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Design of new National Qualifications . May 2012. Key messages. An inclusive, coherent, and easy to understand framework of qualifications which provides personalisation and choice
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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 skillsframework, 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 valueassessment 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 availableand 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