Thursday, 9 March 2006
Issue 5
Developments in National Qualifications in Urdu
We are pleased to announce that the Scottish Executive has approved a business case to support the introduction of a National Course in Urdu at Higher.
It is likely that Higher Urdu would be available from August 2007, with first certification in August 2008. This new Course would allow for progression from Standard Grade Urdu.
Quality Framework
SQA’s Quality Framework: a guide for centres will be published in March. The quality framework replaces an earlier publication Quality Assurance Principles, Elements and Criteria.
The revision, whilst not changing our framework in any major way, has focused on updating. It reflects emerging practice and sets out our quality framework with a focus on the consideration of candidate needs, working in partnership with centres, and use of simplified language. As part of the revision of terminology the term 'verification' will be used (this will replace 'moderation').
The quality framework will be supported by revised policy, where needed, and guidelines to support centres. The new framework will come into active use from August 2006, with revised guidelines being updated as required over the next year.
There will be further consultation with stakeholders before this to establish appropriate arrangements for our support to centres, including auditing of centres with devolved authority.
Higher National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications - Annual Statistics
Every year the Research and Information Services Team produces our Annual Statistical Report. This year sees the production of the first additional Annual Statistical Supplement. The supplements will extend the analysis summarised in the main report.
Currently, the Annual Statistical Report provides information on uptake and attainment for the top 50 Higher National Certificates (HNC), Higher National Diplomas (HND), and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ).
Following feedback, the new supplement extends the report and supplies trend figures for all HNCs, HNDs, and SVQs with entries and awards in the years 2000-01 to 2003-04. Also included is a user guide that will help you to find the information you are looking for, and commentary on changes in entry and awards patterns.
» View the Annual Statistical Supplement and Annual Statistical Report 2004
Developments in Chinese Language NQs Announced
Following an increase in the number of centres investigating the feasibility of offering National Units in Chinese language (Mandarin and Cantonese), and given the First Minister's commitment to support secondary schools wishing to offer Chinese language provision, we are pleased to announce that we have appointed a Qualifications Development Specialist who will undertake a scoping exercise to establish needs and requirements in this area.
An online survey has been devised to allow us to collect data and information related to the current Chinese language provision and activity in Scotland. This will allow for the creation of a qualification development strategy for Chinese language.
Update on DIVA Programme
In our November issue, we featured the launch of DIVA - our Digital Media and Information and Communications Technology Vendor Alliance Programme. We are now pleased to provide you with an update.
Following positive response to the launch of our DIVA programme, plans are now being made to extend the number and range of global industry partners in 2006. Current collaborations include: Apple, Avid, Cisco, CompTIA, Macromedia (now Adobe), Microsoft and Oracle.
We are joining with the Scottish Further Education Unit in inviting all colleges to participate in this next phase of programme planning through a Reference Group that will meet at key points in the 2006 process, starting on 21 March. Other centres with relevant experience are also welcome to join the group.
In addition, a broad range of activities is already underway with existing industry partners including awareness raising events, professional development opportunities and workshops.
» Find out more about the current schedule of DIVA activities.
Higher National Challenge
As part of the HN 80th Anniversary celebrations, colleges across Scotland are getting their thinking caps on for the HN Challenge. Teams of three, made up of HN students past and present and college staff, are competing in regional competitions in a bid to progress to the semi-final competitions and the grand final to be held in May.
The Challenge is made up of a series of rounds, quizzing the teams’ knowledge of a wide range of topics from the last eighty years. This includes sport, history, geography, arts and science, all with a Scottish flavour.
The West and East regional competitions have already taken place with Stow College and West Lothian College (pictured) securing their places in the semi final rounds.
We will keep you updated on how the teams progress through the competition in future issues.
On-screen projects in Core Skills
We are developing, through the Common Interests Group, three linked projects to provide on-screen assessment tools (Initial Screening, Diagnostic and Recognising Achievement) in Communication, Numeracy and ICT Core Skills.
The Common Interests Group is made up of representatives from national education and training bodies of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, working to create, develop and promote good e-assessment and learning practice in the area of skills for life.
The Initial Screening tool provides an approximate indication of ability - Access 2 to Intermediate 1 (Intermediate 2 for ICT), giving tutors essential information about the learner.
The Diagnostic tool highlights strengths and weakness in skill areas once a level has been determined.
