1. WELCOME S4 SQA Exam Support Parental Engagement Evening
Kilmarnock Academy
WELCOME S4 SQA Exam Support Parental Engagement Evening

2. Agenda SQA Liaison Manager Pupil’s Advice School Support Wellbeing
Fiona Malone
Pupil’s Advice
Georgia & Leila
School Support
Mrs Mossie
Wellbeing
Mrs Milne
Studying for exams
Mr Cartner

4. National Qualifications 2018
Parent information:
National Qualifications 2018
SQA Liaison Manager
Fiona Malone

5. SCQF Level Previous/Existing Replaced by Resulting Advanced Higher
SG Credit/Int2
SG General/Int1
Access 3/SG Foundation
Access 2
Access 1
Advanced Higher
Higher
National 5
National 4
National 3
National 2
National 1
Graded A-D
Pass/Fail 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Could we create an activity for a round table where we give them cards with each of the individual quals on it and ask them to put them in order on a printed table then give them the grades and ask them to populate the table?
Ask how many did Standard Grades?
Anyone like me who did O Grades? Sixth year studies?

6. Navigating the website
National Qualifications
Changes to National qualifications
Coursework
Navigating the website
Understanding Standards
Going to chat about the following:
National Qualifications
Changes
Coursework
Our website – how to get further information and help
US – candidate exemplification
Any questions?

7. Assessment will be carried out using one or two of the following assessment methods:
Assignment Case Study Practical Activity Performance Portfolio Project Question Paper/test
Course assessment for N5, Higher and AH are externally marked by SQA or is internally marked and quality assured by SQA.
Explain and ask – what subjects may have a practical activity?
Performance?
What subjects are 100% assessed by question paper/test? Maths and Latin

8. Changes to National Qualifications

9. Changes to National 5 in 2017/18
September Deputy First Minister announces removal of units from National Courses:
‘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
May not need this slide if you ask the room how many have older siblings? Discuss the fact that their older children may have had different experiences. Plus, if they have a child sitting Highers they’ll be doing units this year.

10. Unit Assessment Internally assessed by teachers
Pupils can have two attempts
There have to be exceptional circumstances for a third attempt
Available as free standing units for National 5 and Higher
Advanced Higher in session 19-20

11. Removal of mandatory unit assessments
Timeline
Session :
National 5
Session :
Higher
Session :
Advanced Higher
You will see that the units are being removed over the next three years, starting with National 5 then Higher then Advanced Higher. Therefore this year group. (N4 is under review). These units are still available though as free standing SCQF level 5 units.

12. National 5 - changes to course assessment
Very few changes to the aims, rationale or content of the courses
Course assessments strengthened to ensure assessment of full content of course, following the removal of units
However this has resulted in one or more of the following:
- extension of the existing question paper
- extension of the existing item of coursework
- new question paper
- new item of coursework

13. Changes to Higher
All 40 Courses have changes - mirror the change at National 5
2 have no changes to Question Papers – English and Music
9 have no change to Coursework
5 have a new Question Paper – Care, CCD, Dance, FTT, Photography
4 have a new Coursework component: English, Gaidhlig, Modern languages, Music
12 now have two Question Papers (science and social subjects)
Philosophy has removal of assignment and now has two QPs
CCD-Childcare and development/ FTT-Fashion and Textile Technology

14. Coursework

15. Coursework Assessment Conditions (English Writing Folio)
It is acceptable for a teacher or lecturer to provide:
an initial discussion with the candidate on the selection of a topic, theme, genre, leading to an outline plan
written or oral feedback on one draft of writing

16. Coursework Assessment Conditions (English Writing Folio)
It is not acceptable for a teacher or lecturer to provide:
model answers which are specific to a candidate’s task
specific advice on how to re-phrase wording
key ideas, or a specific structure or plan
corrections of errors in spelling and punctuation
feedback on more than one draft of writing

17. Coursework Assessment Conditions (History)
The production of evidence stage is conducted under a high degree of supervision and control. This means that:
candidates must be in direct sight of the assessor (or other responsible person) during the period of the assessment
candidates must not communicate with each other
candidates should have access only to the History Resource Sheet
My coursework leaflet issued to all centres to share with all candidates Sept of any session and also on our open website.

