Higher History 2024 markers reports

All markers reports for Higher History for the 2024 exam diet.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance information is exempt under section 30 of FOISA, as disclosure would be likely to inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation [30(b)(ii)]; and would otherwise prejudice substantially the effective conduct of public business [30(c)]. This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

We recognise that there will be an interest in disclosing information as part of being an open, transparent and accountable public body.

However, there is also a public interest in knowing that assessment processes are robustly applied and that feedback provided by markers is open and honest based on experience and expertise. This feedback is used to set and maintain standards which is essential to learners, and all parties who rely on consistent practice in application, such as employers, colleges and universities, and training providers.  

Reports are produced by markers who understand the key purpose is for the setting and maintenance of standards. It is critical to the awarding process that markers are open and honest with us in the feedback they provide in their reports after they have completed their marking. The information in these reports is a key source of information that is used to inform grade boundary decisions. If the content of the reports is made public, it is likely to significantly inhibit markers' willingness to be fully open and honest. Each marker's report is based on the scripts they have marked. Feedback from these reports is subject to internal review on which SQA is able to reach robust conclusions. Putting individual reports into the public domain is misleading and potentially confusing to readers as their content forms part of a wider process.

Comments made by markers for the 2024 exam diet were considered during the review of the Higher History exam paper.

Having considered the public interest, we have concluded that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the requested information.