The cancellation of this year’s exam diet due to Covid-19 meant results were based on estimates made by teachers based on past performance and national moderation. And in Dumfries and Galloway the results reflect an ongoing trend of increasing positive attainment.
Across the region, 28 per cent of young people are leaving school with five or more Higher qualifications, while 62 per cent of S6 pupils have finished school with at least one Higher award. At National 5 level, 83 per cent of the region’s S4 students successfully achieved an A-C grade.
Dumfries and Galloway Council Education and Learning Committee chairman Jeff Leaver said: “These results evidence the positive learning environment that we provide in Dumfries and Galloway. The young people, parents, carers and staff are to be congratulated, particularly in this year in which they have faced and overcome unprecedented challenges.”
Vice chair Ros Surtees added: “Education opens doors to opportunities that enable young people to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to society, so it’s encouraging to see these results being achieved”
Grade estimates were moderated by the SQA to ensure national consistency, and a free appeals process is available to all pupils through their schools and colleges if they feel they received a lower grade that was expected. South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has called on the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to ensure that the appeals process is robust enough to ensure that nobody feels they have lost out.
He said: “This has been a hugely challenging time for both pupils and teachers and I would like to congratulate everyone who received their exam results, as well as all teachers who have worked so hard in very difficult circumstances. I hope those receiving their results feel like their hard work has paid off, but I know some will be disappointed with what they’ve received. In these cases it is important to remember that everyone’s journey is different and there is support out there for anyone who needs it.
“Grades were estimated by teachers and many have been adjusted down, which has seen passes turn to fails and throws into doubt further education choices. Our teachers are the real experts here and their professional judgement should not be overlooked by the SQA. There are also questions to be answered about the SQA adjusting results on the basis of each school’s past performance, marking the school not the pupil and reinforcing the attainment gap. That gap will get wider because ultimately it will be pupils from more deprived areas that will be marked down based on this system.”
Skills Development Scotland runs a free results helpline offering advice and guidance on 0808 100 8000.