The Recognising Achievement tool allows the learner to demonstrate competence at a particular level in Communication and Numeracy Core Skills.
Skills for Work -
news on Phase 2
The following Courses will be launched in May 2006 for Phase 2 of the Skills for Work pilot:
- Rural Skills at Intermediate 1
- Hairdressing at Intermediate 1
- Construction Crafts at Intermediate 2
- Sport and Recreation at Intermediate 2
- Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering at Access 3
Twenty-eight local authorities throughout Scotland have submitted applications to the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) for thirty-eight colleges, over one hundred secondary schools and up to four thousand learners to participate in Phase 2, starting in August 2006.
Discussions are currently underway within SEED about participation in the pilot and local authorities will be informed of the outcome of their applications shortly.
Discussions are also underway about the development of other Skills for Work Courses.
Focus On: SQA Corporate Events Team
Part of the Customer Operations Team our friendly, helpful Events team is responsible for the planning and delivery of all SQA Corporate and Commercial Events from small Promotional Events to Corporate Award Ceremonies, Conferences and Professional Development Workshops.
The team is led by Rosemary, the Events Officer and our three Events Coordinators are Lianne, Louise and John. Delivering events to the highest possible standard is their main objective and last year the team delivered more than 100 events all across Scotland. You may come across their smiley faces when attending an SQA event.
The team have a wealth of experience in planning events and are more than happy to give advice on anything relating to delivering an event.
If you are attending an SQA event they will also be able to help and advise with all logistical information including:
- travel arrangements
- start and end times
- pack materials
- cancellation and replacement places
Fifteen colleges take right course for Marketing Awards
Scotland's Colleges Marketing Awards 2006, organised by Scottish Further Education Unit celebrated the best in college marketing practise.
Now in its seventh year, the aim of the awards is to recognise the innovation and creativity employed by Scotland's colleges in marketing their services in seven different categories.
Fifteen colleges were named prize winners at an awards ceremony on 16 February. The judges praised the high quality of each and every entry and faced a very difficult task in selecting the 15 winners.
We sponsored the category 'Other Prospectus'. Langside College scooped the Gold Award in this category for the development of an Evening and Lifestyle Courses guide designed to attract learners to East Renfrewshire's Adult Education Programme. The guide was supported by a targeted promotional campaign including advertising, direct mail and the web. Pictured are Graeme Hyslop, Langside College Principal and Catherine Taylor, Head of Business Development Unit accepting the Gold Award from Jim Leishman.
The silver award was presented to Kilmarnock College and James Watt College took the bronze.
Verification Needs You
We are currently seeking verifiers for Higher National provision in the following areas:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- German
- Gaelic
- Gàidhlig
- Communication
- Journalism
- British Sign Language
- Higher National Certificate and Diploma Social Sciences Graded Units
- Higher National Certificate and Diploma Communication with Media Graded Units
If you are interested in any of the above and have experience of delivery of these subjects at Higher National level, please request an application form from either pat.daish@sqa.org.uk or irene.miller@sqa.org.uk, in our Assessment Planning Team.
Get involved with a review of the Tutoring British Sign Language Professional Development Award
We are about to commence a review of our Professional Development Award in Tutoring British Sign Language. At the outset we are looking for professionals to become involved in the project to provide expertise in the areas of:
- consultancy and research
- qualification design
- writing and vetting of Units
- verification
If you are interested in becoming involved with this project, please contact the Qualifications Manager for this area, Carol Hunter, at carol.hunter@sqa.org.uk and provide a current CV.
Get involved with a review of Higher National Communication Servicing Provision
We are about to begin a review of our Higher National Communication Servicing Provision. The purpose of the review is to rationalise the number of Units that already exist in the area and provide a succinct national framework to support the needs of all Higher National Certificate and Diploma awards.
If you are interested in becoming involved in this project in any way, for example by:
- acting as a consultant or undertaking research
- becoming a member of the Qualifications Design Team
- becoming a member of the Qualifications Support Team
- writing or revising Units
- vetting Units
please contact carol.hunter@sqa.org.uk with your note of interest and a current CV or complete the online form, below.
Quality Network for Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Construction Crafts
The Quality Network will provide a forum for centres to share ideas and discuss common issues relating to assessment.
