I spent months diligently preparing for the Nat 5 Chemistry 2026 exam, investing countless hours in studying past papers and grappling with challenging chemical concepts. I believed that my efforts would equip me to handle the exam effectively. However, upon sitting the exam, I encountered a shocking reality. The questions were unexpectedly unfair, notoriously difficult, and riddled with unfamiliar and unclear wordings, completely unlike any past papers I had revised from. This experience was not unique to me; it was felt by many students who, despite their hard work and dedication, faced the same difficulty. This has left us feeling disheartened and underrepresented in our knowledge of chemistry. Our performance in this exam should not inaccurately reflect our true capabilities.

The repercussions of this exam fiasco are widespread. The unwarranted stress and worry caused by the unclear questions have not only affected our academic standings but also our mental well-being. It's unjust and unreasonable to penalize students for the shortcomings in the exam design. We believe that the grade boundaries should be adjusted to accurately reflect the students' genuine abilities and efforts.

Past papers, usually a reliable resource, were rendered practically irrelevant this year as they did not prepare us for the style and complexity of the questions we faced. This breach in alignment with past paper standards has impacted both our confidence and results.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), responsible for setting the examinations, must acknowledge this issue. We urge them to review and lower the grade boundaries for the Nat 5 Chemistry 2026 exam to better mirror the unprecedented difficulty level faced by all students.

Adjusting the grade boundaries isn't merely about safeguarding our grades; it's about ensuring fairness, maintaining trust in the educational system and acknowledging the mental strain placed on students. By doing so, the SQA can demonstrate their commitment to fairly assessing student performance and can maintain the credibility and integrity of their examinations.

Join us in calling for a change to the Nat 5 Chemistry 2026 exam grade boundaries, ensuring our effort and knowledge are justly represented. Please sign this petition and help us urge the SQA to take necessary action for the betterment of students' futures.