SQA exams: Positive results for Falkirk district pupils

The year saw the return of traditional style exams for the first time since 2019 – and for many pupils for the first time ever.

An initial assessment of this year’s results are very positive, with both National 5 and Higher results higher than pre-Covid results.

Level 3 awards in S4 this year are better than last year, and better than 2019 pre-Covid levels. Level 4 awards in S4 are the highest yet for Falkirk schools. Level 5 awards in S4 are lower than last year, but higher than pre-Covid levels. Level 6 awards are lower than last year, but again are higher than pre-Covid levels. Level 7 awards are lower than last year, but again are higher than pre-Covid levels

Councillor Laura Murtagh, portfolio holder for education in Falkirk Council said “These results are a really positive reflection of the hard work put in by Falkirk’s students, many of whom will have sat traditional style exams for the first time.

“They should be justly proud of all they have achieved, as should their teachers, who have worked tirelessly and innovatively to support them through changing and often very challenging circumstances.

“As a parent myself, I know first-hand the significant stress that has come with supporting our young people throughout the pandemic and would pay tribute to the wider support networks providing pastoral support to our students, including to parents and carers themselves for the crucial role theyhave also played. Congratulations to everyone receiving their results this week and to staff who continue to support all of our students.”

Across Falkirk Council, a full analysis will be undertaken of the overall attainment pattern when the Insight School Leavers Data is published in February which includes not just SQA but also HNC, Apprenticeships and other pupil destinations.

Robert Naylor, Director of Children’s Services said: “Given the challenges that this cohort of pupils has faced during the pandemic it is encouraging to see that these results are better across all the above measures than pre-pandemic figures.”

Any parents or pupils involved in this year’s diet of exams who have queries regarding their results should contact their school directly.

SQA’s Candidate Advice Line is on 0345 279 1000.

Braes High Pupils celebrate success

A group of young people from Braes High School spoke for many when they said their overwhelming feeling now is of “relief”.

Ben Adams, Emily Dagger, Max Macaulay, Harry Lawson and Amna Anwar were undaunted by the fact that their first formal examination was their all-important Highers or that their third and fourth years were heavily disrupted.

They had nothing but praise for the support they have had from their teachers through it all.

This year was the first nail-biting wait they have had to endure – although with messages sent by text, only a few pupils have the agonising wait for the post that many will remember from results day.

Last year, they already a good idea what their results would be in advance as so much was done with continuous assessment.

This morning they finally found out that all their hard work had paid dividends, with outstanding results all round.

But headteacher, Iain Livingstone was full of praise for the “bravery and resilience” that so many young pupils have shown throughout the pandemic.

Despite all of the difficulties and disruption, he is in no doubt that it has also helped pupils develop self-reliance, along with new skills that will stand them in good stead.

Mr Livingstone was keen to emphasise that the pupils’ success hasn’t just been academic, but all of them have played a huge part in the life of the school. Whether organising a basketball tournament in support of Ukraine, taking part in school shows or being on the pupil council all of them have also been a huge part of the school community.

Being part of that community – after being kept apart for so long during the pandemic – is now more important than ever to the young people and with this years’ results in the bag, they are determined to enjoy every moment of sixth year.