This network will cover the following strands of SVQ Construction:
- Bricklaying (levels 2 and 3)
- Carpentry and Joinery (levels 2 and 3)
- Painting and Decorating (levels 2 and 3)
- Plastering (levels 2 and 3)
- Roof Slating and Tiling and Cement Work (levels 2 and 3)
- Stonemasonry (levels 2 and 3)
- Wall and Floor Tiling (levels 2 and 3)
- Wood Machining (levels 2 and 3)
Topics for inclusion in the discussion are:
- Training and Assessment Programme (TAP) year 1
- Training and Assessment Programme (TAP) year 2 (this includes lessons learned from pilot colleges and best practice)
- evidence for generic Units
- new occupational standards and qualifications and TAP alignment
The event will be held on Friday 28 April in Glasgow. There is a charge of £30 per delegate, which includes a delegate pack, attendance certificate, lunch and refreshments.
If you would like to reserve a place, please contact our Events Team at customer@sqa.org.uk and full confirmation of details, including venue information, will be sent to you on receipt of your booking.
Professional Development Workshops
We are running the following Professional Development Workshops (PDWs) in March:
- Appeals Exemplificationin Higher English
Wednesday 15 March in Glasgow - Assessment and Portfolio Building in an SVQ Programme
Tuesday 21 March in Dalkeith
If either of these workshops would help with your Continuing Professional Development, please click on the link below for further information and our Registration Form. Alternatively, call our Customer Contact Centre on 0845 279 1000, where someone will be happy to help process your booking.
» Register your place. Remember places are limited.
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and Scottish Qualifications Certificate(SQC) Events During May and June our team of Customer Account Managers (CAMs) will be running events for centres and stakeholders in each of the thirty-two local authority areas.
The events will consist of a presentation, lasting for about 1 hour on SCQF and the SQC and we would like to see as many people from your centre there as you think appropriate.
The aim of these events is to:
- offer guidance on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
- highlight recent changes to the Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC)
- enable centres to provide a presentation to staff, candidates, parents and other interested parties on these important developments
Your Account Manager will be in touch with you, by e-mail, to give you further details on the event in your local area.
Get Going with PC Passport We are working with Leckie and Leckie to bring our school and college customers to a promotional event on Wednesday 26 April 2006.
'Get Going with PC Passport' will be an opportunity for potential customers to hear of others' experience of PC Passport as well as receiving a free copy of Leckie and Leckie's recently published PC Passport Course Notes for Beginner Level. There are two editons of this publication, one for school candidates and one aimed at college candidates. Each school and college will receive invitations to the Edinburgh event very soon.
» Find out more about the publications.
Skills for Work – Information for Parents
Why are the Skills for Work Courses being introduced? What does piloting mean? How will the Courses be certificated?These are just a few of the questions answered in the 'Information for Parents' leaflet. The leaflet also explains why these Courses have been introduced, what is meant by employability and how Skills for Work Courses will help career prospects for young people.
» Access the leaflet.
Get involved in the HN Design Rules Evaluation We are currently undertaking a preliminary evaluation of the Design Rules for Higher National Qualifications agreed in 2003.
We are very keen to get the views of as many course coordinators involved in the development or delivery of any Higher National Qualification completed under these new design rules.
A simple questionnaire has been devised to seek those views.
» Request the questionnaire.
New Approval and Verification Manager Matthew McCullagh joined the Quality Assurance team on 13 February 2006 as the new manager for Approval and Verification.
Matthew has a background in further education and has been working with us as a full-time moderator for the past two years, so may already be known to a number of centre staff.
He replaces Jean Allan who has moved to our International Team.
History of Scotland's Higher National qualifications: the 1950s To mark the 80th anniversary of Higher National qualifications, we continue a series of historical snippets through the decades.
The 'birth of the teenager', the Suez Crisis, the launch of the Sputnik programme by the Russians and the theft of the Stone of Destiny were hitting the headlines – and in Scotland the drive to extend further education was gaining momentum.
In 1956, a major building programme proposing fifteen colleges was launched. It was a considered response to fears that the standard of science and technology training in Scotland was running the risk of lagging behind, in a global context.
The initial training focus may have been on industry, but business and commerce were not forgotten, with the opening of Chesters in Bearsden, the first Management School in Great Britain, and two extensions to the Scottish College of Commerce.
Learndirect Scotland Conference We had a presence at the Learndirect Scotland Conference held in Glasgow on 6th March. The event, attended by over 300 delegates, gave us the opportunity to update both existing and new customers to our products.
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