Pupils say teacher gave them music exam answers

May 11 2008 Exclusive by Lynn Mcpherson

A TEACHER is being probed over claims she gave pupils the answers before an exam.

Children sitting a Standard Grade test made the astonishing allegation about Helen Watson, 51.

The principal teacher of music has been moved from taking classes while education bosses investigate and could face disciplinary procedures.

The alleged fiddle happened before prelim tests for the music exam at 1000-pupil Elgin Academy, Moray.

The authorities were tipped off when an outraged parent complained about Watson.

One parent said: "The claim is that Mrs Watson told senior pupils the answers to the questions they would be getting in the exam before they sat it.

"She is supposed to have told them not to say anything but schoolkids will talk about things like that.

It must have spread like wildfire.

"She's a well - respected teacher so the claims have astonished the entire school.

Popular Watson is also heavily involved in Elginbased St Giles Theatre Group and the schoolbased Two Pizza band, and listsmany former pupils as "friends" on her Bebo webpage.

On the site former pupil 'Rmry M' reminisces about his time in the music department with Watson and says:

"No cake about the music dept?!

"That's not on but perhaps the current students aren't as deserving of cake as we were.

"Do enjoy teaching the little ruffians all things musical. X".

Watson declined to comment on the probe but a spokesman for Moray Council said: "We can confirm a member of staff is the subject of an investigation in connection with procedural issues surrounding a prelim exam at Elgin Academy in February of this year.

"The integrity of the exam system has not been compromised and pupils have not been disadvantaged."

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