SCHOOL pupils are being advised to ‘look to the past’ in a bid to secure a bright future.

Exams season is now underway, with youngsters at local secondary schools facing tests in a range of subjects between now and the end of the month.

And experts at the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) are urging pupils to take advantage of various online resources that will help them prepare for what lies ahead.

Candidates can access copies of past question papers to help them prepare for their exams – and, this year, there are more resources than ever available from SQA to help with revision.

Dr Janet Brown, SQA chief executive and Scotland’s chief examining officer, said: “We have updated our MyExams and MyStudyPlan apps. Both are available across iOS, Android and Windows devices.

“We have also added MyExams as a skill for Alexa-enabled devices, so users can now ask Alexa for the date, time or duration of any exam. Candidates should still check with their school or college in case there are any local changes to the published times.”

Exams are being sat for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications.

Some youngsters will also be in the final stages of completing National 1 to 4 qualifications, Skills for Work courses and other awards that are assessed throughout the year.

Dr Brown said: “I would like to send my best wishes to everyone who is about to take the next step in their education.

“At all levels, our qualifications provide candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding they’ve acquired and prepare them for further study, employment or training.

“Our qualifications are robust, relevant and designed to equip young people with a wide range of skills.”

Candidates who have undertaken SQA national qualifications at school or college over the past year can expect to receive their results on Tuesday, August 6.

Students still have time to activate a MySQA account so they can receive their grades by text or email on the morning of results day.

This can be done by logging on to www.mysqa.info and registering for the service by Tuesday, July 16.

For more information on the resources available to help prepare for exams, visit www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/70972.html

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