18. Grade D from 2018
Revised National Qualifications – Grade D will be broadened from the current position (notional 45-49%) to a notional 40-49%. This ten per cent range brings a Grade D award into line with the ranges for Grades B and C
This will apply to National 5 in 2018, Higher in 2019 and Advanced Higher in 2020.
ANQ announced in March 2017 that the mechanism for Recognising Positive Achievement will be through the extension of Grade D.
Grade D is being extended to 40-49%. This was principally agreed to compensate for the removal of the operational process called Recognising Positive Achievement (the fall-back arrangements between National 5 and National 4).
This will be introduced on an incremental basis as course structures change. National 5 in 2018 will certificate grade D at 40-49%, Higher and Advanced Higher in 2018 will certificate grade D at current arrangements 45-49%. Higher will change in 2019 and Advanced Higher in 2020.

19. Navigating the Website

20.
SQA’s website gives information for various audiences – teachers, learners and parents and carers.
We will soon be launching a public beta version of our site – our aim is to make navigating the information easier for all users

21. National 5 course documents
Subject pages are useful for parents and pupils as well as subject teachers.
Course documents, assessment information (including past papers and MI’s)plus resources from SQA and links to material from other organisations – eg BBC Bitesize.

22. Exceptional Circumstances and Post Results Service
Purpose
Head of Centre decision
Guides are on SQA connect and any queries regarding these services should be discussed with the management team within your school.

23. Understanding Standards
Find this area of the website by scrolling to the bottom of any page on the website and you will see a grey menu band where you can choose Understanding Standards. This will allow you to see the level of work that is produced at each level under this system. The aims of the courses are all the same as they have been, it is only the way that they are assessed that is changing so this information is still very relevant to learners.
IF INTERNET ACCESS IS AVAILABLE I WILL DEMONSTRATE

24. Understanding Standards

25. My SQA
Register to get results by text at 8am. Great if going on holiday.

26. Study, Revision and Preparation
Parentzone is organised into distinct and user-friendly areas covering issues that affect parents during the different stages of their children's education.
General assessment information covering Coursework such as Assignment or Practical activity. Download these from SQA’s subject pages at click the subject you are interested in and select National 5.
BBC Bitesize:
Revision in a nutshell:

27. Mention nationals in a nutshell – being updated

28. NAT 5 Exams!! Leila & Georgia
Final task to see if work has sunk in – pupils can leave the post it notes on their desk or on the board.
Leila & Georgia

29. Going from S3
The jump from S3 to S4 is huge, this is the beginning point in your school career where being clever isn’t enough.
In order to do well in your National 5’s, you will have to put in the effort.

30. Study skills Schedule a Timetable! Remember to study in good chunks.
Always remember to take breaks.
Get a good amount of sleep and drink LOTS of water.
Study correctly. Be smart when you are studying. Study everything but focus on the things you don’t know, don’t just focus on the things you do know.
Change your methods of studying. (flash cards, mind maps, tests)
Don’t leave anything to last minute.
Most importantly talk to a teacher if you are stuck!

31. Things parents can help with
Mobile Phones!!!
Xbox/ PlayStation controllers.
The plug out of the TV.
If you're feeling generous, take the Wi-Fi.
Go through flashcards with your children or test them.
Be on their case about homework and studying. Don’t let them leave it to last minute.
Stay involved with what your child is learning.

32. Things that worked for us.
You must find what works for you but we used;
Supported study
Flashcards
Glow
SQA model and past papers(bought as
a book or found on SQA website;
BBC Bitesize(available as an app
or online).

38. Supported Study
One of the best things you can do is attend supported study for the subjects your are doing.
This allows you to get help from the teacher while studying
Depending on how you are doing in your classes, you might be targeted to attend certain supported study classes. Please Attend!

39. School Support
Mrs Mossie

40. The Challenges Ahead Step up to National 5 Exams
Pupils will be presented for 7 subjects in S4
Increase in difficulty and work rate
Increase in homework demands
Improve time management skills
Increase in commitment/dedication
Increase in study time
Increase in pressure to achieve
Increase in stress levels
It is going to be a challenging year - that’s why we are here tonight to see how we can make this easier for you to cope with

41. Attendance This is Simon. He is in S4 and has 90% attendance.
Is that good?
What does this mean?

42. Simon thinks this is pretty good Is he right?
90% attendance
½ day missed every week!!

43. Lets looks a little closer…..
1 school year at 90% attendance
4 whole weeks of lessons MISSED!!!

44. Tracking, Monitoring & Reporting
Pupils progress tracked 3 times throughout the year;
September/ October
Learner conversations and target grades. Tracking report 1 sent home
SLT to review progress to date and put in place action plan as appropriate
November
Learner Conversations and working grades discussed. Full reports issued
Target grade are realistic and based on evidence – this is what will be used to measure progress over the year – target grade does not change – need a benchmark to measure progress against
If not on target strategies will be put in place by either – class teacher, PT, Guidance or SMT as appropriate

