Exam pass rates improve among Fife pupils

Fife’s high school pupils may not have sat their exams in May, but they have still had a nerve-wracking wait for results day.

That day is now here and the wait is over as texts drop into inboxes and certificates come through letterboxes.

It’s an unusual situation with the Covid-19 pandemic and sudden closure of schools meaning that no students sat the usual National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher exams.

The results being received are based on teacher estimates, with final grades built around preliminary exam results and course work that has already been submitted.

Initial analysis of this year’s SQA results in Fife show things are improving across the Kingdom.

Maria Lloyd, Fife Council’s head of education said: “Overall the number of pupils gaining National 5 qualifications has increased since last year and the pass rates have improved.

“Higher pass rates have generally improved.

“Overall number of pupils gaining Advanced Highers has passes have improved significantly across all grades."

Figures show that in Fife the pass rate for grades A-B in National 5s has improved by 3.4 percentage points, with pass rate for grades A-C including pass awards in ungraded courses like Skills for Work improved by 2.5 percentage points.

The Higher pass rate for grades A-B has improved by 4.7 percentage points, while for A-C it has improved by 3.4 percentage points.

While the pass rate for Advanced Higher grades A-B have improved by 11 percentage points, and the rate for A-C has improved by 10.5 percentage points.

Derek Allan, rector at Kirkcaldy High School said: “It's been the most surreal period for young people across Scotland and my heart really goes out to them at this time.

"Along with the sudden closure, the loss of face to face learning and the social isolation, many were denied the end of session, or end of school career rituals such as Prizegiving and Prom.

"Of course, not being able to sit the exams was a blow too.

"As always, there will be joy and sadness across Kirkcaldy today.

"Congratulations to all our young people who have achieved their goals this session.

"It's clear from the headline data that there is moderate improvement across most measures at KHS, especially in S4 and in S5.

"For those who feel that they have not achieved their best, remember that learning is a lifelong pursuit and there is always the chance to improve.

"We may also be able to submit an appeal in cases where the school feels that a candidate has been hard done by.

"We are checking our evidence base right now to prepare for that process with a priority on those candidates with a conditional offer of a university place."

He added: "Many thanks to all our teachers, who so diligently assessed the attainment evidence which was available and worked together to prepare very detailed estimates for the SQA.

"This was a difficult task which has allowed teacher judgement to be part of the awards, but it does not mean that teachers have set the grades.

"Complex SQA statistical processes have been applied to ensure a degree of consistency across Scotland.”

Patrick Callaghan, head teacher at St Andrew's RC High School in Kirkcaldy extended his “warmest congratulations” to pupils for their successes in what he describes as a “unique situation”.

He said: "Whilst the results are still receiving analysis a first look would suggest increased numbers of pupils gaining five or more National 5 awards in S4, five or more Higher passes in S5 and one or more Advanced Higher in S6.

"For the first time in our school's history our S4 pupils have been able to achieve up to eight National 5 awards in Fourth Year rather than the usual six and a number of our pupils this year have achieved seven or more helping them in the competition for much sought-after jobs and college places - or greater opportunities for further study in school.

“I am impressed by the manner in which our pupils have focused on their studies given the circumstances this year and I have also taken time to thank our staff for the work they have done this year in supporting our pupils gaining their awards.

"A worthy note of thanks also goes to all our parents/carers who have supported their children over the months of lockdown to ensure their studies carried on.”

As results were being received by students across Fife, Councillor Fay Sinclair, convener of the council’s education and services committee, said: “Congratulations to everyone who’s received their SQA results today. With this year’s exams cancelled due to Covid-19, it’s not been easy.

“I’d also like to thank staff who have supported our young people with such professionalism and parents who have probably borne the brunt of the challenge this year has brought.

“For anyone who is disappointed and maybe didn’t get the results they needed, there are people to talk to and alternative pathways available so please seek out that support.

“Although qualifications are important, the learning doesn’t stop here.

"This is just another step on the way to adulthood, the world of work and future learning.

"Exams are just one stage in preparing our children for the rest of their lives.”

Support is available to all those receiving results from a number of organisations.

Skills Development Scotland has a free results helpline offering careers advice, information and guidance by calling 0808 100 8000.

It will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, then from 9am to 5pm on Thursday and Friday.

Information and advice is also available on the My World of Work website – www.myworldofwork.co.uk

The SQA’s candidate advice line – 0345 279 1000 – will run from 8am to 6pm on Tuesday and from 8.30am to 5pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Support and advice is also available on the SQA website – www.sqa.org.uk/results

Alternatively, visit www.fife.gov.uk/examresults where you’ll find a list of useful websites.