Parents as Partners S Nicolson, HT

SAME Expectations Aspirations Progression/careers planning Target setting Ethos Learning and teaching Shared responsibility Pupil/parent/school Support and challenge Study and work rate Subject content (more or less) Qualifications levels DIFFERENT Qualifications structure Curriculum organisation Qualifications requirements Presentation levels fall back position Assessment arrangements Prelims Study Leave Report Format Certification process Skills/ wider achievement Operational timeline Progression pathways

SCQF Previous generation of qualifications New generation of qualifications 12Doctorate 11Masters 10Honours Degree 9Ordinary Degree 8Higher National Diploma 7Advanced Higher 6Higher 5 SG: Credit bands 1/2 Intermediate 2 National 5 4 SG: General bands 3/4 Intermediate 1 National 4 3 SG:Foundation bands 5/6 Access 3 National 3 2Access 2National 2 1Access 1National 1

Up to 7 subjects: SQA certification Literacy and numeracy certification Core entitlement PE (2), PSE (1), RE (1) Extra-curricular activities Trips/excursions/visits School events Work experience

3 Units: Internally Assessed SQA Verified Added Value Unit: N4:Internally Assessed PASS/FAIL N5: Externally Assessed SQA Exam A/B/C/D/No Award Unit 1 Unit 3 Unit 2 AVU

S3: Core work on 4 th level E/Os (N4 level) Differentiated to meet pupils needs Designed to lead into S4 courses Evidence: Prior attainment – S3 Classwork/ Homework Coursework N4 AVU N5 Unit assessments November assessments Most S4 pupils will aim towards N5 unless there is clear evidence that they are unlikely to reach this level.

N5 Unit 1 N5 Unit 2 N5 EXAM N5 Unit 3 National 4 Pass National 5 A/B/C/D/ No Award

S4 ASSESSMENT: NOV/DEC No attendance exemption period N5 Prelims/Assessments N4 AVU OR N4 Unit assessment OR N4 Coursework task SQA DIET: MAY Exemption from attendance during the exam period Staff available: consultation/support Opt-in Provision made for those sitting no/few exams Structured independent research Skills development for N5 Extended work experience Preparation for work

Improved articulation with Higher Increased challenge for most able Opportunity for recognition beyond Credit 1 Literacy /Numeracy recognised as different to English /Mathematics Variety of ways to demonstrate learning Skills as well as knowledge Reduced exam burden: only 1 exam level Reduced stress/anxiety More focussed exam preparation N4 Safety net Calculated risks more viable for some potential N5 candidates Protection for vulnerable learners

Literacy Numeracy Health and Wellbeing Enterprise Communication Working with others Solving problems Creative thinking Managing, planning and organising time Personal responsibility Creating Evaluating Analysing Applying Understanding Remembering Learning Work Life

TECHNICAL ISSUES Operational timeline Presentation levels Communication with parents Assessment periods/ Study leave Target setting and tracking Lack of historical data External anxieties: impact on pupils No automatic fallback position Potential delay in certification Literacy/Numeracy bridging Progression for those who fail at N5 pass N5 at C ADAPTIVE CHALLENGES

MonthActivity January – April S3 Acquisition of knowledge/skills in preparation for new courses Options choices S3 assessments May - June Start new courses N4 AVUs August - September Coursework Target Setting Evening Initial Recommendations September - November Coursework Unit Assessments Recommendations November/ December Assessment Diet Work Experience January Coursework Reports to parents Recommendations

MonthActivity January - March Completion of coursework Completion of Unit assessments Final N4 AVUs March (S5 Options)Final recommendations March - April Exam Preparation May-June SQA Exam Diet Mop-up N4 AVUs Start S5 courses August Results/ certificates out Submit N4 AVUs for fallback N4s ?? Final certificates

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