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School pupils receive exam results
05/08/2009
For almost 160,000 anxious pupils across Scotland the wait is finally over, as the Scottish Qualifications Authority today delivers their exam results.
For the majority of pupils it will be good news, as pass rates from Access 3 to Advance Higher level remain stable with small improvements in attainment in most cases.
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop said the results were testament to the abilities of Scotland's young people and cause for optimism about the nation's economic future.
Ms Hyslop said:
"I want to congratulate Scottish pupils for their achievements today. I know the certificates received represent months of dedication and hard work by them and their teachers, combined with the support of parents and friends.
"These results clearly demonstrate that our young people have high ambitions and are achieveing success. By continuing to support Scotland's reputation for skills and learning, today's results will help to make Scotland the place to do business even in these difficult economic times.
"For those who have not received the results they were hoping for, don't panic. There is comprehensive advice and support out there to guide you through the many options available that can help achieve your goals."
The SQA candidate helpline is available on 0845 278 8080.
The current National Qualification courses began to be phased in from August 1999. There are five types of award, designed to provide challenging qualifications for pupils of all abilities:
- Access (available at three levels)
- Intermediate 1
- Intermediate 2
- Higher
- Advanced Higher
- Standard Grade results are also included in the exam results
The Scottish Government is working to develop the next generation of Scottish qualifications, which will come into effect from 2013. These will deliver qualifications that reflect Scotland's new approach to teaching and learning with a more streamlined system, which is simpler for pupils, parents and employers to understand.
Skills Development Scotland has also launched an exam results advice line - 0808 100 8000 - to provide students and parents with instant access to help, advice and information about higher education choices and next steps.
Now in its 17th year, the help-line, manned by 80 fully trained advisers, will operate from 8am to 8pm today, and from 9am to 5pm from Thursday, August 6 to Friday, August 28.
Launching the helpline, Ms Hyslop said:
"This year's exam results are a welcome testament to the hard work, ambition and achievement of Scotland's young people. However, we recognise that they also represent a turning point in every young person's life, when they must make decisions about the future. This can be a difficult time for pupils and their families and the Skills Development Scotland are experienced and dedicated to providing support.
"Whether exam results are expected or unexpected, don't panic! Students can call the helpline for free and discuss their individual needs and the different routes that are available. I want to encourage anyone who is feeling confused or anxious to call the Skills Development Scotland adviceline - 0808 100 8000 - and let advisers help them make the right choices to achieve their goals.
"The helpline advises thousands of young people about career opportunities every year, with almost 2,500 callers seeking careers advice last summer alone. Their team of over 80 trained advisers can provide advice about the UCAS clearing system, employment and training opportunities, exam re-sits, taking a gap year as well as other post-school options."
Danny Logue, operations director of Skills Development Scotland said:
"Following months of preparation we recognise that the arrival of exam results is an anxious time for both young people in Scotland and also their parents. The exam helpline is therefore an important tool to help provide advice and assistance whatever their results might be.
"It is important that we make people aware that the helpline is in place to ensure that young people know that they can speak to a careers expert in confidence. It may be that individuals have done better than expected or perhaps not got the grades they had hoped to. However whether they are looking for reassurance or want to discuss the options available to them the helpline is there to provide this assistance. The helpline will also help to provide parents with an understanding of the education system and give them an insight into how they can help their children cope during what for many is often a stressful time."
The helpline operates at the cost of £35,000 with funding provided by Skills Development Scotland.
The helpline is based in Stirling Management Centre and is staffed by Skills Development Scotland advisers in both the Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise areas.
A flyer giving the helpline number has been sent out with exam results through the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
A higher than average volume of calls is anticipated this year due to changes in the UCAS system. These include the clearing process moving to an electronic system, changes to the way art schools recruit and the introduction of a 'period of adjustment' for canditates with better grades than expected. This means they will have five days to investigate alternative places.