Boost for Scottish education as exam gets thumbs up

Published on Monday 29 June 2009 22:03

SCOTTISH qualifications have been given another boost as the project element of the new baccalaureate, in schools from August, has been rated as the equivalent of half an Advanced Higher by Ucas.

The university admissions body also recently increased the value of an Advanced Higher, giving it greater weighting in comparison to A-levels.

The moves mean pupils taking those Scottish exams have a better chance than before at winning a university place.

Education secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "Taking into account this is a new qualification with no candidate evidence, the Interdisciplinary Project has done well to achieve half the marks of an Advanced Higher, which itself has recently had its tariff increased by UCAS in recognition of its high standing.

"We are very pleased with this rating as it will ensure that the Scottish Baccalaureates are recognised when young people apply for university courses in Scotland or elsewhere in the UK."

Introducing science and language baccalaureates is a key strategy of the Scottish Government to encourage uptake of those subjects by teenagers.

The baccalaureates will be made up of a mix of Highers, Advanced Highers and a project of the candidate's choosing.

Janet Brown, Scottish Qualifications Authority chief executive, which oversees the exams, said the move made the baccalaureates an attractive option.

She said: "Once again, the rigorous Ucas tariff rating process has delivered an excellent result for Scotland and our new baccalaureates."