Concerns over quality of online teaching classes

Concerns have been raised about the quality and effectiveness of an online system delivering Advanced Higher subjects to Stirling secondary school pupils.

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

Education chiefs say the the programme has a number of benefits, including allowing a greater range of subjects to be accessed through the virtual hub and breaking down barriers caused by clashes in school timetables.

However, an SNP councillor has raised a number of issues over quality and how it is implemented, including that it is delivered by volunteers - a factor some staff are said to be increasingly unhappy with.

At a recent full meeting of Stirling Council, Councillor Brian Hambly had asked what changes were planned to improve the acceptance and delivery of online Advanced Highers by volunteers in the coming academic year.

In response, he was told: "From the academic year 2026/27 onwards, the intention is to move from the current two to seven Advanced Higher courses online.

"These will focus on specialist subjects that schools often struggle to provide due to low pupil uptake or a lack of access to qualified teachers.

"By delivering these courses online we aim to ensure that all pupils have access to a broader and more equitable range of Advanced Higher options, regardless of their school's size or staffing. This will also enable high performing students to sit more than the traditional four/five courses each year.

"Stirling Council Schools Learning and Education Service is working towards delivering high quality online Advanced Higher courses.