SQA issues results for National Courses 2007

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) today (Tuesday 7 August 2007) announces the 2007 National Course results, which include Standard Grade and Access Courses.

This year’s highlights are:

Certificates are being sent to 155,893 learners this year, up from 150,050 in 2006.
Total entries for National Courses have increased on previous years at all levels apart from Standard Grade and Advanced Higher, with entries for Intermediates continuing to grow most strongly.
Pass rates for Access 2 to Advanced Higher levels have shown a small improvement in attainment.

National Courses usually consist of three subject-related National Units, which are assessed by the school/college, and are subject to verification by SQA, plus an external assessment (normally an exam but in some subjects, a performance, project work or folio). Generally, to gain a Course award, students must pass all the component National Units and achieve a grade in the external assessment.

This data is not simply a presentation of examination performance.

This year was the second year of the pilot of Skills for Work Courses which are intended to help learners develop skills and knowledge in broad vocational areas and an understanding of the workplace. A key feature is their emphasis on learning through practical experience. Courses are awarded upon successful completion of the Units which make up the Course. There is no additional Course assessment and the Courses are not graded. These Courses are typically taken over two years.

Speaking about this year’s National Qualifications results, Dr Janet Brown, SQA’s Chief Executive and Scotland’s Chief Examining Officer, says:

“This has been another successful year for Scotland’s learners and their teachers and I would like to congratulate them all and wish them continuing success in the future.

I am delighted and greatly encouraged to see the increase in numbers of learners taking National Qualifications and the steady growth in pass rates. Over 155,000 candidates will receive results today. The results show continuing strong achievements in a stable system, which is maintaining highly regarded standards year on year. We are delighted that the use of modern technology allowed 35,000 candidates to get their results early through our results online service.

I’d also like to thank everyone who has helped SQA with this year’s exams and whose tireless commitment we very much appreciate.”

To read the full press release or view the detailed qualification results, please use the following links: