SOUTH Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has called on the Scottish Government to provide extra support for pupils preparing to sit SQA exams this year.
The possibility of pupils receiving targeted learning support during the Easter break was raised to the cabinet secretary for education, Shirley-Anne Somerville, during a recent Education Portfolio Question Time.
Speaking in parliament, Mr Smyth, right, said: “Some parents will be able to afford additional tutoring for their children ahead of exams, but the poorest will not.
“Does the cabinet secretary accept that we need to escalate support for students who are sitting Scottish Qualification Authority exams this year, including by providing additional resources for targeted learning support in schools during the Easter holidays?”
In response, the education secretary said: “The Scottish Government is working with colleagues in local government on the issue of Easter support.”
An announcement is expected to come from the government soon, but Mr Smyth is determined that this will happen sooner rather than later.
He said: “Our fantastic teachers have done all they can in very difficult circumstances, but covid is not over and many young people still need some extra support to get through their exams.”
