A total of 572 secondary pupils in Shetland will receive their Scottish Qualifications Agency (SQA) grades today by text, email or post.
These include results for National, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, which are commonly undertaken by pupils in the Senior Phase (S4 to S6).
Following the cancellation of SQA exams for the second successive year, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, pupils have been awarded grades through the SQA’s 2021 Alternative Certification Model (ACM).
This year’s model, which differed from the awarding model in 2020, required schools to determine pupils’ results by means of a holistic judgement of a learner’s demonstrated attainment across all the key evidence gathered in each of their subjects.
• Pass rates at National 5 Grades A-C were 88.7%.
• Pass rates at Higher grades A-C were 80.9%.
• Pass rates at Advanced Higher grades A-C were 82.3%.
On non-graded qualifications:
• National 4 pass rate was 95%
• National 3 pass rate was 92% (23 passes)
• National 2 pass rate was 86% (six passes)
• Six pupils achieved the Scottish Baccalaureate in Science and Languages.
Certificates for a range of other awards including Skills for Work, vocational pathways courses, are also being issued this summer.
Following consultation, the SQA created a revised appeals process this year. The appeals service which is free and available directly to learners for the first time, opens today and learners have until Thursday 12 August to register that they wish to appeal.
George Smith, Chair of the Council’s Education and Families Committee, said: “Our young people have certainly earned their qualifications this year, adapting to new assessment arrangements and continuing to progress with their learning despite the disruption caused by COVID-19. I am absolutely delighted that so many young people have achieved such a high standard of results again.”
“Central education officers have worked closely alongside School Management Teams, teaching staff and support staff in schools to plan and execute the 2021 Alternative Certification Model in Shetland and I am confident in the rigorous quality assurance and moderation process which has taken place in our local authority. I would like to thank all our staff, parents and pupils who have been part of a real team effort.”
- More details of the SQA National Qualifications can be found on their FAQs page
- More information on the appeals process can be found at Appeals 2021 - Information for learners
- SQA Advice is also available on the Skills Development Scotland website www.myworldofwork.co.uk or through the exam results helpline - 0808 100 8000.