Improved exam results draw mixed views
THE number of Scottish school-leavers who achieved top marks has increased, the latest exam results revealed yesterday.
Last night educationalists welcomed the rise, but expressed concern that schools are becoming too "target-driven".
The SQA attainment and school-leaver figures show that 47 per cent of S4 pupils gained five or more awards at SCQF level 5 by the end of 2006-7 – up from 34 per cent in 2004-5.
The statistics also showed that about 6,000 pupils were unemployed on leaving school and that pupils registered for free school meals scored less on average than other pupils.
David Eaglesham, general secretary of the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association, said: "These are good results and part of a gradual trend over the years to zone in on the syllabus to make sure pupils pass exams.
"However, this also means that because everything is so focused on meeting targets, pupils are missing out on a broader education."
Email to a friend
Print this page- Scottish independence: I don’t want ‘separatism’ says Sir Tom Farmer
- Mystery after body discovered near West Highland Way
- The Rumour Mill: Monday’s football news and gossip
- Leveson inquiry: Tony Blair defends links with Rupert Murdoch
- Abu Qatada case stalls again but Olympics mean he must stay in prison
- Scottish independence: I don’t want ‘separatism’ says Sir Tom Farmer
- Jim McColl may back Scottish independence if third option omitted
- The Rumour Mill: Monday’s football news and gossip
- Rangers takeover: CVA bid ‘on track’ as date is set for 14 June
- Craig Levein insists Scotland will recover from US thrashing
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Edinburgh
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
