Posted: Monday 10 August 2009
Pupils in S5 performed very well in the SQA Higher exams in 2009, with pass rates and A grades significantly above the national average. In S5 presentations, 62% of all Higher results were at A grade, and the pass rate was 94%.
Overall S5 pupils achieved an average of 4.6 Highers. 76% of S5 pupils (146 pupils) achieved at least five Higher passes and 28% (55 pupils) achieved five or more A grades. 12 pupils got six A grades, with five of those achieving straight band 1s.
Several departments at Hutchesons' significantly outstripped national standards in A grades and pass rates for Higher. In Art, French, German, Maths, Music, Physics and Spanish, more than 70% of candidates achieved A grades. In Physics, 85% of pupils sitting Higher physics (33 pupils) achieved A grades and in Music each of the 16 Higher candidates and two Advanced Higher candidates achieved an A grade.
Many pupils at Hutchesons' proceed directly to Highers without sitting Standard Grade exams. In an increasing number of subjects, pupils sit Intermediate 2 exams. This enables them to explore the subject more broadly and to closely focus on the Higher exams, the results of which affect university entrance.
Every S6 pupil at Hutchesons' devises a personal course of study to best suit their needs. This can include Advanced Highers, A Levels and additional Highers. Hutchesons' has a very good record in placing pupils in universities throughout Scotland and the UK, including Oxford and Cambridge. In 2009, five pupils are going to Cambridge and Oxford. In addition, many pupils spend a 'gap' year before proceding to university.