VIDEO: Top marks: Scotland’s exams results hit record high
Tens of thousands of pupils across Scotland today celebrate record exam results with pass rates at Higher, Advanced Higher, Standard Grade and Intermediate all at their highest levels since the new qualifications system was introduced.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) publishes the overall pass rates today as schools and colleges receive their results through the post or via the internet.
Although rising pass rates are routinely criticised as evidence that the exam system is being "dumbed down", the SQA says the improving results are a result of hard work and appropriate decisions about which exams pupils sat.
However, there was some concern after it emerged that the pass rate for English Higher jumped by more than three percentage points between 2006 and 2007 from 64.9% to 68.3%.
Usually, any changes in pass rates that are more than two percentage points are seen as statistically significant, but a spokesman for the SQA said the difference could be explained by a change in the marking system.
Last year, the SQA ordered a review of Higher English after warnings from teachers over the reliability and content of the qualification, which is seen by many as the country's most important exam.
Complaints from secondary headteachers centred on concern that too many pupils at schools across the country were not getting the results predicted for them.
Yesterday, a spokesman for the SQA said concerns had been listened to and the marking of the critical essay section of the exam had been improved.
"People said to us that they were surprised at some Higher English results in the past with pupils not getting the predicted grades and we have listened to those comments and incorporated that feedback into the marking schemes," he said.
"However, we would note the pass rate for English is lower than the overall pass rate for Higher and we still recognise the fluctuations as an acceptable variance."
Overall, the SQA figures showed pass rates at Higher rose from 71.7% in 2007 to 73.4%, while Standard Grade passes rose from 97.6% to 98%. The proportion of pupils passing Advanced Higher was up from 74.6% to 75.8%. All were the highest since the change in exam structure in 2000.
The SQA spokesman said: "The pass rates show that, within this robust system, learners are performing well and being prepared well. It is also an indication that pupils are being put in for exams at the right level and are therefore going on to pass those exams."
The figures also showed the decline in the number of pupils sitting Standard Grade exams, which has dropped sharply from 433,000 in 2004 to 386,000 this year.
But there was good news for science and languages with an increase in the numbers of pupils sitting physics, chemistry, French and Spanish at Higher - a rise welcomed by Fiona Hyslop, the Education Secretary.
"I want to congratulate pupils all over Scotland for their achievements. These results represent months of dedication and hard work by them and their teachers, combined with support of their parents and friends," she said.
"The continuing healthy uptake and attainment in science and modern languages by our young people demonstrates the continued drive to make Scotland a more competitive place to do business."
Dr Janet Brown, the SQA's chief executive, added: "I am delighted and greatly encouraged to see the increase in numbers of learners achieving our qualifications and the steady growth in pass rates. These results show continuing strong achievements in what is a robust Scottish education system.
"Almost 160,000 learners will receive results today and I
congratulate them all and wish them continuing success in the future."
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Posted by: Alkie, NYC on 2:02am Tue 5 Aug 08
Rather than being good news, such an increase in scores shows two things:
1. The test questions and grading have become easier.
2. Standards have fallen.
Rather than being good news, such an increase in scores shows two things:
1. The test questions and grading have become easier.
2. Standards have fallen.
Posted by: jonny bond, glasgow on 2:18am Tue 5 Aug 08
Way to look on the bright side cheer up have a wee drink it'll be all right you'll see. Well at least you moan like a yankee preacher.
Way to look on the bright side cheer up have a wee drink it'll be all right you'll see. Well at least you moan like a yankee preacher.
Posted by: Cynica, Eaglesham on 6:40am Tue 5 Aug 08
It's all very well the pass rate at Standard Grade having risen to 98%, but if most of these fall into what we survivors of the O grades would term "failures", it means nothing.
When the system first changed to Standard Grades, the benchmark was set by firms offering apprenticeships asking for candidates with passes at grade 3 and above only.
In the "good old days", your certificate only showed the subjects in which you passed. Now, alas, for the scholars sitting present-day examinations, that certificate also shows abject failures.
It's all very well the pass rate at Standard Grade having risen to 98%, but if most of these fall into what we survivors of the O grades would term "failures", it means nothing.
When the system first changed to Standard Grades, the benchmark was set by firms offering apprenticeships asking for candidates with passes at grade 3 and above only.
