West Lothian pupils score exam success

Aug 12 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

HUNDREDS of teenagers across West Lothian made the grade last week when they got their exam results.

More students achieved Higher and Advanced Higher passes than ever before in the county, with a two per cent rise in the number of pupils gaining three or more Highers compared to last year.

And there was further good news after the first two pupils who sat the new Scottish Baccalaureates awards both passed.

The Scottish Science and Languages Baccalaureates have been available in schools since August 2009 and the first certificates will be awarded in summer 2010.

Baccalaureates are made up of one Higher, two Advanced Highers and a project.

Pupils can take other subjects alongside the Baccalaureates as they are not exclusive programmes of study.

This is the first year the awards were introduced into schools and only 138 pupils in Scotland took part.

Executive councillor for education, Andrew Miller, said he is delighted by local pupils’ success.

He said: “Initial results show some encouraging improvements in both Standard Grade and Higher exams.

“In particular, a greater proportion of our pupils achieved success in the Higher and Advanced Higher Exams than ever before.

“The Higher maths pass rate appears to have improved significantly, which we are delighted about and I am particularly pleased to hear that two of our pupils have passed the Baccalaureates.

“It takes a long-term commitment from pupils and support from parents and staff to achieve good results.

“I’d like to congratulate all pupils who set themselves a goal, and went on to achieve it.”

However, Councillor Miller added the local authority will continue its drive to improve standards even further.

He said: “Whilst there are many positives to be drawn out of the results, as always, there is room for improvement, and we will continue to look at ways to better the education provision in West Lothian.”

Gordon Ford, depute chief executive, paid tribute to pupils, parents and staff.

And he echoed Councillor Miller’s sentiment that standards should continue to rise.

He said: “I am particularly pleased with the success of pupils sitting Advanced Higher and the new Baccalaureate.

“Secondary head teachers will now work with staff to analyse school performance in order to consolidate the good performance and identify areas for improvement. Success in national exams remains a priority for the council.”