YOUNG CARERS

Please copy the following link:

https://carers.org/resources-schools-scotland

or access on GOOGLE CLASSROOM code: mcj36y3

Thank you.

Mr Milligen

As you will be aware, we have received notification from SQA that no Art and Design and Photography practical coursework will be externally assessed this year.

However Art staff have agreed with Mr Biddick that it would be a great shame for pupils not to be able to get a sense of satisfaction upon the completion of their folios.  In order to address this, we hope to hold a showcase exhibition of all folios on our return to school.

What we suggest is that all pupils are invited to complete their folios to the best of their ability, with the resources they have to hand.  Their work will then be included in a grand exhibition, to which we will invite all friends and families.  This will allow students the sense of completion that they deserve for all their hard work, and also enable them to continue to be creative with purpose during these difficult times.

We hope ALL students will choose to take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate their success, and we are very much looking forward to enjoying this with you.

We thank students for their hard work so far.

Ms J Dixon

Principal Teacher of Art and Design

Dear Parent/Carer

Information on the SQA Statement to Schools on Coursework for National Courses

Tuesday 24 March 2020

Following the announcement by the First Minister on Sunday, that no young person with SQA coursework to complete should attend school to do so, SQA are continuing to work hard on how they should take coursework evidence into account, in determining young peoples’ final grades.

SQA have assured schools that they will do their utmost, given the current situation, and with the support of the education system, to ensure that learners’ hard work is rightly and fairly recognised and allows them to proceed to further learning or work.

The current public health advice has meant that they have had to make some really difficult decisions about coursework. This means that for this year, schools and colleges are not required to submit learner coursework for marking, in Higher and Advanced Higher courses.

They have taken this difficult decision to be as fair as possible to all Higher and Advanced Higher candidates, whilst taking on board the current public health advice, the many varied coursework requirements across different subjects, and how these are managed in schools and colleges across the country.

They appreciate that some learners may have already completed their coursework for Higher and Advanced Higher courses. This work can still be used as part of the suite of evidence for teachers to draw on as they consider estimated grades.

SQA have received coursework for a range of National 5 subjects and have contacted National 5 coursework markers to confirm marking arrangements. All National 5 coursework, due to be uplifted in April and May, will not be submitted for marking.

SQA will provide further details on the estimation of grades that they will need from teachers in school to inform certification, and fuller details of their approach to certification, as soon as possible.

SQA have noted that this is an unprecedented situation for us all, and circumstances are rapidly changing. With every change in circumstances, they will continue to consider how best to recognise learner achievement in as fair a way as possible.

SQA notes it is fully committed to working with schools to deliver for Scotland’s young people.

Craig Biddick

Acting Head Teacher

24/03/20 PARENTS AND STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE:

The School office is now CLOSED – Telephone calls to School may not always be answered.

For general queries and GLOW PASSWORD RESETS – Please Email:  penicuik_hs@midlothian.gov.uk

Craig Biddick

Head Teacher (Acting)

Dear Parent/Carer

SQA Exam Diet

You will know by now that the 2020 exam diet has been cancelled and yesterday, Sunday 22 March, the Depute First Minister provided local authorities with updated advice in relation to S4-S6 pupils. As a result of this advice, S4-S6 pupils should NOT go into school for any reason. An exception, however, is vulnerable S4-S6 pupils who access Complex Needs Provision. They should follow individual arrangements already in place for them with their school.

Part of the normal preparation for achieving a qualification includes completing coursework, assignments and folios. Certification will be based on both predicted attainment, coursework and assessment throughout this year. Certification will NOT be based solely on prelim performance. Where possible, S4-S6 pupils, should finish their coursework at home and schools will make arrangements to provide further guidance and support to S4-S6 pupils in due course. Schools, as of today, Monday 23 March 2020, will be working with staff to plan this support. Please do not contact your child’s school for information as to how they should complete their coursework or their predicted grades as this work is not yet complete and further information will be provided in due course.

I want to reassure you and your children that teachers, who know your children well as learners, will be doing everything possible to ensure they get their best possible qualification.

Andrew Sheridan