one of the Higher English question papers. The appropriate adjustments were made and a new paper was distributed to centres. Our Chief Invigilators have been informed. | The SQA spokesman said: "We identified a potential issue with one of the Higher English question papers. The appropriate adjustments were made and a new paper was distributed to centres. Our Chief Invigilators have been informed. |
"We always create more content than is needed for each examination. All content, including that which is selected for the final exam, goes through the same rigorous quality checks. | "We always create more content than is needed for each examination. All content, including that which is selected for the final exam, goes through the same rigorous quality checks. |
"Robust procedures are in place to ensure the integrity of our qualifications - and we took swift and appropriate precautionary action to ensure candidates would not be affected and are able to sit the examination as intended." | "Robust procedures are in place to ensure the integrity of our qualifications - and we took swift and appropriate precautionary action to ensure candidates would not be affected and are able to sit the examination as intended." |
'Security' | 'Security' |
The SQA stressed that candidates should not be anxious about the change. | The SQA stressed that candidates should not be anxious about the change. |
Tight security surrounds exam papers. | Tight security surrounds exam papers. |
After they are printed, they are distributed to schools and exam centres which are expected to store them securely until shortly before each exam. | After they are printed, they are distributed to schools and exam centres which are expected to store them securely until shortly before each exam. |
A spokesman for the EIS teaching union said: "Where there is doubt over an element of an examination paper, the sensible option is to replace that section of the paper. | A spokesman for the EIS teaching union said: "Where there is doubt over an element of an examination paper, the sensible option is to replace that section of the paper. |
"The most important consideration is that no pupil is unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged, so that the exam can deliver a fair measure of each pupil's level of attainment. | "The most important consideration is that no pupil is unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged, so that the exam can deliver a fair measure of each pupil's level of attainment. |
"Clearly, there will have to be a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this situation, but the most important issue in the short term is to ensure that any issues with the paper are rectified." | "Clearly, there will have to be a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this situation, but the most important issue in the short term is to ensure that any issues with the paper are rectified." |
The SQA did not say just how much of the exam paper had to be changed. | The SQA did not say just how much of the exam paper had to be changed. |
However exam papers are normally carefully checked to make sure they are well set and contain an appropriate range of questions of varying degrees of difficulty. | However exam papers are normally carefully checked to make sure they are well set and contain an appropriate range of questions of varying degrees of difficulty. |
Last year's Higher Maths paper proved harder than anticipated. The pass mark was cut to just 35%. | Last year's Higher Maths paper proved harder than anticipated. The pass mark was cut to just 35%. |
In a subject like Higher English, there are few - if any - answers which are simply right or wrong in a straightforward sense. Markers look for evidence of a candidate's skill and understanding in their answers. | In a subject like Higher English, there are few - if any - answers which are simply right or wrong in a straightforward sense. Markers look for evidence of a candidate's skill and understanding in their answers. |
Were a paper to prove easier or harder than it should have been, this would become apparent from the range of marks. | Were a paper to prove easier or harder than it should have been, this would become apparent from the range of marks. |
If this happened the pass mark and boundaries between grades would be adjusted up or down so candidates should still receive the mark they merited. | If this happened the pass mark and boundaries between grades would be adjusted up or down so candidates should still receive the mark they merited. |
This year's exam diet begins on Wednesday. | This year's exam diet begins on Wednesday. |
It will be the first year when only new look Highers are on offer. | It will be the first year when only new look Highers are on offer. |
The qualifications were adjusted to fit them in with the qualifications that replaced Standard Grades two years ago. | The qualifications were adjusted to fit them in with the qualifications that replaced Standard Grades two years ago. |
But last year both the revamped and old-style Highers were on offer. | But last year both the revamped and old-style Highers were on offer. |
Previous version
1
Next version