In the "good old days", your certificate only showed the subjects in which you passed. Now, alas, for the scholars sitting present-day examinations, that certificate also shows abject failures.
Posted by: Lobeydosser, Woodlands Road on 7:12am Tue 5 Aug 08
I am not sure if standards have fallen in certain areas because I have recently seen the Maths Higher paper and it still looks as hard as it was when I sat it 30 years ago, and my Maths is not that bad. I could not comment on other subjects.
I am not sure if standards have fallen in certain areas because I have recently seen the Maths Higher paper and it still looks as hard as it was when I sat it 30 years ago, and my Maths is not that bad. I could not comment on other subjects.
Posted by: Awaab Raja, EDINBURGH on 7:30am Tue 5 Aug 08
The excellent exam pass rates will certainly qualify the young Scots for the jobs which have actually been created in Scotland during the past ten years.
Coffee servers, cleaners, security guards, chicken pluckers, fish gutters, catalogue distributors, bar work, hamburger flipping, social care work, care home work, pizza delivery drivers, commission only work, berry pickers, and a host of other low grade, low paid, low status jobs.
Government figures show that 80% of all new jobs in Scotland have been filled by immigrants, as little or no education is required for the jobs on offer.
Most of the jobs do not even require any knowledge of the English language.
I feel sorry for the well qualified young Scots as the jobs on offer are way below their educational level.[italic]italic[/italic]
The excellent exam pass rates will certainly qualify the young Scots for the jobs which have actually been created in Scotland during the past ten years.
Coffee servers, cleaners, security guards, chicken pluckers, fish gutters, catalogue distributors, bar work, hamburger flipping, social care work, care home work, pizza delivery drivers, commission only work, berry pickers, and a host of other low grade, low paid, low status jobs.
Government figures show that 80% of all new jobs in Scotland have been filled by immigrants, as little or no education is required for the jobs on offer.
Most of the jobs do not even require any knowledge of the English language.
I feel sorry for the well qualified young Scots as the jobs on offer are way below their educational level.
Posted by: JohnM, Perth on 8:11am Tue 5 Aug 08
Since most other public stats that matter tend to be politicised e.g. unemployment, crime, health, why should we believe these latest claims?
How are the standards benchmarked so that they can be meaningfully compared on an apples for apples basis with stats that have gone before? If everyone including what was previously seen as "failures" now get the cert anyway, what's the point of having it - you might as well just skip all that annoying going to school and studying stuff.
Anyway there far too much focus on book learning and conversion rates to get bums on seats at uni when many would far more appreciate a skill that is useful to the community.
Since most other public stats that matter tend to be politicised e.g. unemployment, crime, health, why should we believe these latest claims?
How are the standards benchmarked so that they can be meaningfully compared on an apples for apples basis with stats that have gone before? If everyone including what was previously seen as "failures" now get the cert anyway, what's the point of having it - you might as well just skip all that annoying going to school and studying stuff.
Anyway there far too much focus on book learning and conversion rates to get bums on seats at uni when many would far more appreciate a skill that is useful to the community.
Posted by: wee folding bike on 8:35am Tue 5 Aug 08
JohnM,
[quote]If everyone including what was previously seen as "failures" now get the cert anyway, what's the point of having it - you might as well just skip all that annoying going to school and studying stuff.[/quote]
Even if there is a grade on the certificate nobody is under any illusions what it means. Candidates are aware of the difference between a grade 4 and grade 5 at Standard Grade and anything less than a C in other exams.
JohnM,
If everyone including what was previously seen as "failures" now get the cert anyway, what's the point of having it - you might as well just skip all that annoying going to school and studying stuff.
Even if there is a grade on the certificate nobody is under any illusions what it means. Candidates are aware of the difference between a grade 4 and grade 5 at Standard Grade and anything less than a C in other exams.
Posted by: katie, Glasgow on 8:36am Tue 5 Aug 08
You lot make me so angry. The thousands of young (and not so young) folk who got these results today have put in a heck of a lot of effort over the past year at least to get the results that they have. Congratulations for all of your work, you deserve the results that you have got.
Complaints about the exam systems, about the appropriateness of vocational qualifications, the need for proper apprenticeships and not just in the traditional trades, work related training v higher education are all debates that we need to have but do it on another day when it doesn't devalue the work that has been put in.
You lot make me so angry. The thousands of young (and not so young) folk who got these results today have put in a heck of a lot of effort over the past year at least to get the results that they have. Congratulations for all of your work, you deserve the results that you have got.
