The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Exam results joy as councils spell out back-to-class plans
Pages 2 & 3
Aberdeenshire youngsters have been praised for making the grade in increased numbers despite the disruption the coronavirus pandemic has caused to their education.
More than 6,000 pupils sat 30,000 courses across 70 subjects this academic year, with the students achieving improvements in attainment at national five (N5), higher and advanced higher levels.
The overall pass rate for pupils sitting N5 subjects was up 4% to 79.2%, while attainment at higher level was up 3.5% to 77.6%. Advanced higher pass gains experienced the biggest jump, rising by 6.4% to 82.6%.
The number of pupils excelling in the core skills of literacy and numeracy is also on the up, with 87.6% of S4 pupils achieving a N5 English award and 70.1% doing likewise at maths.
The progress come despite classes having been cancelled since March due to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Pupils’ final exams were done away with and their grades were instead decided by Scottish Qualifications Authority assessors based on preliminary exam results, coursework, feedback from teachers and their schools’ track records.
The local authority’s head of education, Vincent Docherty said: “It hasn’t been easy for our schools to collate and review evidence and make a fair judgment on behalf of each and every young person who was due to sit exams this year, but I really feel teachers, supported by their leadership teams, have done a great job in Aberdeenshire.
“Their submissions have been realistic and sensible as well as ambitious, largely supported by the SQA in recognition that we have closely adhered to their guidelines. Thank you to all those school staff out their who have played their part.”
Mintlaw Academy pupils celebrated as advanced higher passes jumped up 17.5% on last year to 84.2%. Higher and N5 pass marks were also both up to 79%, an increase of 5.5% and 3.4% respectively.
Meanwhile Peterhead Academy pupils achieved a 68.2% advanced higher pass rate, up 4.3% on last year. Higher passes were up 3.2% to 61.4%, and N5 attainment rose 7.6% to 69.1%.
The region-wide performances have earned praise for pupils from Aberdeenshire Council’s education and children’s services committee chairwoman, Gillian Owen.
She said: “I’m so pleased to see our young people able to breathe a long-awaited sigh of relief, recognised for their efforts and celebrating all they have achieved even in the face of adversity this year.
“Aside from the pass marks, you have achieved something very unique in terms of having to adjust to new ways of learning, in terms of supporting your family, dealing with disappointment and building resilience in the most challenging of circumstances. “From me, it’s a very heartfelt well done.” Aberdeenshire Council’s Buchan area committee chairman, Norman Smith, added: “Pupils across Buchan can be extremely pleased. While the data gives only an initial indication of performance, and as such, has to be welcomed with cautious optimism, it is a first indication that a lot of hard work from pupils, teachers, parents and carers has paid off.”
As well as those celebrating success in their traditional qualifications, yesterday, a further 319 pupils across Aberdeenshire gained foundation apprenticeships through their schools or North East Scotland College for the first time too.
That qualification is the equivalent of a higher, but is a combination of classroom and work-based learning.
More than 120 employers were involved
“Asidefromthemarks, you have achieved something unique”