SQA Estimate Grades

Dear Parent / Carer

Details of your child's estimate grades that we will submit to SQA prior to the exams, are now available to you on Didbook Progress.  The link to the login through the school website is below 

http://www.linlithgowacademy.org/article/18434/Didbook-Progress-Log-in

Class teachers have discussed these with your child and they should reflect tracking reports issued throughout the session.

What is an estimate grade?

SQA requires estimate grades to be submitted by 22nd April 2022 for every qualification that your child is sitting an exam in (30th May for some subjects). SQA defines an estimate grade as a realistic, evidence-based prediction of your child's final attainment for the course.

How are estimate grades arrived at?

Estimate grades must be evidence-based. Your child's teachers have reviewed a range of available evidence including prelims to arrive at the estimate. The estimate grade should therefore be viewed as an indication of the minimum that your child should expect to achieve in the final exam. It should be noted that the estimate grade is not the final grade. Your child has the opportunity to further improve on their estimate grade in the final exam.

What are estimate grades used for?

Estimate grades are not final grades. The final grade your child receives on their certificate on 9th August will reflect their performance in the exam and coursework, where applicable. However, should your child's final grade be below the estimate grade, they will be able to submit an appeal request to SQA.

What is the Exam Exceptional Circumstances service?

If your child is affected by circumstances on the day of the exam, meaning that they are either unable to attend or are prevented from completing it for a personal reason such as being unwell, the school will submit an exceptional circumstances request. SQA will look at the evidence the school used to determine the estimate grade and will generate a final grade for your child based on this. If your child is in this situation, we will discuss this fully with you and be able to answer any questions you might have.

What is the Appeals process for 2022?

If your child's awarded grade in August is lower than their estimate grade for a subject, they will be eligible for an appeal. Appeals may be submitted by your child directly to SQA or by the school on behalf of your child on or after 9th August, up to 30th August. The school can also submit an appeal on their behalf up to Friday 2nd September.

If your child requires a Priority appeal for entry to university or college in 2022, deadlines are 16th August direct by your child and 19th August by the school.

If your child is eligible for an appeal, school staff will discuss this with them after 9th August and will be able to answer any questions you and they might have. Further information about how to submit an appeal request will follow from SQA and we will ensure that this is clearly communicated with you.

Regards

Mrs Bulloch

Alison Bulloch

Depute Headteacher

Linlithgow Academy

Braehead Road

Linlithgow

EH49 6EH

01506 280180

alison.bulloch@westlothian.org.uk