Complaints about the exam systems, about the appropriateness of vocational qualifications, the need for proper apprenticeships and not just in the traditional trades, work related training v higher education are all debates that we need to have but do it on another day when it doesn't devalue the work that has been put in.
Posted by: Eilie, Scotland on 8:47am Tue 5 Aug 08
To be honest I don't think that the exams are getting easier. I sat five highers this year all of which I found rather difficult yet I passed all but one. To say this is showing that even though the exams are difficult we know enough to pass them with ease. Either that or I'm in the minority. As for saying that some passes would have counted as failures years ago just shows how much unnessesary pressure is put on exam candidates.
To be honest I don't think that the exams are getting easier. I sat five highers this year all of which I found rather difficult yet I passed all but one. To say this is showing that even though the exams are difficult we know enough to pass them with ease. Either that or I'm in the minority. As for saying that some passes would have counted as failures years ago just shows how much unnessesary pressure is put on exam candidates.
Posted by: Vimes, Ankh-Morpork on 8:48am Tue 5 Aug 08
If we continue at this rate of progress, there will be a 100% pass rate, at Standard Grade, in 2013 - what happens then?
If we continue at this rate of progress, there will be a 100% pass rate, at Standard Grade, in 2013 - what happens then?
Posted by: Oscar on 9:48am Tue 5 Aug 08
Oh keeech, my son's just got five B's, this is going to cost us a fortune. ;)
Oh keeech, my son's just got five B's, this is going to cost us a fortune. ;)
Posted by: martin, edinburgh on 10:00am Tue 5 Aug 08
sorry to stamp on the party, but I have to agree with alkie
There are 3 parties who are interested in exam results : the schools, the kidz (yo), and prospective employers (including uni's)
the uni's and employers want a wide separation of grades to differentiate the abilities of candidates. Obviously if the bulk of the kids are all bunched on 2 or 3 grades they're not getting a good service from these exams so will fall back on their own testing
the kids individually want brilliant grades for themselves and rubbish grades for everyone else so they stick out. Obviously with the majority getting grades at the high end of the spectrum this isn't happening either
that leaves the schools, who want as many kids as possible to get high grades as it makes them look good. In turn schools will campaign for let's not say easier, but more relevant exam questions i.e. the ones covered ad nauseum in revision classes. Thus the kids get higher marks and exam inflation continues, failing the people who will rely on those exams, the kids and the employers/uni's
* There's also no point comparing results to previous years, after even 2 or 3 years those kids will now be at university or in work and be using the qualifications/exper
ience gathered there as the central plank of their CV, they won't be competing in the job marketplace on the strength of their schoolwork anymore
soz, but that's just the way it is
sorry to stamp on the party, but I have to agree with alkie
There are 3 parties who are interested in exam results : the schools, the kidz (yo), and prospective employers (including uni's)
the uni's and employers want a wide separation of grades to differentiate the abilities of candidates. Obviously if the bulk of the kids are all bunched on 2 or 3 grades they're not getting a good service from these exams so will fall back on their own testing
the kids individually want brilliant grades for themselves and rubbish grades for everyone else so they stick out. Obviously with the majority getting grades at the high end of the spectrum this isn't happening either
that leaves the schools, who want as many kids as possible to get high grades as it makes them look good. In turn schools will campaign for let's not say easier, but more relevant exam questions i.e. the ones covered ad nauseum in revision classes. Thus the kids get higher marks and exam inflation continues, failing the people who will rely on those exams, the kids and the employers/uni's
* There's also no point comparing results to previous years, after even 2 or 3 years those kids will now be at university or in work and be using the qualifications/exper
ience gathered there as the central plank of their CV, they won't be competing in the job marketplace on the strength of their schoolwork anymore
soz, but that's just the way it is
Posted by: Wardog, Buckie on 10:26am Tue 5 Aug 08
[quote][bold]katie[/bold] wrote:
You lot make me so angry. The thousands of young (and not so young) folk who got these results today have put in a heck of a lot of effort over the past year at least to get the results that they have. Congratulations for all of your work, you deserve the results that you have got.
Complaints about the exam systems, about the appropriateness of vocational qualifications, the need for proper apprenticeships and not just in the traditional trades, work related training v higher education are all debates that we need to have but do it on another day when it doesn't devalue the work that has been put in.[/quote]
[bold]Absolutely[/bold]
Wall said Katie.
