Update for ASN schools (National 1 & 2, Awards & Verification Update) Sandy Riddell Qualifications Manager

Aims of the seminar To outline the full range of provision available at SCQF level 1 & 2 To give an update on the introduction of ‘Alternative Context’ units To explain where to find information and resources for SCQF level 1 & 2 To remind centres about the level of support allowed for learners at SCQF level 1 & 2 To report on Verification at SCQF level 1 & 2

Qualifications at SCQF level 1 & 2 The SCQF is the overarching framework SQA uses to show the level and size of qualifications Within this framework we have: National 1 & 2 (codes ending 71 & 72) awards (codes ending 41 & 42) other units or groupings

National 1 & 2 National 1 There are now 76 National 1 units available We no longer use the terms: Derived, Supported, or Independent, to describe units at National 1 National 2 There are now 18 National 2 courses (3 units each) Also, 29 freestanding National 2 units

Freestanding units at National 2 Freestanding units reflect subjects not covered by the existing range of courses at National 2 29 freestanding National 2 units available: 16 units covering various topics (Communication, Media Studies, Independent Living, etc) 13 units covering employment skills

Awards available at SCQF level 1 & 2 There are five awards at SCQF level 1 and/or 2: - Personal Achievement (level 1 & 2) - Cycling (level 1 & 2) - Personal Development (level 2) - Steps to Work (level 2) - Scottish Studies (level 2)

Entering for Awards You must enter learners for: - the award code (usually starts ‘G’) - the units your learners will complete This is particularly important for the Personal Achievement Awards, e.g. at level 1: - Bronze Award (GF26 41) - Silver Award (GF28 41) - Gold Award (GF29 41)

Other units at SCQF level 2 Core Skills units (codes ending 08): Communication Numeracy ICT Problem Solving Working with Others Core Skills Communication and Numeracy can also be done as ‘bite sized’ units (10 hour units)

New units in ‘Alternative Contexts’ New alternative versions of many of the SCQF level 1 & 2 units have now been created These units allow learners to repeat the same unit in a different context, chosen by the centre For example: Using Performance Skills (H24E 72) and Using Performance Skills (Alternative Context) (XXXX 72) There must be at least one year between the entry for the original unit and entry for the alternative context unit

Finding information re SCQF level 1&2 1. The main SQA website 2. SQA’s Secure website 3. The Understanding Standards website (USW)

Information on main SQA website National 1 & 2 units and courses - http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/65697.html Awards at SCQF level 1 & 2, including units and awards specification - http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47606.html

Information on SQA Secure website UASPs for units within National 1 & 2 search under NQ section, all National 1 - UASPs under one heading, National 2 - under subject headings UASPs for freestanding units at National 2 search under NQ section, see National 2 freestanding units are all grouped together UASPs for units from awards search under Awards section Exemplars for Core Skills Units search under Core Skills section

Info. on Understanding Standards website: Select ‘National 1&2’ Picture gallery showing approaches to assessment Secure area (requiring login) containing: Evidence Exemplars, Case Studies Guidance on SOLAR (Lifeskills Maths) Guidance on support allowed at National 1 & 2

Supporting candidates at National 1&2 Most candidates at National 1 & 2 will need some form of support during assessment The amount and type of support required will vary from one candidate to the next Professional judgement will be important Discussing standards and support with colleagues will help consistency across and between centres Internal verification will be important here

Verification Groups (National 1 - AH) Level AH H N5 N4 N3 N2 N1 English History Biology Maths French etc, etc National 1&2 – All Subjects

Current verification model Main aim – to support, assist and reassure centres delivering National 1 & 2 qualifications Central and Visiting Verification carried out each year Approximately 60 centres verified each year Centres selected at random based on entries submitted in the previous year Central Verification covering approx. 40 centres and carried out by Nominees Visiting Verification covering approx. 20 centres and carried out by Team Leaders

Verification next year Centres selected for verification this year will not be selected again next year There will be a few changes to the verification model for next year

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