News / Exam results see high standard maintained
SECONDARY school pupils in Shetland delivered another strong performance when the 2016 exam results were published on Tuesday.
A total of 617 school pupils had been awaiting results, delivered either by text, email or post.
Some 93.7 per cent of candidates passed their National 4 qualifications – just over half a percentage point up on last year’s results. 80.2 per cent passed National 5 with grades between A and C – a slightly drop on the 82 per cent recorded in 2015.
It is the third year pupils have studied for national qualifications, introduced during the 2013/14 academic year to replace the previous standard grade system.
They are usually studied by S4 pupils at the start of their three-year “senior phase” when they have the opportunity to study for a range of academic and vocational qualifications.
It is also the second year of the new higher exams and the first year of the new advanced higher exams, which were similarly revised in line with the Scottish Government’s introduction of the curriculum for excellence.
Four in five candidates passed the new higher, almost identical to the 79.8 per cent figure in 2015.
For the new advanced higher the pass rate was 74.3 per cent – compared to 65.4 per cent who passed the old advanced higher in 2015.
Shetland Islands Council’s education and families committee chairwoman Vaila Wishart said: “I am delighted to see that Shetland’s excellent record of attainment in national qualifications continues. I would like to congratulate all the candidates and their teachers.”
Teachers at local schools are available to discuss the results with pupils, who can contact the schools directly to make arrangements. Information is also available from Skills Development Scotland’s website at www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk.
Skills Development Scotland is hositng an exam results clinic for pupils in Lerwick’s Charlotte House between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday and Thursday.
In addition to a careers adviser, representatives from the NAFC Marine Centre, SIC social care, Train Shetland and CITB will also be on hand to talk about various opportunities for young people.
Skills Development Scotland is also available for appointments as usual throughout the week and can be contacted on (01595) 695791.
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