[italic]Well done Ellie![/italic]
katie wrote:
You lot make me so angry. The thousands of young (and not so young) folk who got these results today have put in a heck of a lot of effort over the past year at least to get the results that they have. Congratulations for all of your work, you deserve the results that you have got.
Complaints about the exam systems, about the appropriateness of vocational qualifications, the need for proper apprenticeships and not just in the traditional trades, work related training v higher education are all debates that we need to have but do it on another day when it doesn't devalue the work that has been put in.
Absolutely
Wall said Katie.
Well done Ellie!
Posted by: Wardog, Buckie on 10:27am Tue 5 Aug 08
[bold]martin, edinburgh[/bold] on 10:00am today
[quote]soz, but that's just the way I am[/quote]
And don't we all know it you miserable barsteward
martin, edinburgh on 10:00am today
soz, but that's just the way I am
And don't we all know it you miserable barsteward
Posted by: soccer doc, Dumbarton on 10:36am Tue 5 Aug 08
A couple of points re Martin's posting.
First of all a good deal of the bunching is due to teaching methodology in Schools. Standard grade and Higher courses are taught to defined learning outcomes and it is these learning outcomes that are tested in the exams. Therefore, teachers teach to the learning outcomes, ie what will come up in the exam. You touch on this with your point on revision classes - but actually "repetition classes" might be a more apt description.
Secondly, in Scotland at least, there is no University that I know of that has fallen "back on their own testing" for admissions. Even in high demand subjects (eg medicine) any test will be in the form of an interview, or looking for relevant extra-curricular activities (eg, staying with Medicine, volunteering for work in a local Practice or Hospital, or working with the Red Cross). Why dont they use their own tests? One reason will almost certainly be cost. Testing isnt free. Another might be the stress it would put on these young people - Highers AND a University test? What value Highers then? Also, would EACH University have their own test? But perhaps another one is an awareness of the limited value that Highers have in predicting the future results of students. I have been teaching in Higher Ed for 30 years now, and my experience is that its not always the student who arrives with a bag full of good Highers who does best at the end of four years. Why? Well, to understand that, we need to remember that a good graduate will have the ability to learn independently. If we go back to my point about Highers and learning outcomes, then it becomes apparent that the skills being taught in our skills and Universities are quite different. Higher results, while important, dont give a precise indication of ability so, other than in high demand subjects, the "bunching" referred to isnt that much of a problem.
A couple of points re Martin's posting.
First of all a good deal of the bunching is due to teaching methodology in Schools. Standard grade and Higher courses are taught to defined learning outcomes and it is these learning outcomes that are tested in the exams. Therefore, teachers teach to the learning outcomes, ie what will come up in the exam. You touch on this with your point on revision classes - but actually "repetition classes" might be a more apt description.
Secondly, in Scotland at least, there is no University that I know of that has fallen "back on their own testing" for admissions. Even in high demand subjects (eg medicine) any test will be in the form of an interview, or looking for relevant extra-curricular activities (eg, staying with Medicine, volunteering for work in a local Practice or Hospital, or working with the Red Cross). Why dont they use their own tests? One reason will almost certainly be cost. Testing isnt free. Another might be the stress it would put on these young people - Highers AND a University test? What value Highers then? Also, would EACH University have their own test? But perhaps another one is an awareness of the limited value that Highers have in predicting the future results of students. I have been teaching in Higher Ed for 30 years now, and my experience is that its not always the student who arrives with a bag full of good Highers who does best at the end of four years. Why? Well, to understand that, we need to remember that a good graduate will have the ability to learn independently. If we go back to my point about Highers and learning outcomes, then it becomes apparent that the skills being taught in our skills and Universities are quite different. Higher results, while important, dont give a precise indication of ability so, other than in high demand subjects, the "bunching" referred to isnt that much of a problem.
Posted by: Vote for Scotlands Future, Vote for the SNP on 11:06am Tue 5 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Lobeydosser[/bold] wrote:
I am not sure if standards have fallen in certain areas because I have recently seen the Maths Higher paper and it still looks as hard as it was when I sat it 30 years ago, and my Maths is not that bad. I could not comment on other subjects.[/quote] Unless your a mathematician, use maths professionally, keeping up with developments, the modern maths exams should be almost incomprehensible to someone who took the exams 30-years ago. What we were learning in senior school should almost being taught in junior school now. For one example, one of the developments is that no child should be being taught how to look up log tables.
