SQA School Examination Results 2022
Argyll and Bute Council · 25 August 2022
Back to Community Services Committee — 25 August 2022 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE EDUCATION SERVICE 25 AUGUST 2022 SQA SCHOOL EXAMINATION RESULTS 2022 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide an update to elected members on the initial outcome of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) 2022 examination diet for young people in Argyll and Bute. 1.2 Following the release of the initial examination results by the SQA, awards for pupils in academic year 2021/22 will be updated by the SQA in September 2022 following the processing of appeal requests submitted by candidates or schools. As a consequence of the decisions associated with these requests, minor changes to the statistical data contained within this report may occur. 1.3 It is recommended that the Community Services Committee: I. Notes the outcome of the initial SQA examination results for pupils in academic year 2021/22, and that the performance of Argyll and Bute Schools in 2022 is above the current national performance in Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) examinations in three of the four measures (National 4, Higher and Advanced Higher). II. Requests that the Executive Director provide further reports to the Community Services Committee to allow the consideration of updated statistical school and national information, scheduled to be released by Insight (school data analysis tool) in September 2022 and February 2023.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE EDUCATION SERVICE 25 AUGUST 2022 SQA SCHOOL EXAMINATION RESULTS 2022 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 In August 2022 the Council received SQA examination results for all pupils entered for National Qualifications in session 2021/22. This provided comprehensive information on the outcome of examination performance for all pupils in each of the ten Argyll and Bute secondary schools. 2.2 The purpose of this report is to inform Elected Members of the initial outcome of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) 2022 awards for young people in Argyll and Bute. A range of statistical information is provided illustrating performance of pupils across the four National Qualification measures: National 4 National 5 Higher Advanced Higher 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that the Community Services Committee: I. Notes the outcome of the initial SQA examination results for pupils in academic year 2021/22, and that the performance of Argyll and Bute Schools in 2022 is above the current national performance in Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) examinations in three of the four measures (National 4, Higher and Advanced Higher). II. Requests that the Executive Director provide further reports to the Community Services Committee to allow the consideration of updated statistical school and national information, scheduled to be released by Insight (school data analysis tool) in September 2022 and February 2023.
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3 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 Pupils in each of the ten secondary schools in Argyll and Bute in S4–S6 were presented for a range of SQA qualifications in May and June of 2022. Following the release of awards, Education Services conducted an initial analysis of the results to support the preparation of a summary report for presentation to and consideration by Elected Members. 2022 represents the first time since 2019 that young people have sat examinations, and all candidates in Argyll & Bute were experiencing SQA exam conditions for the first time. The Covid-19 pandemic dictated that examinations were cancelled in both 2020 and 2021, results having been based on teacher judgement and candidates’ demonstrated attainment. 4.2 This paper presents a summary overview of the examination outcomes and draws comparisons of the overall attainment of pupils in Argyll and Bute with pupils nationally. 4.3 For A-C grades, the performance of Argyll and Bute schools in 2022 is above the current National performance in Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) examinations in three of the four of the national measures (A-C): National 4, Higher and Advanced Higher. Table 1 presents the overall performance of candidates in Argyll and Bute across all course levels, and compares attainment in the two academic years 2019 and 2022 (A- C) 4.4 Summary: As a result of the cancellation of examinations in 2020 and 2021, and the adoption of an assessment model based on teacher judgement and demonstrated attainment, it is not valid to compare these two years with either 2019 or 2022 results. The most valid comparison for 2022 results is with 2019 – the last time awards were decided by examination: Our National 4 pass rate is 100% for the 7th year running. This is above the 2022 national measure at 86.1% 2019 2022 2022 2022 A&B Attainment A-C % A&B Attainment A-C% Difference from 2019 % National A-C % Difference A&B to National A-C% Nat 4 100% 100% 0% 86.1% +13.9% Nat 5 79.43% 78.62% -0.81% 80.8% -2.18% Higher 73.19% 79.51% +6.32% 78.9% +0.61% Adv H 75.68% 83.72% +8.04% 81.3% +2.42%
