What's happened
A review of Scotland's Higher History exam has upheld its integrity, attributing a significant drop in pass rates to students' poor performance. The Scottish Qualifications Authority's findings reveal a decline in grades compared to previous years, prompting calls for improvements in marking and assessment processes.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Scotsman, the SQA's review concluded that the integrity of the Higher History exam was upheld, stating, "all stages of SQA’s normal processes were followed rigorously and robustly." However, the review also noted that the marking instructions were more detailed than in previous years, which may have led to confusion among markers. In contrast, the South China Morning Post reported on a broader trend of declining academic performance among students, linking it to disruptions caused by the pandemic. This highlights a systemic issue in education that may also be reflected in the Scottish context, where students are struggling to meet academic standards post-COVID.
How we got here
The Higher History exam's pass rate fell to 65.7% in 2024, down from 78.8% in 2023. This decline raised concerns among educators and parents, leading to a review by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to investigate the marking process and student performance.
Common question
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Why Did Scotland's Higher History Exam Pass Rate Drop?
The recent decline in Scotland's Higher History exam pass rate has raised eyebrows among educators, parents, and students alike. With the pass rate plummeting from 78.8% in 2023 to just 65.7% in 2024, many are left wondering what factors contributed to this significant drop. This page explores the reasons behind the decline, the response from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), and potential changes to future assessments.
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