If you aren't shocked with the developments in school maths after 30-years, then perhaps the standards have dropped.
It's well documented that school maths being taught in the far east, such as Japan is well ahead of what's being taught in European schools.
Lobeydosser wrote:
I am not sure if standards have fallen in certain areas because I have recently seen the Maths Higher paper and it still looks as hard as it was when I sat it 30 years ago, and my Maths is not that bad. I could not comment on other subjects.
Unless your a mathematician, use maths professionally, keeping up with developments, the modern maths exams should be almost incomprehensible to someone who took the exams 30-years ago. What we were learning in senior school should almost being taught in junior school now. For one example, one of the developments is that no child should be being taught how to look up log tables.
If you aren't shocked with the developments in school maths after 30-years, then perhaps the standards have dropped.
It's well documented that school maths being taught in the far east, such as Japan is well ahead of what's being taught in European schools.
Posted by: Jagsman, Glasgow on 11:26am Tue 5 Aug 08
It's all too easy to fall in with the line that standards have dropped, so I'm with Katie and others in congratulating the young Scots who got their results today.
My youngest got three Bs and two Cs and will be going back for a 6th year - he's only just 16.
Having worked with him on English and History and seen the papers in recent years, I think that the Standard grades are easier while the Highers are still demanding. As an experiment, his class was allowed to sit Standard grade English in 3rd year: everyone passed and he got a 1.
It's worth noting that many of those getting results today are 'mature students,' adults who've returned to education. Often they will be holding down a job, or jobs, and raising a family while studying. Their efforts will help bring up the pass rate too.
It's all too easy to fall in with the line that standards have dropped, so I'm with Katie and others in congratulating the young Scots who got their results today.
My youngest got three Bs and two Cs and will be going back for a 6th year - he's only just 16.
Having worked with him on English and History and seen the papers in recent years, I think that the Standard grades are easier while the Highers are still demanding. As an experiment, his class was allowed to sit Standard grade English in 3rd year: everyone passed and he got a 1.
It's worth noting that many of those getting results today are 'mature students,' adults who've returned to education. Often they will be holding down a job, or jobs, and raising a family while studying. Their efforts will help bring up the pass rate too.
Posted by: Strathdee, West Lothian on 12:42pm Tue 5 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Alkie[/bold] wrote:
Rather than being good news, such an increase in scores shows two things: 1. The test questions and grading have become easier. 2. Standards have fallen. [/quote] Or perhaps it could also be that:
1. Teachers and teaching methods have improved.
2. Children are motivated to do well and the competition is on a higher level than in years gone by.
I feel sorry for today's young academics - they're on a hiding to nothing.
Alkie wrote:
Rather than being good news, such an increase in scores shows two things: 1. The test questions and grading have become easier. 2. Standards have fallen.
Or perhaps it could also be that:
1. Teachers and teaching methods have improved.
2. Children are motivated to do well and the competition is on a higher level than in years gone by.
I feel sorry for today's young academics - they're on a hiding to nothing.
Posted by: Alex on 1:08pm Tue 5 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Strathdee[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Alkie[/bold] wrote: Rather than being good news, such an increase in scores shows two things: 1. The test questions and grading have become easier. 2. Standards have fallen. [/quote] Or perhaps it could also be that: 1. Teachers and teaching methods have improved. 2. Children are motivated to do well and the competition is on a higher level than in years gone by. I feel sorry for today's young academics - they're on a hiding to nothing.[/quote] Strathdee...I agree. All of that, plus £billons have been invested, by Labour, in new schools, teacher training, teacher numbers, classroom assistants, new teaching technology, more and more up to date school books and materials. And of course teachers wages.
It's a simple economic equation: more investment = better outcomes.
Interesting that the SNP has not announced one new school in all of Scotland since they came to power....
Simple economic equation: Less investment will, in time = ?
Strathdee wrote:
Alkie wrote: Rather than being good news, such an increase in scores shows two things: 1. The test questions and grading have become easier. 2. Standards have fallen.
Or perhaps it could also be that: 1. Teachers and teaching methods have improved. 2. Children are motivated to do well and the competition is on a higher level than in years gone by. I feel sorry for today's young academics - they're on a hiding to nothing.
