Scotland's new Chief Examiner returns to Dunfermline high school
Tuesday 04 March 2025
Donna Stewart and John Booth met with S6 pupils from St Columba's RC High School in Dunfermline
Donna Stewart, Scotland’s new Chief Examining Officer, returned to St Columba’s RC High School – the first in a series of school visits in her new role. Donna, a physics teacher with over 20 years' experience in the classroom, was a former deputy head teacher at St Columba’s.
Donna was joined by SQA's new interim Chief Executive, John Booth. They both expressed great pride in taking up their roles following a new interim leadership structure that was announced last week by SQA Chair, Shirley Rogers CBE.
Determined to reset relationships and win back the trust of learners and teachers, visiting schools across the country and listening to their views is a key priority for Donna and John.
Donna and John met with the Head Teacher of St Columba’s, Mick McGee, with teachers, including some of Donna’s former colleagues, and pupils.
Donna and John heard what pupils and teachers think of a range of topics, including the qualifications they are currently working towards, the future of assessment, the use of Generative AI technologies, and SQA’s Prospectus for Change.
After the visit, Donna Stewart said “It was a privilege to return to St Columba’s and hear about all the great work they are doing. I have many happy memories of working here. I want to thank Mick, his team and the pupils that we spoke to for sharing their experiences of qualifications and for telling us what they really think. It is so important for John and I to hear from them directly.
“These visits are vital as we set up our Schools Unit that will be led by a current or former head teacher. This will harness our shared experience of classroom teaching and school leadership – including the challenges – to bring SQA closer to teachers and the wider profession, and to the learners and communities we serve.”
John Booth said, “The replacement of SQA with Qualifications Scotland provides an unprecedented opportunity for a reset and a fresh start, while continuing to maintain standards and the credibility of our qualifications.
“What we have heard on our visit to St Columba’s today will help us build an organisation that delivers for learners, educators, parents and carers. We will strive to give everyone the opportunity to have their voice heard and ensure what we hear contributes to our work and helps us continuously improve. I look forward to meeting many more people and listening to their views.”
St Columba’s High School Headteacher, Mick McGee said: “I’m delighted the SQA have chosen to visit our school.
“It’s been a great opportunity for staff and pupils to share their experiences of the different qualifications we offer here at St Columba’s. It’s also given them the chance to share their thoughts on a range of issues including the use of AI in assessment and the balance of assessment between exams and coursework.
“We hope that our SQA colleagues have enjoyed their visit and have found what they’ve heard useful.”