Design of new National Qualifications May 2012

Key messages An inclusive, coherent, and easy to understand framework of qualifications which provides personalisation and choice Clear and smooth progression from Es & Os and between levels of qualifications – hierarchies wherever possible More focus on skills development Assessment which supports learning, motivates and challenges Positive recognition of achievement – no automatic fallback High standards, integrity and relevance

Design of new qualifications – what is different? Mandatory documents Unit Specifications – more flexibility for professional judgement Course Specifications - shorter, less prescriptive Course Assessment Specifications (National 5 and above) – information for Course assessment, further information on Course coverage Guidance and support Course and Unit Support Notes - guidance on approaches to learning, teaching and assessment, developing skills for learning, life and work Assessment support - specimen Question Papers, specimen coursework, live assessment support for Units including Added Value Unit

Skills for learning, life and work New SQA skills framework, building on BtC4: –Literacy –Numeracy –Health and Wellbeing –Employability, Enterprise and Citizenship –Thinking Skills Skills to be developed in new National Courses and Units as appropriate Advice and guidance given in Course/Unit Support Notes

Added value / Course assessment Each Course from National 4 to Advanced Higher will include an added value assessment For National 4 this is assessed in the Added Value Unit For Courses at National 5 to Advanced Higher the added value assessment is in the Course assessment This will sample breadth, challenge and/or application of skills from across the Course Course assessment at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher will be graded A - D

Assessment methods for Added Value The National 4 Added Value Unit and Courses at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher will be assessed using one or more of seven agreed methods: Assignment Case study Practical activity Performance Portfolio Project Question paper/test

Controlled Assessment SQA is introducing Controlled Assessment for the National 4 Added Value Unit and Course assessment at National 5 to Advanced Higher 3 stages of assessment: –Setting the assessment, Conducting the assessment, Marking the assessment 3 defined levels of control: –SQA-led, shared responsibility, centre-led

Other qualifications which support CfE Awards Flexible qualifications - can be made up in a variety of ways and be of varying sizes A range of Awards already available and new Awards will be available from August 2012 Skills for Work Courses Vocational programmes designed with school learners in mind – delivered in partnerships between schools, colleges and employers Courses provide practical experience, employability skills, vocational skills Existing Skills for Work Courses continue and are a vital part of CfE suite of qualifications