Strathdee...I agree. All of that, plus £billons have been invested, by Labour, in new schools, teacher training, teacher numbers, classroom assistants, new teaching technology, more and more up to date school books and materials. And of course teachers wages.
It's a simple economic equation: more investment = better outcomes.
Interesting that the SNP has not announced one new school in all of Scotland since they came to power....
Simple economic equation: Less investment will, in time = ?
Posted by: Wardog, Buckie on 1:20pm Tue 5 Aug 08
Alex on 1:08pm today
[quote]It's a simple economic equation: more investment = better outcomes.[/quote]
Not quite but a good effort, have you though about a career working for the Labour Party?
Alex on 1:08pm today
It's a simple economic equation: more investment = better outcomes.
Not quite but a good effort, have you though about a career working for the Labour Party?
Posted by: toom, Edinburgh on 1:27pm Tue 5 Aug 08
The only way to meaningfully compare between subjects and over years is to decide and adopt some standard distribution curve of scores and to adjust the individual results in any particular exam up or down to fit that distribution. And any such distribution needs to be chosen particularly to spread out bunching at the top of the scale to discriminate into real levels of achievement.
We also need to address the question of what is a graded pass and what is a fail with some real measure of anything below 50 or 55% simply being a failure.
The only way to meaningfully compare between subjects and over years is to decide and adopt some standard distribution curve of scores and to adjust the individual results in any particular exam up or down to fit that distribution. And any such distribution needs to be chosen particularly to spread out bunching at the top of the scale to discriminate into real levels of achievement.
We also need to address the question of what is a graded pass and what is a fail with some real measure of anything below 50 or 55% simply being a failure.
Posted by: Helmut de Smegma, Glasgow on 1:45pm Tue 5 Aug 08
The "dumbing down" continues - calculators,dictonar
ies etc. being allowed into exam halls.
The "dumbing down" continues - calculators,dictonar
ies etc. being allowed into exam halls.
Posted by: Helmut de Smegma, Glasgow on 1:47pm Tue 5 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Wardog[/bold] wrote:
Alex on 1:08pm today [quote]It's a simple economic equation: more investment = better outcomes.[/quote] Not quite but a good effort, have you though about a career working for the Labour Party? [/quote] What about the quality of the investment though?
Wardog wrote:
Alex on 1:08pm today It's a simple economic equation: more investment = better outcomes.
Not quite but a good effort, have you though about a career working for the Labour Party?
What about the quality of the investment though?
Posted by: Erin, Scotland on 1:59pm Tue 5 Aug 08
I think it is unfair for this 'debate' to open again on the day results go through letterboxes. I, like many, have worked all year round for my certificate today and the confirmation that I will be going to university.
[italic]italic[/italic] Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but who made it anyone's right to undermine the hardwork of others?
I think it is unfair for this 'debate' to open again on the day results go through letterboxes. I, like many, have worked all year round for my certificate today and the confirmation that I will be going to university.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but who made it anyone's right to undermine the hardwork of others?
Posted by: nevis folk, Scotland on 1:59pm Tue 5 Aug 08
teaching is probably better
it wasn't that grea when you folks were young
teaching is probably better
it wasn't that grea when you folks were young
Posted by: p15dro, Glasgow on 2:01pm Tue 5 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Alex[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Strathdee[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Alkie[/bold] wrote: Rather than being good news, such an increase in scores shows two things: 1. The test questions and grading have become easier. 2. Standards have fallen. [/quote] Or perhaps it could also be that: 1. Teachers and teaching methods have improved. 2. Children are motivated to do well and the competition is on a higher level than in years gone by. I feel sorry for today's young academics - they're on a hiding to nothing.[/quote] Strathdee...I agree. All of that, plus £billons have been invested, by Labour, in new schools, teacher training, teacher numbers, classroom assistants, new teaching technology, more and more up to date school books and materials. And of course teachers wages. It's a simple economic equation: more investment = better outcomes. Interesting that the SNP has not announced one new school in all of Scotland since they came to power.... Simple economic equation: Less investment will, in time = ? [/quote] snp havent announced a new school...? eh..? what you on about..?
The PPP system is currently the largest waste of tax payers money in living memory as for every school - it will cost the tax payer 5 times that amount in rental over the 25 year lease period and we will then be handed the school keys at the end of this period, just in time for them to require a full refurbishment!!