45. Tracking, Monitoring & Reporting
February
Learner Conversations and prelim grades discussed. Tracking report issued.
SLT to review progress to date and put in place action plan as appropriate
If not on target strategies will be put in place by either – class teacher, PT, Guidance or SMT as appropriate

46. Other Interventions Attendance/ late coming checks
SQA early warning alert
Pupil Action Plans
Standard Letters/ phonecalls
Fortnightly check in between SMT and Guidance to monitor attendance and timekeeping

47. Assessments
Unit assessments ongoing throughout the session (for some pupils)
Coursework – each subject will have different deadlines – stick to these
Prelims – 7th – 18th January
Final exams – 25th April – 31st May
Unit assessments – must pass to sit exam. Need to be continually on top of this
Coursework – most subjects will have coursework which contributes to the final mark – need to nail this – gives you a great head start for the exam
Prelims – need to understand the importance of these

48. Extra help session
Many teachers offer extra helps sessions at lunchtime or after school
Targeted supported study session will be running from this week onwards – five week block. Timetables will be issued, resisters taken and parents informed of non- attendance
Easter School and Masterclasses

49. Support Challenges – let us know what they are so we are able to help
Speak to us – tell us if any issues arise so we can help to sort these out
Remember look after your health
Is there any other parent / pupil sessions you want this year?

50. Finally …..
“I have learnt that although it may seem bad to begin with, it will only last for a few months then it is over. It is better to suffer for a short period of time than spend the rest of your life regretting your lack of dedication”
Who do we think said this??

51. Kilmarnock Academy Parental Engagement
Mindfulness
Kilmarnock Academy
Parental Engagement

52. I don’t have time for lunch! I’m drowning in emails!
There aren’t enough hours in the day!
I need to pull an all nighter!
My head is going to explode!
I’ll go to the toilet later!

56. Learning to self-regulate.

60. Research suggests that classical music helps to calm and engage the brain when studying
Avoiding distractions – putting phone away/off
Setting realistic goals, time frames
Drinking water or tea
Relaxing before bed – reading, watching TV, taking the dog a walk.

64. Misconceptions about studying
Parental engagement

65. “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Albert Einstein

66. “I have been revising hard, I have read my notes for an hour.”

67. “I have been revising hard, I have read my notes for an hour.”
Reading should be done on a nightly basis to consolidate the learning from that day.
Revision techniques should use the knowledge gained from class in a different way so that learning connections can be made.
Make mind maps
Answer questions
Write out notes without any help and compare that to the original.

68. “Studying the night before is all I need because it means it will be fresh in my mind.”

69. “Studying the night before is all I need because it means it will be fresh in my mind.”
Studies find that “cramming” before an exam can have a negative impact on learning. It can increase stress and anxiety, which cloud thinking.
It is much more effective to complete the majority of study in advance.

70. “I study best with my music on, it helps me concentrate.”
Quiz time
Try and study both passages. One with music and one without.

71. “I study best with my music on, it helps me concentrate.”
This is a tricky one as it depends on the study task. If it is practising a skill and/or using creativity, then it can help. E.g preparing for an art exam.
For study tasks that involve building understanding or memory, music tends to have a distracting effect. However, low level, calm music without lyrics can help to drown out random background noise but most studies show, a quiet study space is the most effective study space.

72. “I prefer to wait to the weekend and do all my studying at once.”
All research into study skills shows that the brain can only cope with concentrating on one task for a maximum of 45 mins at a time. “saving up” all study for one day means that time will be inevitably spent doing ineffective study.
The most effective study plans have pupils breaking work into chunks, contain a variety of tasks and include small study breaks.

73. “I have done my homework, that counts as my study.”
Yes homework helps with remembering new learning but it is only effective for small sections of the course. Homework is effective in conjunction with study but the aim of study is to pull together knowledge from the full course.
Homework is a nightly task used to help pupils understand recent learning and time has to be set aside for this. However, study is there to ensure wider knowledge of the course is achieved.

74. “Past papers don’t help me.”
Past papers have been shown to be one of the most effective tools for pupils to prepare for exams. There are a few reasons why they are so good.
They prepare pupils for the wording they will see in their exams.
They give a more active form of revision which helps understanding and retention.
They give pupils an insight into the pace they will need in the exam.
Using them along with the marking scheme will help pupils see how close they are to the expected answers and allow them to modify their answers to address this.
Some questions can be repeated or slightly reworded, so will give confidence in the exam.