Attainment/Achievement – Improving the overall qualifications and attainment of the population

Attainment/Achievement – Improving the overall qualifications and attainment of the population

Priority number 5
Attainment/Achievement – Improving the overall qualifications and attainment of the population

Outcomes: 3, 4

Indicators:

Number of people studying further/higher education in Moray College/UHI

Qualification levels within the local workforce

School leaver destinations

Those remaining in school beyond age 16

% of pupils achieving appropriate qualifications for their stage in Primary

% of pupils achieving appropriate qualifications for their stage in Secondary S1/S2

% of pupils achieving appropriate qualifications for their stage in Secondary S4

% of pupils in Primary gaining wider achievement

% of pupils in Secondary gaining wider achievement

Attainment in Secondary S5

Attainment in Secondary S6

% of school leavers in positive and sustained destinations

Evidence
The Partnership has identified that attainment and achievement of adults in the working age population needs to improve. We need to develop a more highly skilled workforce to support economic development and encourage growth in the further and higher education sectors in Moray.
Although Moray has improved at levels NVQ3 (2 or more Highers or equivalent) and NVQ4 (HND, Degree or Higher Degree), it is at a rate significantly below national improvement therefore the gap has widened since 2005. Moray’s rate of lower qualification within its working age population reflects the need to improve the overall attainment and achievement within Moray. With lifelong learning opportunities, essential skills and early intervention it will be possible to enable adults in Moray to seek more highly skilled employment.
The Partnership has identified that raising attainment and achievement for children and young people is a priority. Without a solid education which is in keeping with national standards Moray’s pupils will lag behind their counterparts. In addition improving educational attainment in the long term will contribute to increasing the overall qualifications within the working age population.
Moray’s school attainment performance has been equal to or better than comparator authorities in the lower levels of Standard grades. Generally attainment, in Moray, at Standard Grade credit level and Higher has been below comparator and national results although for 5+ level 5 (Credit and Intermediate 2) in S4 and 1+ level 6 (Higher) in S5, Moray moved ahead of the national position and the comparator average in 2008. All four indicators in S6 improved in 2008, to be equal to or above national figures.
Relevance to National Outcome 3
The most significant improvement which can be made in Moray is to improve the overall qualifications and achievement of the residents by supporting them to become better educated and more skilled.
Relevance to National Outcome 4
The most significant improvement which can be made in Moray is to raise the attainment levels in S5&6.
Progress & Achievements in 2008-9
Initial agreement has been reached in relation to the development of a Life Science Centre, a joint partnership venture between Moray College, NHS Grampian and HIE.
Moray College has increased its higher education activity quickly in recent years in the context of its UHI Millennium Institute partner status. The UHI has recently gained Taught Degree Awarding Powers however it will take the granting of university title to UHI before the full benefits of a higher education presence in Moray will be felt. The benefits will not only be by way of growth of student activity but also in development of more research activity. These developments have the potential to stem some of the outflow from Moray of those members of the community who leave the area to gain access to higher education as well as providing attractive new opportunities for students to move into the area. The development of a more significant higher education presence has the potential to create more professional and highly paid positions in Moray.
By improving attainment in school and ensuring a good start in life (national outcomes 5 & 8) it will support young people later in life to be more successful adults.
Over the past few years considerable work has been undertaken to improve the attainment in S5&6. This work is now starting to show results with the recent improvement in scores at this level for 2007-8. Moray schools have high rates of participation in national school initiatives such as Eco-schools, Health Promoting schools and active travel plans as well as local and national achievement in arts, sports and academia
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