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4 Our National 5 pass rate has reduced by 0.81% on 2019. This is below the 2022 national measure by 2.18% Our Higher pass rate has increased on 2019 by 6.32%. This is above the 2022 national measure by 0.61%. Our Advanced Higher pass rate has increased by 8.04% on 2019. This is above the 2022 national measure by 2.42%. 4.5 For A-D grades, the performance of Argyll and Bute schools in 2022 is above the current National performance in Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) examinations in three of the four of the national measures (A-D): National 4, Higher and Advanced Higher. Table 2 presents the overall performance of Argyll and Bute across all course levels between the two academic years 2019 and 2022 (A-D) 2019 2022 2022 2022 A&B Attainment A-D % Difference from previous year % A&B Attainment A-D % Difference from 2019 % National A-D % Difference A&B to National A-D% Nat 4 100.00% NA 100.00% 0% 86.1% +13.9% Nat 5 92.00% NA 91.78% -0.22% 92.1% -0.32% Higher 91.38% NA 92.62% +1.24% 91.5% +1.12% Adv H 87.64% NA 96.51% +8.87% 93.4% +3.11% As with A-C awards, the most valid comparison for 2022 results is with 2019 – the last time awards were decided by examination: Our National 4 pass rate is 100% for the 6th year running. This is above the 2022 national measure at 86.1% Our National 5 pass rate has reduced by 0.22% on 2019. This is below the 2022 national measure by 0.32% Our Higher pass rate has increased on 2019 by 1.24%. This is above the 2022 national measure by 1.12%. Our Advanced Higher pass rate has increased by 8.87% on 2019. This is above the 2022 national measure by 3.11%. Diet Year Course CGS DGS HA IHS LJC OHS RA Tar A Ti HS To HS A&B Difference % A&B Attainment 2019 to 2022 National 2022 NAT 4 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 0.00% 86.1% 2019 NAT 4 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 88.5% 2022 NAT 5 71% 79% 85% 86% 76% 75% 78% 66% 61% 78% 78% -0.81% 80.8%
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5 Table 3 presents the overall performance of Argyll and Bute Secondary Schools (A-C) across all course levels between the academic years 2019 and 2022. Key to School abbreviations CGS Campbeltown Grammar School DGS Dunoon Grammar School HA Hermitage Academy IHS Islay High School LJC Lochgilphead Joint Campus OHS Oban High School RJC Rothesay Joint Campus TAR A Tarbert Academy TI HS Tiree High School TO HS Tobermory High School 4.6 Summary: In 2022 All 10 secondary schools maintained their 100% pass rate for National 4 outperforming the national measure. Two of our secondary schools were above the 2022 national average measure for National 5. Five of our secondary schools matched or were above the 2022 national average measure for Higher. Five of our secondary schools were above the 2022 national average for Advanced Higher. One school did not present at this level. It should be noted that, as a result of the small number of presentations for Advanced Higher, statistical variance at this level must be carefully interpreted. For example, 100% pass rate can be as a result of one pupil being presented for a subject at Advanced Higher. 4.7 Overall, percentage pass rate data should be interpreted very carefully as schools have positive presentation policies that are designed to encourage pupils to achieve success at the highest level of qualification that they can. In some instances, and for some pupils, this may mean that they receive a D grade within a qualification level, which is a recognised award. It is also the policy in Argyll and Bute, as with other local authorities, that full discussion and consideration of both pupil and parent views are reflected in the final decision to continue with a course and to sit the external examination. 2019 NAT 5 73% 84% 84% 85% 79% 74% 66% 88% 68% 81% 79% 78.2% 2022 Higher 73% 78% 85% 85% 82% 75% 71% 64% 76% 91% 80% +6.32% 78.9% 2019 Higher 67% 76% 78% 73% 70% 71% 54% 67% 50% 77% 73% 74.8% 2022 Adv H 77% 73% 87% 95% 76% 85% 74% 100% NP* 100% 84% +8.87% 81.3% 2019 Adv H 80% 70% 80% 82% 94% 52% 76% 67% 33% 77% 76% 79.4%
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6 4.8 This policy may result in circumstances where pupils are given the opportunity to attempt a level that they may find challenging, as it may be their last opportunity to do so, for example in S6. Schools will offer these pupils the opportunity to sit the exam to improve their positive destination chances, for example, access to Higher or Further Education. 4.9 As a Local Authority we offer a wide range of opportunities that help to meet the needs of our individual learners, whilst also supporting a variety of pathways into secure, sustainable positive destinations. The results reported within this briefing note do not include the following presentations for our young people at this time: 1) College courses at levels 4, 5 and 6 2) National Progression Awards (NPA) at levels 4, 5 and 6 3) Foundation Apprenticeships at level 6 4) Presentation of S3 pupils at levels 4 and 5 In recent years, the inclusion of such data, once added after the release of Insight data in September and again in February, has increased individual school attainment figures considerably. 