Now the SNP is coming up with its own version of PPP which will be the same as the PFI/PPP just with another name. It will be hailed as a great initiative to supply nice new buildings, give them a lovely sound bit and the rest of us, the contractors will make a fortune and we will be left paying for it for generations!!
The real reason these kids are doing well is that they are working hard and the teachers are ensuring that they teach them how to pass the exam - whether that be, credit/general or foundation level exams.
The real change in the pass marks in my opinion is down to the league tables of schools. No longer do teachers 'teach' a rounded education. They teach you how to pass an exame. This means the schools get a pat on the back and the teacher gets to keep their job!!
Alex wrote:
Strathdee wrote: Alkie wrote: Rather than being good news, such an increase in scores shows two things: 1. The test questions and grading have become easier. 2. Standards have fallen.
Or perhaps it could also be that: 1. Teachers and teaching methods have improved. 2. Children are motivated to do well and the competition is on a higher level than in years gone by. I feel sorry for today's young academics - they're on a hiding to nothing.
Strathdee...I agree. All of that, plus £billons have been invested, by Labour, in new schools, teacher training, teacher numbers, classroom assistants, new teaching technology, more and more up to date school books and materials. And of course teachers wages. It's a simple economic equation: more investment = better outcomes. Interesting that the SNP has not announced one new school in all of Scotland since they came to power.... Simple economic equation: Less investment will, in time = ?
snp havent announced a new school...? eh..? what you on about..?
The PPP system is currently the largest waste of tax payers money in living memory as for every school - it will cost the tax payer 5 times that amount in rental over the 25 year lease period and we will then be handed the school keys at the end of this period, just in time for them to require a full refurbishment!!
Now the SNP is coming up with its own version of PPP which will be the same as the PFI/PPP just with another name. It will be hailed as a great initiative to supply nice new buildings, give them a lovely sound bit and the rest of us, the contractors will make a fortune and we will be left paying for it for generations!!
The real reason these kids are doing well is that they are working hard and the teachers are ensuring that they teach them how to pass the exam - whether that be, credit/general or foundation level exams.
The real change in the pass marks in my opinion is down to the league tables of schools. No longer do teachers 'teach' a rounded education. They teach you how to pass an exame. This means the schools get a pat on the back and the teacher gets to keep their job!!
Posted by: Finn, Glasgow on 3:05pm Tue 5 Aug 08
Well done all the young people. I know many who were waiting for the results and they worked really hard. I don't understand those who year after year go on about standards falling [italic]on this day[/italic] . Engage in debate about this at another time if you wish . Today is to celebrate those who were successful and to say to those who did not get the outcomes they wanted "Don't worry,. things will work out in the end"
Well done all the young people. I know many who were waiting for the results and they worked really hard. I don't understand those who year after year go on about standards falling
on this day . Engage in debate about this at another time if you wish . Today is to celebrate those who were successful and to say to those who did not get the outcomes they wanted "Don't worry,. things will work out in the end"
Posted by: davidb, italy on 3:28pm Tue 5 Aug 08
It is good to know that so many scots kids can at least spell their name correctly.I look forward to another generation of media and social study experts.I have retired to Italy and you should see the commitment the kids show here.Of course the teenagers here are not out getting drunk ,giving "lip" to the teaching staff and showing no respect for other people.It is a breath of fresh air.
It is good to know that so many scots kids can at least spell their name correctly.I look forward to another generation of media and social study experts.I have retired to Italy and you should see the commitment the kids show here.Of course the teenagers here are not out getting drunk ,giving "lip" to the teaching staff and showing no respect for other people.It is a breath of fresh air.
Posted by: JohnM, Perth on 4:02pm Tue 5 Aug 08
p15dro
I agree with your point about teachers teaching children in order to pass a specific exam. Before our kids went to uni, they were spoon fed what the answers were going to be even at Higher level or should I say especially and what a shock they got when they went into tertiary education and found that the same "rules" did not apply. That they actually had to study the subject and have better all-round knowledge and a grasp of the basics. So for the first time in a long time my maths books had to come out and they and I had to revisit the fundamentals! Although I have sympathy for the teaching staff who are forced down this line for political purposes and for the pupils who no doubt do put in quite a bit of work I feel secondary education has lost its way in the pursuit of meaningless targets and to some extent at least, false achievements.
p15dro
I agree with your point about teachers teaching children in order to pass a specific exam. Before our kids went to uni, they were spoon fed what the answers were going to be even at Higher level or should I say especially and what a shock they got when they went into tertiary education and found that the same "rules" did not apply. That they actually had to study the subject and have better all-round knowledge and a grasp of the basics. So for the first time in a long time my maths books had to come out and they and I had to revisit the fundamentals! Although I have sympathy for the teaching staff who are forced down this line for political purposes and for the pupils who no doubt do put in quite a bit of work I feel secondary education has lost its way in the pursuit of meaningless targets and to some extent at least, false achievements.
