STUC Black Workers Committee Raises Concerns with SQA

August 10th 2020

STUC Black Workers Committee Raises Concerns with SQA

August 10th 2020

The Scottish Trades Union Congress Black Workers Committee has today written to the SQA to raise concerns about the re-grading of pupil’s exam results and the lack of ethnicity data gathering from the SQA.

The letter states:

“The Scottish Trade Union Congress’ Black Workers’ Committee is alarmed of reports that approximately 125,000 young people from Scotland’s most deprived areas have had their teachers’ estimated grades lowered. We believe, that not only does this undermine the professional judgement of Scotland’s teachers: but creates deep inequality amongst Scotland’s young people. We believe strongly that no one’s grades or futures should be determined by their postcode or the past performance of their school.

“Strong research shows that Black and Minority Ethnic young people are more likely to be living in areas of high deprivation in Scotland, therefore, as a Black Workers’ Committee, we are deeply concerned about the implications this may have on the futures and aspirations of Black and Ethnic Minority young people.

“In addition, our Committee is also troubled by the lack of ethnicity data gathering from the SQA, and wish to see this improved in the future.

“To that end, we would firstly appreciate if the SQA could confirm to the STUC Black Workers Committee, if any Black and Minority Ethnic young people have been disadvantaged as a result of this process. Secondly, we would be grateful if the SQA could outline details of the approaches and processes taken to prevent further disadvantage to Black and Minority Ethnic young people. Finally, can the SQA confirm to our Committee that gathering ethnicity data and analysing it more critically will be a priority in the future?

“We appreciate and acknowledge the challenge Covid-19 has presented. However, we need confidence in understanding what has happened and confidence in the approach the SQA has taken, particularly the impacts that has on Black and Minority Ethnic Young People.”

ENDS