With regard to The Scotsman article of 23 August 2002, what investigation it is undertaking into the decline in the pass rate for English a…

Following publication of overall pass rates for 2002 showing a 2.2% drop at Higher level compared to the previous year, I asked the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to undertake a more detailed analysis to ensure standards are being maintained across the exams system. This analysis indicated that a decrease in pass rates for English and communication and mathematics at Higher and Advanced Higher levels merited further consideration. The relevant SQA Assessment Panels have been asked to review and report on performance and assessment. The panels' findings, together with principal assessors' reports and marking schemes, will be published by the end of this month. The review focuses on key issues arising from this year's exam and will not include any detailed consideration of and comparison with pass rates for English and communication and mathematics in the SCE Higher grade exam and syllabus format.