RSS Press releases

Attainment data for our schools shows how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the progress and achievements of young people across D&G as well as nationally. This assessment picture, based on teacher judgements in relation to where they would expect children to be at this stage of Curriculum for Excellence, shows that children’s progress has been affected in all stages (P1, 4, 7) in literacy and numeracy. Similarly, the challenges brought about by the pandemic have impacted the normal processes of learning, teaching, assessment and evidence gathering that teachers would routinely use to help form their judgements. The historic trend in D&G of year-on-year improvement has stopped and there has been a dip of up to 10% recorded for attainment in reading, writing and listening and talking when compared with pre-pandemic outcomes. In numeracy there was a similar picture but with a slightly smaller dip of between 5% and 8% at P1 and P4 respectively and of around 10% at P7.  

Although the data describes a snapshot in time as captured in June 2021, we know the significant, ongoing efforts taking place in every school and Early Learning and Childcare setting (ELC) to address recovery and meet the needs of young people and their families.

Every school and ELC setting has submitted its plans for recovery in session 2021-22 with recovery of literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing as focus areas. Schools will be closely monitoring performance throughout the year and this will form part of the ongoing discussion with parents about pupil progress.

Jim Brown, Chief Education Officer says “The process of recovery will be ongoing and will be a gradual and incremental process to rebuild firm foundations and to develop learning skills among young people who have lost learning time and opportunities they would otherwise have had. We also know that some children’s learning has been affected more than others and we are targeting our efforts to those where the data shows the gaps have widened most.”

Cllr Jeff Leaver, Chair of Education and Learning Committee says “As in other parts of the country, Dumfries and Galloway has not escaped the impact of the pandemic in how it has affected continuity of learning, teaching and assessment as well as the impact and disruption caused to many families. Schools and clusters are working closely together to use the recovery curriculum to close the gap – often using digital connectivity to pool resources.”

Cllr Ros Surtees Vice Chair of Education and Learning Committee says “Improving attainment in children who are care experienced remains a priority of the Council. As their corporate parent, we are looking to all possible ways to quickly address the gaps in learning that this data shows.  We have a Promise to keep for these young people and every effort must now be made to support their learning.”