Qualifications Face Overhaul ...But Exams Will Stay In Some Shape Or Form

SCOTLAND'S exams system is to be given an overhaul after recent criticism in the international OECD report.

- Vivienne Aitken

It will be the second time in eight years that the structure has been reformed.

In 2014, pupils first sat the National 5 qualifications which replaced Standard Grades. The following year the same cohort became the first to sit the new Higher exams followed by the Advanced Highers the year after.

But in June the OECD said senior secondary school pupils found lessons which focused on memorising information needed for exams “boring”. It also said teaching in Scotland was a clash between 19th century assessment and 21st century curriculum”.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said that new qualifications will be developed to ensure learners' achievements are fairly recognised.

However, it is expected that externally marked exams will remain part of the approach despite calls for exams to be purely assessment based.

Pupils studying for national qualifications in spring next year will not be affected by changes.