Swinney‘ celebrates the achievements of learners’ on results day visit to Stonelaw
Deputy First Minister John Swinney yesterday visited Stonelaw High School to chat to senior pupils about their exam results and how they dealt with the challenge of learning during lockdown.
Mr Swinney’s visit coincided with results day, on which, for the first time, young people received qualifications based on a combination of teacher judgment and national moderation by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) after exams were cancelled during the coronavirus crisis.
He revealed that the National 5 pass rate was 81.1, the Higher pass rate was 78.9 per cent and the Advanced Higher pass rate was 84.9 per cent.
Mr Swinney also took part in a video call on digital learning platform e-Sgoil with other pupils from around Scotland to congratulate them on their results.
He said: “In the face of an incredibly tough few months for pupils and teachers, we can today celebrate the achievements of all learners.
“Young people have received awards that recognise their hard work and allow them to move onto the next stage in their lives.
“Scottish exams have never before been cancelled. I am immensely grateful to all teachers and lecturers who worked incredibly hard to assess achievement this year, and to the SQA for developing the certification model - without either, young people could not have received qualifications.
“I know that learners who did not achieve what they were expecting will be disappointed. However, the SQA will be operating a free appeals process this year.
“The appeals process is an integral part of awarding this year, and will play an important role in giving schools and colleges the opportunity to present evidence in support of teacher and lecturer estimates.
“The SQA has ensured that sufficient resources are in place to support this process and priority will be given to learners who need their grades to meet a conditional university or college offer.
“This year has been exceptionally challenging but these robust processes mean we have upheld standards so that all learners can hold their heads up and move onto the next phase in their life, whether that be further study, employment or training.”