Our schools need to be reformed
Last week, thousands of teenagers across the country waited anxiously by their phones, computers and doorsteps as SQA results were delivered.
For some, last Tuesday was the successful culmination of months of hard work and congratulations to them all, and their teachers.
For others, there would be disappointment but l would urge no-one to be too despondent.
There is lots of help on hand, most especially from your own school so do take time to consult.
Skills Development Scotland is also offering an advice which can be reached on 0808 100 8000.
Results day is never easy. A bit like budget day, the devil is in the detail and so it was this time too.
The one bright spot is the improvement in the Advanced Higher attainment - an exam which many, including myself, regard as Scotland’s best qualification and which is envied by other countries.
It is however a limited number of pupils who are studying Advanced Higher and so the vast majority of other pupils are more interested in what is happening in National 4 and 5 and Higher.
The picture here is not so rosy.
Respected academic, Professor Jim Scott from the University of Dundee, spent the end of last week interpreting the results and arrived at some very different conclusions from the Scottish Government.
According to his analysis there has been a significant drop in the number of pupils studying foreign languages at National 4, 5 and Advanced Higher.
In addition to this, there has also been a steady drop in the number of National 4 and Higher entries to STEM subjects (biology, chemistry, computing, maths and physics).
From an economic perspective, I don’t need to explain why this is so concerning.
Scottish schools were once known for a broad based education but under the SNP that gold-standard reputation is being lost.
We have known for some time that there are issues with the number of National 4’s, 5’s and Highers being offered but this is the first time that we have solid evidence to confirm it.
Back in May, research from the Scottish Conservatives found that pupils in disadvantaged areas were sitting as few as five National 4 or 5’s compared to the traditional eight offered in more affluent areas.
Across the country, the decline in subject choice is being raised by parents as a problem.
Something needs to change, and quickly, if this situation is to improve and that is why we are calling on John Swinney to conduct an immediate review into subject choice.
He will have an opportunity to do this when he attends the education committee during the first week back after recess.
If things don’t change, pass marks and opportunities for our youngsters will continue to slide and I hope that results last week act as a wake up call for the Scottish Government to do something different when it comes to improving life chances for all.
As ever Liz appreciates the feedback of constituents and can be contacted at the Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL or via email at Elizabeth.Smith.msp@ parliament.scot or via telephone at 01738 553 990. John Swinney MSP at the Scottish Education Awards earlier this year