PARENTS of some secondary school pupils in Dumfries and Galloway have voiced concerns over their children being re-taught lessons already covered during lockdown.
Cllr Andrew Wood was approached by multiple parents of children attending three secondary schools in the region, including Dumfries High School and Wallace Hall Academy.
Their anxiety follows a school year in which youngsters have endured months of absence, pushbacks and a chaotic exam season.
Cllr Wood spoke of pupils “having to repeat school work already done by them during lockdown using virtual learning systems to both engage with teachers and access prepared work.”
And he criticised a minority of students who had “squandered their time doing what they pleased” throughout the lockdown, whilst also slamming schools for not implementing “penalties of extra homework or segregation until such time as they have caught up.”
The representative for Mid and Upper Nithsdale added: “It further raises questions on public monies being used to supply computers with some not being used, along with teacher’s time and commitment.
“What will happen should we experience a further lockdown? How do we enthuse those youngsters to do school work at home in the knowledge that they will have to repeat it again on return?
“With youngsters already having their past results put under question, I truly hope that the education authority and system is better prepared for future exams and virtual learning.”
Responding, a spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “All schools will have arrangements in place to work with individual children and families, and monitor pupil progress over what has been a difficult time since March.
“Part of this will be to check in with knowledge and understanding of learning covered to date. This may involve some repetition and practice, as we all need at times, with new concepts for deeper learning. In all classes, whether learning remotely or in class, there will be differentiation of pace and challenge. That is a normal part of teaching practice.”
