Published on:
10
August 2021
The Council has praised the continued hard work and resilience of Clackmannanshire’s young people as they receive their official results from the SQA today.
With Covid-19 again disrupting learning and teaching over the academic year, exams were cancelled. Under the national Alternative Certification Model, teachers’ professional judgements on learners’ attainment determined the provisional grades that pupils received before the end of term from their teachers.
Today’s official results are the culmination of years of hard work by pupils, who have been supported throughout by their teachers and families. This support has been particularly important as our young people have navigated coping with lockdowns and the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.
Results this year continue to reflect the diversity in young peoples’ pathways through our education system with no learner journey being the same. Our schools continue to ensure that each young person is able to fulfil their potential by attaining the highest level of qualifications possible with better option choice and support so they receive the best possible experience and follow the appropriate learner journey to help them reach a positive destination.
Headline figures nationally highlight that the A-C pass rate across Scotland is slightly down on 2020 but up on 2019.
Overall, the official results show an increase in National 5 awards across Clackmannanshire with an 84.2% pass rate, continuing a 3 year improving trend. There was also an increase in English National 5 awards with the pass rate improving to 92.8%, higher than the Scottish figure of 91.0% and also in Maths with an increase in Maths National 5 Awards to 71.6% pass rate, slightly lower than the national figure of 73.0%.
There was also an increase in Higher awards across Clackmannanshire, with an 87.1% pass rate, similar to the national picture of 87.3%, and almost 40% learners achieving an ‘A’ pass. Results also showed a significant increase in Higher English, with the pass rate improving to 87%.
Councillor Graham Lindsay, Spokesperson for Education commented: “My heartfelt congratulations go to Clackmannanshire’s young people, who have achieved so much while experiencing an academic year of disruption and uncertainty due to Covid-19.
“They have worked so hard during this time, and these results are the culmination of years of effort, which we should all applaud. The contribution of our dedicated teachers and pupil’s families is also an important part of this success.
“For those young people moving onto the next stage of their lives in education, training or employment, I wish them good luck for this exciting time. Pupils who are returning to school will receive a warm welcome and continued encouragement from their teachers to continue to achieve the very best they can in their learning journey.”
School staff are available with help and advice for pupils and families, and you can also contact the Skills Development Scotland results helpline on 0808 100 8000 where expert Careers Advisers can provide the tailored information, advice and support that you need. On social media there is the Developing the Young Workforce #NoWrongPath campaign and Childline advice. There is also support for those young people taking part in the MCR Pathways project.
Clackmannanshire also offer two digital mental health services for young people that may be useful at this time. Togetherall is a digital platform designed to support the longer term management of mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Young people can engage in online discussions with others experiencing the same issues, as well as complete courses and self-assessments on a range of mental health and wellbeing topics, such as managing stress and anxiety. Shout is a text-based crisis service offering immediate support for any issue at any time of day or night. The service is free, silent, anonymous and off-bill. Anyone in Clackmannanshire can access the service by texting 'Clacks' to 85258.