Good morning, A record number of grade appeals are expected from schools this year, as pupils today receive their “adjusted” grades from the Scottish Qualifications Authority after high school examinations were cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Opposition parties have called on the exams body to release the methodology it has used to award qualifications, after it was accused of being “secretive” about the process and concerns were raised about it being too focused on ensuring “consistency” across national averages. Pupils’ grades will be based on prelim exam passes, coursework assessment and teachers’ judgement - with the SQA allowing itself the ability to change the grade awarded by a teacher. Message from the editor While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription. Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up. Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website. Your feedback is really important, please email me with any comments and suggestions at joy.yates@jpimedia.co.uk Joy Yates Editorial Director JPIMedia Scotland |