Orkney school pupils receive exam results

Orkney school pupils have once again performed very strongly at their National, Higher and Advanced Higher level exams.

Today, Tuesday, pupils across Orkney will be receiving their examination results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). The county has seen a rise in pass rates, with more than 80 per cent of students successful in their Higher, Advanced Higher, and National 5 exams. Once again, 100 per cent of candidates passing their National 4 exams.

This is the fourth year that pupils have studied for the new National Qualifications, introduced as part of the Curriculum for Excellence to replace the previous Standard Grade exam system. It is the third year of the new Higher exams and the second year of the new Advanced Higher exams.

James Wylie, Orkney Islands Council’s head of education and improvement would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those receiving their results for their committment over the last academic year.

“The strong performance across our secondary schools is testament to the hard work of pupils, their families, teachers and wider school community who support them tirelessly,” he said.

“Over the next few weeks school management teams will work with Education Service officers to analyse the results in-depth to build on success and establish where any improvements may be needed.”

From today, schools will supporting individual students to firm up their options.

At Stromness Academy, acting head teacher Ian Berstan and key staff will be available today and tomorrow to speak to students about their results.

At KGS, Head Teacher Don Hawkins will be at the school today, 9am — 1pm, to talk through results and options with pupils. Neil Ewing, deputy head teacher, will be at the school on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, between 9am and 1pm each day.

Additionally, appointments for the school’s Guidance staff can be made by contacting the KGS and Stromness Academy office from tomorrow, Wednesday, onwards. The Guidance staff in both KGS and Stromness Academy will be available to discuss arrangements over change of courses if required on the afternoon of Monday, August 21 and throughout the first week of term.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) will also be available in KGS to give advice on careers, college and university courses on those two days. Alternatively, students can drop into the SDS office at 2 Albert Street, Kirkwall, or phone (01856) 872460 to arrange an appointment.