Building the Foundations of A LIFELONG LEARNING SOCIETY
SECTION 19
STATISTICS
Q42. How should examination statistics be reported to reflect school/college collaboration?
| FE Sector | School Sector | Others | TOTAL |
School and college | 24 | 60.0% | 11 | 33.3% | 3 | 13.6% | 38 | 40.0% |
School only | 3 | 7.5% | 5 | 15.2% | 0 | 0% | 8 | 8.4% |
College only | 1 | 2.5% | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0% | 1 | 1.1% |
No comment | 12 | 30.0% | 17 | 51.5% | 19 | 86.4% | 48 | 50.5% |
Further Education Sector
19.1 Most respondents considered that both college and school statistics should be included in the statistical returns for both sectors. There is work being done in both sectors for these students and this needs to be acknowledged. Dundee College said that a new reporting mechanism should be adopted where exam statistics should be recorded as collaborative activity and given parity of esteem alongside other qualifications from school. James Watt College, Inverclyde Council and North Ayrshire Council indicated that this was a crucial issue because if schools were not given recognition they would be disinclined to work in partnership. Anniesland College said that if only one institution is credited its performance is exaggerated which may be misleading. However, Glasgow College of Nautical Studies felt that if pupil remains on the school roll although studying at college they should still form part of school statistics.
School Sector
19.2 The majority of the school sector thought that schools must receive recognition for the work of pupils whether they learn at the school, another school or college. Some respondents, however, considered that there should be a dual recording process.
Others
19.3 The SQA responded that the candidate SQA number is a central part of unified system within Scotland and is an excellent tool for recording and monitoring. The SQA is also undertaking further work in collaboration with stakeholders.
19.4 Both the EIS and STUC believed that too much emphasis is being placed on examinations and school league tables rather than positive learning experiences.