New exams reforms for Scotland

The Scottish government has announced a series of changes to the ways exams are carried out in the country.

Under the changes, a new exam system will introduce create a general qualification that replaces some of the older awards.

The new National Qualification that will replace the Standard Grade and Intermediate exam system will focus more strongly on developing literacy and numeracy skills.

However, the new system will not impact on Highers, which the government said would remain the "gold standard" in Scotland's education system.

Education secretary Fiona Hyslop commented: "The future plans will enable young people to enjoy a rich educational experience to the end of S3 with an emphasis on skills for learning, skills for work and skills for life.

"They will have education to support an active and healthy lifestyle, an understanding of the relationship to the environment, an appreciation of Scotland's place in the world.

"National Qualifications have a key role to play in helping to deliver the values, purposes and principles of Curriculum for Excellence."

The government said that the new curriculum will be in place from 2009.