Fascinating to watch the Nationalist "movement" attempt to spin the most incredible u-turn in modern political history as evidence of good government.

Let us be clear.

Last week the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Scotland both defended something that today...

...they claim is almost indefensible.

They both knew 5 days before the results and "moderation" was made public what was going to happen, as confirmed by the Deputy FM in response to an excellent question from Green MSP @Ross_Greer this afternoon, but still decided to state...

...that predicted grades made by teachers were "not credible".

Only in the face of public protests and demonstrations from young people (many of whom the SNP hope will form the bedrock of an independence vote) did they back down. Ah, that's not strictly true of course...

...the climbdown began when it was revealed that children from the First Minister's alma mater were being sorely punished by her decision to back a quango over the professionals tasked with educating those young people.

Had the Govt. of the day made the same decision...

...at the time that she attended that school she would never have been able to achieve what she has in her career. But be under no illusion young people...had you not protested so publicly and threatened her political dreams she would have trampled on your ability...

...to achieve what she has.

Today is not an apology for an error from a government that has lost control of education (and many other key issues) it is simply evidence of their inability to govern effectively.

As curious as the actions and words of the FM and Deputy FM...

...has been the response of their supporters.

"Aye but these Tory bastards and red Tories in Labour wid huv been screaming if Nicola hud gone wae the teachers in the first place and they'll aw be gurnin aboot the lower results nixt year tae."

Um...no.

Those in the blue seats, the red seats, the green seats and the yellow seats were, almost uniquely, utterly united in their condemnation of the actions of this government on this issue instantly. Right and left...none with any chance of actually winning control in May of the SP.

But all convinced of the inherent wickedness of this government on this issue. That is remarkable and evidence of just how wrong they got it.

Now comes the interesting part...

This shambles has revealed that the old ways are not fit for purpose. A memory test...

...is no measure of intelligence or capability.

Now is the time to be genuinely radical.

Not radical by restricting free speech or banning things...the favourite activities of this Govt...but a time to be genuinely radical.

Out with exams.

Out with the SQA.

In their place?

A moderated system of ongoing assessment within centres that focuses on what children can do and not on what they can memorise or what they can gain an advantage in if mummy and daddy can afford tutors, iPads, books, foreign holidays etc.

A genuine education.

A focus on drawing out, of stretching and of focusing on creative thinking and problem solving.

Will it happen?

No.

Why?

Because this is not a radical government.