5.0 Appeals 5.1 For those pupils who did not gain an award matching or exceeding the estimate submitted to the SQA, for 2022 only, SQA are offering a free appeals service for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses which allows candidates to request an appeal directly with the SQA. The appeal will involve schools collating and submitting demonstrated evidence of attainment for review If an appeal is submitted there are 2 possible outcomes: The award is changed to a higher grade. The award grade stays the same. An appeal may only be submitted if a grade awarded is lower than the estimated grade that was submitted to SQA. If a candidate intends wishes to appeal, they can do so independently, but it is recommended that they discuss the appeal with the school. Schools will then send available evidence to SQA to support the estimate grade submitted. 5.2 Key Dates: Priority Appeals - candidates with a conditional university or college offer. Tuesday, 09/08/22 Appeals service opens Tuesday, 16/08/22 Deadline for submission of Priority Appeal requests to SQA via Learner Direct Friday 19/08/22 Deadline for centres to submit
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7 appeal/candidate evidence via SQA Connect Monday 05/09/22 SQA issue Priority outcomes to centres Tuesday 06/09/22 SQA issue Priority outcomes to UCAS 5.3 Key Dates: General Appeals – for all other candidates Tuesday, 09/08/22 Appeals service opens Tuesday, 30/08/22 Deadline for submission of Non-Priority Appeal requests to SQA via Learner Direct Friday 02/09/22 Deadline for centres to submit non-riority appeal/candidate evidence via SQA Connect End October 2022 (subject to volume of appeals) SQA issues results of non-priority appeals SQA have sent directly to every candidate a copy of their Appeals Process Guidance. 6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 This report presents a summary of the initial analysis of the 2022 SQA external examination outcomes for Argyll and Bute pupils at authority level and in each of the ten secondary schools. 6.2 In 2022 the performance of Argyll and Bute schools compared positively both with national measures and previous comparable authority figures. 6.3 The Education Service are taking forward a programme of support and challenge with schools across the authority, involving a range of actions and measures to support schools to secure further improvement in examination outcomes for pupils. 6.4 A further report on Educational Attainment and Wider Achievement will be presented to Community Services Committee in December 2022 following the publication of updated national performance information on Insight released in September of each year. 7.0 IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Policy: This report links directly to Outcome 3 in the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan: Education, Skills and Training Maximise Opportunities for All 7.2 Financial: None.
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8 7.3 Personnel: None. 7.4 Equal Opportunities: None. 7.5 Legal: None. 7.6 Risk: The performance of Argyll and Bute schools in national examinations can significantly enhance or detract from the Council’s reputation and attractiveness as an area to work and live in. 7.7 Customer Services: This report provides Elected Members with an overview of Service Performance. 7.8 Climate Change: None. Douglas Hendry - Executive Director with responsibility for Education Councillor Yvonne McNeilly - Policy Lead for Education 10 August 2022 For further information contact: Wendy Brownlie, Head of Service: Education (Learning and Teaching) Oban Education Office, Oban Email: wendy.brownlie @argyll-bute.gov.uk Telephone: 01369 707118 Simon Easton, Education Manager (Senior Phase) Helensburgh Civic Centre, Helensburgh Email: simon.easton@argyll-bute.gov.uk Telephone: 01436 657681
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9 2022 APPEALS PROCESS Appeals Process 2022 For those pupils who did not gain an award matching or exceeding the estimate submitted to the SQA, for 2022 only, SQA are offering a free appeals service for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses which allows candidates to request an appeal directly with the SQA. The appeal will involve schools collating and submitting demonstrated evidence of attainment for review If an appeal is submitted there are 2 possible outcomes: • The award is changed to a higher grade. • The award grade stays the same. An appeal may only be submitted if a grade awarded is lower than the estimated grade that was submitted to SQA. If a candidate intends wishes to appeal, they can do so independently, but it is recommended that they discuss the appeal with the school. Schools will then send available evidence to SQA to support the estimate grade submitted. Priority Appeal : Priority reviews are for candidates with a conditional university or college offer. Results of priority reviews will be issued in line with UCAS deadlines. Candidates must submit their Priority Appeal requests to SQA by 16 August 2022; schools by 19th August. Appeal : Appeals, where a learner did not gain an award matching or exceeding the estimate submitted to the SQA, Candidates must submit their Priority requests to SQA by 30 August ; schools by 2nd September.