Published on:
18
August 2003
Standard grade and Higher grade results in Clackmannanshire are getting better. The number of pupils gaining 5+ standard grades at Credit has increased by 2.7 percentage points compared to the same results in 2002 (a 13% improvement).
And at Higher the overall percentage of pupils attaining 5+ awards has increased by 1 percentage point (a 19% improvement).
The results for the 2003 diet of examinations were published on the 12 August by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
Councillor Brian Fearon, Convener of the Learning and Leisure Committee said: "This year's attainment levels are the results of the hard work and commitment shown by teachers, staff and pupils at our secondary schools. It's a credit to them all that we are starting to see the fruits of that hard work.
"We want to make sure that levels of attainment continue to rise and will be working closely with the schools to make sure that results continue to get better."
The numbers of pupils attaining 5+ Credit and Higher awards has been achieved in spite of the fact that nationally the pass rate at Standard Grade has improved by only 0.1%, while the national pass rate at Higher has decreased by 0.1%.
In contrast the numbers of pupils attaining 3+ awards at Higher has decreased by 1.4 percentage points compared to the same results in 2002 (a decrease of 8%). However the national drop in the pass rate for Higher English could have had a negative impact on this indicator.
Sandy Wilson, Head of Education and Lifelong Learning said: "I am very pleased to see the marked increase in this years attainment levels. I know that this has been as a result of the very high commitment of head teachers and their colleagues. There is still a lot of work to be done, we cannot afford to be complacent but will continue to work with the schools in a bid to raise attainment levels year on year.
"With the commitment of the pupils, their parents and the staff in our schools, I am convinced that our SQA results will continue to improve."
The review of secondary education, currently underway, is expected to be complete by the end of September. This review combined with the recent HMIE on the education functions of the authority will provide further indications on how schools can be supported to raise attainment further.
A report 'Attainment in Clackmannanshire's Secondary Schools' will be discussed at the Learning and Leisure committee meeting on Wednesday 10 September.