Latest SQA blunder just "a passing storm" for the Authority
Has its exam results gaffe landed the SQA with an unsavoury reputation as an organisation that is unable to make the grade? Not so, says Joanna Buggy, associate director at Grayling...
So, the results are in. Unfortunately, for SQA, they were in sooner for some than for others.
The ‘technical hitch’ that saw 30,000 pupils receive the potentially life-changing news a day earlier than expected brought flooding back memories of the results debacle of 2002 – something the media, politicians and others were quick to stir the memories of.
It shows that, even though that was almost a decade ago and despite working hard to build public trust since then, it is still a key element of the SQA’s reputation. The SQA’s past record effectively magnified this situation.
SQA were quick to underline the early results were correct. In response to claims that those who had received their results early would have an advantage in taking up University courses – particularly in relation to clearing, SQA underlined that all Scottish Universities were under instruction not to discuss results and offer places until the official results day.
The SQA responded quickly to alleviate concerns and underline that there is no advantage or disadvantage to getting your results early.
A Twitter feed (also featured in the Scotsman) relayed the internal confusion of the situation on the ground. However, it also demonstrated a desire to provide those affected with updates on the situation, which is to be commended.
The mistake took the spotlight away from the results themselves which saw record numbers pass their Highers.
Headlines decrying the ‘blunder’ were inevitable given the situation. SQA has perhaps learned from its experiences and were quick to accept responsibility, apologise for anxiety caused and deal with the reality – underlining their ‘no-one is disadvantaged’ mantra.
What they had no way of avoiding was the references to the past. People and the media have long memories.
So… did the SQA make the grade? They’ll have to wait for their results to come through by text but early indicators (which they are partial to) are that this is a passing storm.