1. Changes to National Qualifications
Some implications

2. Qualification Level S4 are studying 6 courses
The qualification process is to recognise achievement at the appropriate level.
National 5
National 4
National 3
National 2
To do this pupils have to be entered at that level

3. Setting the entry level
SQA require entries at the appropriate level by early November. (Now)
There can be changes after this date.
SQA have asked that these are the exception.
Why so early
SQA need to know numbers to finalise administration and organisation for example
Appointing markers
Producing papers
Verification of standards

4. Deciding the level
Teachers will recommend the level based on the pupil’s progress, taking account of the possibility of improvement prior to exam.
This will be the highest level that it is felt the pupil can attain.
School policy is that any pupil who has a chance of attaining a ‘D’ Award (40 to 50%) at National 5 should be recommended to attempt the exam.

5. Disagreement with level
Pupils/Parents/Carers can insist on a different level against advice.
However be aware
If a pupil sits the National 5 exam and does not get an award then they run the risk of Having NO award at ANY LEVEL for that subject.
What about the Recognising Positive Achievement?

6. Recognising Positive Achievement (RPA) Session 2017-18 only
Candidate who gets no award in National 5 exam can be awarded National 4 if
They have passed the Units at National 4 or 5 and have passed the Added Value Unit at National 4
Issues
National 5 classes are not routinely completing units
Getting the units completed removes the stated aim ‘The removal of mandatory unit assessments has the distinct purpose of reducing the amount of assessment experienced by young people taking national qualifications and the workload created as a result of administering the units.’ Scottish Government Policy Statement, March 2017

7. Our Plans for RPA
Where possible, without introducing additional assessment, Faculties are collecting evidence for the units.
After certification in August SQA will identify those pupils who may qualify for RPA.
IF we have evidence of attainment at the level we will enter and result the units
Pupils would get the lower award later in the year (November)

8. Other issues Coursework Prelims and Exams
16 National 5 Subjects have coursework to be submitted to SQA on 21st March 2018.
That is the pickup date. Faculties will need the work completed earlier.
Faculties are trying to spread the workload but there will clearly be significant work to be done in preparation for this date.
Prelims and Exams
Exams are longer in duration.
Prelims cannot take too much time from learning and teaching so we cannot extend diet
Pupils will have more than one prelim per day
End Times may go past 4pm