Full suite of CfE exams underway for the first time

Pupils in Scotland have commenced their exams today in what is the first year all of the new Curriculum for Excellence qualifications are being offered.

The new Advanced Higher exams are the last to be added to the implementation of CfE’s senior phase, joining National 1 to National 5 and the new Highers.

In total, over half a million exams will be sat during the four and a half-week exam period, concluding on Friday 3 June.

The Scottish Secondary Teacher’s Association (SSTA) had called for the roll out of the Advanced Highers to be postponed amid claims of mounting workload pressures on teachers and a lack of support materials, but the timetable was met.

However, the new exams have not been without their problems. Last year's Maths Higher was so difficult the pass mark was lowered to just 34 per cent.

This year’s Higher English exam paper has been replaced after rumours circulated some of the questions may have been leaked.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) said a “potential issue” had been discovered and a new paper had been sent out as a “precautionary measure”.

SQA chief executive Janet Brown said she wished all pupils sitting exams “the best of luck” and paid tribute to invigilators and markers.

“I want to thank them, and SQA's own hard-working staff, for their continued support and commitment to maintaining the high standards of Scottish qualifications,” she said.