Praise For Pupils As Exam Season Ends

6 June 2014, 05:28 | Updated: 6 June 2014, 05:36

The Learning Minister has praised pupils and those involved in education as the exam season draws to a close today.

The exams included for the first time the new National 5 qualifications, which replaced Standard Grade (Credit) and were brought in as part of the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), a new course for pupils designed to ensure continuity through school studies with more modern and practical skills.

Pupils also sat Intermediates, Highers and Advanced Highers.

Today's examinations - Building Construction, Managing Environmental Resources and Early Education and Childcare at Higher, Environmental Science at National 5 and Managing Environmental Resources at Intermediate 1 and 2 - are the last in a 28-day process administered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Minister for Learning Dr Alasdair Allan said: "I know a huge amount of effort has gone into all this year's qualifications. To pupils, I would like to say well done on all your hard work. I hope you can now enjoy a relaxing summer break. I would also like to thank teachers, parents, schools, local authorities and colleges for all their efforts in preparing young people over the year.

"The Scottish Government, working closely with the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Education Scotland, has provided an unprecedented level of support to help teachers and schools prepare for Curriculum for Excellence and the National Qualifications.

"Curriculum for Excellence has been designed to equip our young people with the skills they need to succeed both in Scotland and in the global workplace, with local authorities having the freedom to shape education to meet the needs of our pupils, whatever their background.''

Candidates will receive their results on August 5.

The introduction of the CfE has proved controversial, with teachers, parents and unions raising concerns.

Teaching unions have warned about the amount of work linked to the new curriculum, with some teachers saying they have to work more than 60 hours a week.

But unions have also stressed that members are committed to making sure the new qualifications are a success.

There have been complaints about an apparent lack of exam practice papers, and one of the architects of the new system left his post only weeks before the new exams begin.