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| Version 5 | Version 6 |
|---|---|
| Scots pupils receive exam results | Scots pupils receive exam results |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| More than 150,000 pupils across Scotland have been receiving their exam results. | More than 150,000 pupils across Scotland have been receiving their exam results. |
| Pass rates at Higher and Standard Grade were at their highest level since the new system came in eight years ago. | Pass rates at Higher and Standard Grade were at their highest level since the new system came in eight years ago. |
| For Highers, the pass rate rose 1.7% in a year, while overall figures were said to have shown a "small but encouraging" increase in attainment. | For Highers, the pass rate rose 1.7% in a year, while overall figures were said to have shown a "small but encouraging" increase in attainment. |
| Scottish Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said this showed the current system was very strong. | Scottish Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said this showed the current system was very strong. |
| The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) said total entries for courses had increased on previous years at all levels apart from Standard Grade. | The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) said total entries for courses had increased on previous years at all levels apart from Standard Grade. |
| Pupils tell their exam stories | |
| Certificates are being sent to 158,627 students this year, up from 155,893 in 2007. About 20,000 students who signed up for a special scheme were due to receive their grades by e-mail or text message at about 0800 BST. | Certificates are being sent to 158,627 students this year, up from 155,893 in 2007. About 20,000 students who signed up for a special scheme were due to receive their grades by e-mail or text message at about 0800 BST. |
| The overall attainment for Standard Grades rose from 97.6% to 98%, while for Highers pass figures were up from 71.7% to 73.4%. | The overall attainment for Standard Grades rose from 97.6% to 98%, while for Highers pass figures were up from 71.7% to 73.4%. |
| The English Higher pass rate was up 3.4% from 64.9% in 2007 to 68.3%. Maths Highers pass rates also rose from 70% to 71.6%. | The English Higher pass rate was up 3.4% from 64.9% in 2007 to 68.3%. Maths Highers pass rates also rose from 70% to 71.6%. |
| Standard Grade English results remained steady at 98.7%, while Standard Grade Maths improved slightly from 97.4% to 98.7%. | Standard Grade English results remained steady at 98.7%, while Standard Grade Maths improved slightly from 97.4% to 98.7%. |
| Dr Janet Brown, SQA's chief executive and Scotland's chief examining officer, said: "I am delighted and greatly encouraged to see the increase in numbers of learners achieving our qualifications, and the steady growth in pass rates. | Dr Janet Brown, SQA's chief executive and Scotland's chief examining officer, said: "I am delighted and greatly encouraged to see the increase in numbers of learners achieving our qualifications, and the steady growth in pass rates. |
| "These results show continuing strong achievements in what is a robust Scottish education system." | "These results show continuing strong achievements in what is a robust Scottish education system." |
| Ms Hyslop said the 1.7% attainment increase was satisfactory, saying it was preferable to avoid large variations, either up or down. | Ms Hyslop said the 1.7% attainment increase was satisfactory, saying it was preferable to avoid large variations, either up or down. |
| She told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "If you compare the Scottish system, for example, to the A levels in England where there's been quite marked increases, I think we can reflect that we have a very robust system, that it's very testing. | She told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "If you compare the Scottish system, for example, to the A levels in England where there's been quite marked increases, I think we can reflect that we have a very robust system, that it's very testing. |
| "I think a marginal increase of 1.7% shows we have improvements in attainment, but it's at a level that shows we've got a very strong and robust exam system." | "I think a marginal increase of 1.7% shows we have improvements in attainment, but it's at a level that shows we've got a very strong and robust exam system." |
| Career choice | Career choice |
| A hotline run by Careers Scotland will offer advice on course vacancies at colleges and universities across the UK, work and training, exam re-sits, taking a year out and other post-school options. | A hotline run by Careers Scotland will offer advice on course vacancies at colleges and universities across the UK, work and training, exam re-sits, taking a year out and other post-school options. |
| Danny Logue, director of careers with Skills Development Scotland, said: "It's vital for students to call the helpline as soon as they can, as colleges and universities make their final selections once the results are out. | Danny Logue, director of careers with Skills Development Scotland, said: "It's vital for students to call the helpline as soon as they can, as colleges and universities make their final selections once the results are out. |
| "We can discuss the options and look at the different learning pathways and routes that are available to help the caller make an informed career choice that is right for them." | "We can discuss the options and look at the different learning pathways and routes that are available to help the caller make an informed career choice that is right for them." |
| Lines will be open from 0800 BST to 2000 BST on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 1000 BST to 1800 BST on Thursday through until Friday 22 August. | Lines will be open from 0800 BST to 2000 BST on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 1000 BST to 1800 BST on Thursday through until Friday 22 August. |
| The Careers Scotland helpline - 0808 100 8000 - offers advice on different courses and opportunities available. The SQA candidate helpline is also available on 0845 278 8080. | The Careers Scotland helpline - 0808 100 8000 - offers advice on different courses and opportunities available. The SQA candidate helpline is also available on 0845 278 8080. |
| Is your child waiting for their exams results? How did they do? Are these exam results significant for you? Send us your comments using the form below. | Is your child waiting for their exams results? How did they do? Are these exam results significant for you? Send us your comments using the form below. |