Jillian Hendry Qualifications Coordinator

Aims of the Day  Provide an overview of the: –NQGA Development Schedule and Design Principles –Feedback from the initial consultation  Provide an opportunity for centres to discuss: –National Certificate/National Progression Award structure and content for Arts and Humanities –Potential gaps in Unit provision/Unit areas in need of revision  To outline the next steps for this development and highlight opportunities for centre involvement

National Qualification Group Awards  National Certificates  National Progression Awards

National Certificates  Aims to develop a range of knowledge and skills (including core skills)  Each National Certificate will have specific aims relating to subject/occupational area  Designed to prepare candidates for progression  Aimed at post-compulsory candidates in full-time and part-time education  Usually delivered in Scotland’s colleges.

National Certificate Design Principles  Available at SCQF levels 2-6: –Levels 2-3 = 9 Unit credits (54 SCQF points) –Levels 4-6 = 12 Unit credits (72 SCQF points)  The majority of the Unit credits must be at the level of the award: eg Level 5 award must have more than 6 Unit credits at SCQF level 5  Mandatory section must make up at least 50% of the award: eg Level 4 award must have at least 6 mandatory Unit credits  Linked to National Occupational Standards  Opportunities to develop all 5 Core Skills and certificate some Core Skills.

National Progression Awards  Small, flexible group awards, like current SPAs/PDAs  Aim to assess and certificate a defined set of skills & knowledge in a specialist vocational area  Aimed at post-compulsory education – those in work, entering or returning to work  Main target group will be adults in part-time training attending Scotland’s colleges.

National Progression Awards Design Principles  Available at SCQF levels 2-6  Minimum value = 12 SCQF points (at least 2 Units)  Links to National Occupational Standards as appropriate to the group award area

Previous consultation feedback

Arts and Humanities  All centres currently offer a range of NC provision  Programmes are between 1 and 18 units  Levels from Access 2 to Higher (SCQF levels 2 - 6)

Destinations  NQ awards  Higher National awards  Degree courses

Current provision - SWAP award  SCQF level 6  18 units with additional guidance  Mandatory units and range of options  Access to agreed Higher Education places

Centre devised longer programmes  One year or 6 months Fast Track  Full and part time  Tailored to needs of target intake  Units at SCQF levels 4 to 6  Access to National and Higher National awards/local HE agreements

Benefits of current provision  Centres determine and meet own needs  Flexibility

New NQ developments  Formalise and share good practice  Give opportunities to review and upgrade units/support materials  Build on HN development experiences  Provide SQA award certification

First ideas  SCQF level 5 award(s) with some level 4/6 units –allows possible progression to SWAP  Two strand framework  Upgraded/new units which support HN award units  Harmonising with SWAP programme  Problem Solving focus

New Arts & Humanities Development  Confirm level/specialism  Agree useful existing units for upgrade  Suggest new elements  Define essential components  Suggest progression routes  Consider assessment strategy for award

How can you get involved?  Workshop question – submit your thoughts  Expression of interest forms: –Qualifications Design Team –Unit Writing

Contact details    website: –NQ logo, NQ Group Awards (shown under ‘related links’)