Posted by: Oscar on 7:30pm Tue 5 Aug 08
I defy any of the moaners on here to sit these Higher exams they are chuffing hard.
I speak as a poor deluded former student with two degrees to my name, none of which are in catering or hair maintenance...
I defy any of the moaners on here to sit these Higher exams they are chuffing hard.
I speak as a poor deluded former student with two degrees to my name, none of which are in catering or hair maintenance...
Posted by: elrond511, glasgow on 10:19pm Tue 5 Aug 08
I trust these figure ( 98% pass rates) in the same way I viewed the tractor production and food productivity figures from the former USSR. For F***s sake when will this nonsense stop . I am tired of this really ,really tired.
I trust these figure ( 98% pass rates) in the same way I viewed the tractor production and food productivity figures from the former USSR. For F***s sake when will this nonsense stop . I am tired of this really ,really tired.
Posted by: elrond511, glasgow on 10:26pm Tue 5 Aug 08
[quote][bold]katie[/bold] wrote:
You lot make me so angry. The thousands of young (and not so young) folk who got these results today have put in a heck of a lot of effort over the past year at least to get the results that they have. Congratulations for all of your work, you deserve the results that you have got.
Complaints about the exam systems, about the appropriateness of vocational qualifications, the need for proper apprenticeships and not just in the traditional trades, work related training v higher education are all debates that we need to have but do it on another day when it doesn't devalue the work that has been put in.[/quote] Katie, my friend they are deceiving you, what you need is the truth and you know why? Because the truth will make you betterYou are young and you really do have the potential to reach the stars and you know somethin, you will reach the stars when all these deceptive figures stop and we really get down to getting a proper fix on where we are and what we need to do to get where we want to go. Keep the Politicians as far away from the education system as humanly possible !
katie wrote:
You lot make me so angry. The thousands of young (and not so young) folk who got these results today have put in a heck of a lot of effort over the past year at least to get the results that they have. Congratulations for all of your work, you deserve the results that you have got.
Complaints about the exam systems, about the appropriateness of vocational qualifications, the need for proper apprenticeships and not just in the traditional trades, work related training v higher education are all debates that we need to have but do it on another day when it doesn't devalue the work that has been put in.
Katie, my friend they are deceiving you, what you need is the truth and you know why? Because the truth will make you betterYou are young and you really do have the potential to reach the stars and you know somethin, you will reach the stars when all these deceptive figures stop and we really get down to getting a proper fix on where we are and what we need to do to get where we want to go. Keep the Politicians as far away from the education system as humanly possible !
Posted by: vf, perth on 1:01pm Wed 6 Aug 08
Here we go again
Teachers like me are expected to work our buts off to improve the levels of pass achieved every year
We encourage our pupils to work intelligently and to work their hardest in order to achieve the very best they can
When we do our job and they do their work we are told by know-alls that our apparent success is in fact a demonstration of the failure of the exam system
I'm giving up time today during my holidays to check our my pupils' passes and compare with previous statistics. I'm delighted that our department seems to be enabling more pupils to achieve better.
I regard that as doing our job.
I wish that many of your contributors to this blog would go away and do their jobs, whatever they might be, and let us get on with ours.
Here we go again
Teachers like me are expected to work our buts off to improve the levels of pass achieved every year
We encourage our pupils to work intelligently and to work their hardest in order to achieve the very best they can
When we do our job and they do their work we are told by know-alls that our apparent success is in fact a demonstration of the failure of the exam system
I'm giving up time today during my holidays to check our my pupils' passes and compare with previous statistics. I'm delighted that our department seems to be enabling more pupils to achieve better.
I regard that as doing our job.
I wish that many of your contributors to this blog would go away and do their jobs, whatever they might be, and let us get on with ours.
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