Our pupils are getting brainier
Literacy and numeracy rates improve
Literacy and numeracy rates are improving with each exam sitting, statistics reveal.
Renfrewshire Council figures show a growth in pupils achieving key National 4 and 5 milestones year-on-year.
School bosses have put tackling the attainment gap between wealthier and less well-off children to the front of its strategy.
Education chiefs announced improved scores in a report due to go in front of the local authority tomorrow
It stated: “Raising attainment in literacy and numeracy remains a key priority of Renfrewshire Council children’s services and this is reflected in one of the key priorities of the national improvement framework.
“Renfrewshire has invested in improving levels of literacy through a variety of measures over recent years which have targeted the teaching of reading and engagement and enjoyment of reading in children.
“Improving attainment in numeracy has been given a renewed focus this school session and the service is currently exploring strategies for improving numeracy attainment across Renfrewshire.
“Work has already begun through our attainment challenge to improve confidence and skills in the teaching of numeracy and mathematics and all schools engaged very well in a recent ‘ maths week’ which raised the profile of numeracy and maths in our schools.”
The council has compared test results for S4, S5 and S6 pupils over the last three years.
Reading and counting skills have increased steadily among S4 children since 2015.
Teachers revealed 96 per cent of pupils sitting the level four literacy test passed this year – up three per cent over the period.
Attainment in literacy at level five surged from passes for 61 per cent of pupils to 75 per cent over the three years.
Numeracy also increased at the top level, from 54 per cent receiving passes to 60 per cent.
Level five literacy rates have also risen for fifth year pupils, up five points to 83 per cent since 2015.
Maths skills leapt seven points, with 72 per cent receiving pass marks at the higher level.
Huge advancements were also made among sixth years.
Passing grades were achieved by 72 per cent of children in the level five numeracy exam this year – up from 61 per cent in 2015.
Literacy tests at the same level saw 81 per cent of youngsters pass – up from 72 per cent three years ago.
The report added: “Our performance in S4 has been particularly strong over recent years as there has been a focus on improving the range and quality of qualifications available to all pupils.”
“We continue to engage with our secondary schools to support the development of a senior phase which is engaging for all pupils and one which allows them to succeed at the highest possible level before they leave school. In addition, our schools are working in partnership with external providers to increase the opportunities available for our young people.”