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ETP E-zine.

Friday 23 January 2009
Issue 34

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Happy New Year

PHOTO: SQA Chief Executive, Dr Janet Brown
We are now three weeks into the new year and I hope it has started well for you. Welcome to our first Connecting with SQA e-zine of 2009. Already it's shaping up to be a busy year - make sure you keep in touch with all our news in the e-zine.

While the global economic downturn and its associated issues mean 2009 will be a tough year, I believe we are in a strong position now to work with you, our customers, stakeholders and partners to develop and lead initiatives that will help people across Scotland to retrain and develop their skills with qualifications that meet their needs.

2009 will have its highlights as well and, as you may know, is the Homecoming Year. I'm really looking forward to supporting this initiative and celebrating all things that make the Scots unique.

Best wishes,

Janet Brown
Chief Executive

New Chairman Appointed

PHOTO: New SQA Chairman, Graham HoustonGraham Houston has been appointed as Chairman of SQA to succeed John McCormick.

Mr Houston is the Managing Director of Craigton Coaching and Consultancy and is an experienced, qualified management coach who has worked throughout the private and public sectors. 

Prior to establishing his own consultancy he was the Scottish Director of The Work Foundation (formerly the Industrial Society). He is a member of the Board of UK Skills, a not for profit organisation which champion skills and learning for work through competition and awards and is a member of Investors in People Scotland Recognition Panel. He is currently Leader of Stirling Council.

Mr Houston says, 'I am delighted to have been appointed as the next Chair of the SQA and to follow on from the great work done by John McCormick. We have a pivotal role to play in ensuring the people of Scotland have the qualifications and skills required to deliver their full potential and meet our nation's needs. We have a major role to play in partnership with the Scottish Government and other stakeholder organisations to deliver to the needs of business, industry and individuals. I look forward to meeting you soon.'

He will take up his four-year appointment on 1 February 2009.

View the Scottish Government press release

New Year Honours

PHOTO: Judith SischyJudith Sischy, the Director of Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) and a Fellow of SQA was awarded an OBE for her services to education and the voluntary sector in the New Year Honours list.

SCIS is the independent, educational charity, representing over 70 member schools in Scotland, which educate more than 32,000 children of mixed abilities from diverse backgrounds.

And Mrs Betty Shorthose, an Invigilator at Portobello High School, received an MBE for services to her local community.

Congratulations to you both!

Homecoming Scotland

LOGO: Burns 250 logoWe are contributing in a number of ways to the Scottish Government's Homecoming 2009 celebrations of Scottish culture and life.

We are proud to be working with the Scottish Poetry Library, Learning and Teaching Scotland and top poets to produce our Burns 250 anthology. This significant teaching resource is due to be launched in August. Contemporary poets including Carol Ann Duffy, Liz Lochhead and Seamus Heaney will be creating new pieces of work inspired by Burns original work.

Every secondary school, college and prison across Scotland will receive a full class set of books which will be backed up with teaching resources and online support.

To find out more and register your interest in this teaching resource, visit our Burns webpage.

LOGO: Homecoming Scotland logo

Advanced Higher Art Exhibition Launched

PHOTO: Artists with SQA Chief Executive, Janet Brown and Director General of the National Galleries, John Leighton

Our final exhibition of artworks from the 2008 Art & Design exams opened earlier this week at the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh. The exhibition runs from 22 January to 19 March 2009.

Following on from last year's successful art exhibition at the gallery, this is the first time art works submitted by SQA candidates undertaking Advanced Higher courses have been put on display.

Organised by SQA, in partnership with the National Gallery of Scotland, and sponsored by the Scottish Government, the Educational Institute of Scotland, Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, Leckie & Leckie and Sterling Furniture, the exhibition showcases spectacular and inspirational works of art created by the cream of Scotland's young artists.

The vast majority of artists featured range from 17-18 years of age. As well as paintings, exhibits will also include sculpture, design, ceramics, fashion and jewellery. An online gallery of all the art is available on our website.

Dr Janet Brown, our Chief Executive commented, 'The works of art from Advanced Higher candidates that have been selected for this display show the quality, depth and the breathtaking imagination and creativity of Scotland's young artists.

'Of course we would like to have included many more but those on display show the quite exceptional levels of work being produced by students, with support from their teachers, the length and breadth of Scotland. We thank them all for their hard work over the past year,' she said.

Speaking ahead of the exhibition, John Leighton, Director General, National Galleries of Scotland, said: 'I am extremely pleased to welcome back SQA's Art Exhibition to the National Galleries of Scotland, particularly after last year's fantastic exhibition. The collection of art we have at the National Galleries is some of the best worldwide, and so it is fitting that we are once again hosting an exhibition showcasing the very best in young Scottish art.

This year's exhibition displays, for the very first time, the portfolios of Advanced Higher Art and Design candidates from the 2008 exams. The quality of the artworks on show is truly amazing and I congratulate all those involved.'

Designed to highlight some of the best examples of work from aspiring artists, the exhibition has been organised with teachers, students of art in schools and colleges, as well as the general public, in mind. To support the exhibition and ensure that teachers and students get maximum benefit from their visit, a fully illustrated catalogue will be available. A student catalogue is also available with both free of charge.

This is the final exhibition in our series held at major venues across the country over the past six months. The Scottish Parliament hosted the first exhibition in early Autumn and the second has just taken place at The People's Palace in Glasgow.

If you would like to take your class to the the exhibition and benefit from an eductional tour of the National Gallery of Scotland, please book a tour via the National Gallery's website. You can also apply for a travel grant from us, which will help you with your travelling costs - please call or e-mail or Events Team for further information (0845 213 5116).

Curriculum for Excellence Vacancies

The Curriculum for Excellence programme will provide a seamless curriculum for young people from 3 to 18 in Scotland. Together with our partners, the Scottish Government, Learning and Teaching Scotland and HM Inspectorate of Education, we are a key player in this programme with our principal role being to develop the next generation of National Qualifications.

So if you want to make a difference and get involved in developing the next generation of National Qualifications for Scotland, you may be interested in the exciting opportunities we have available. We are looking for committed and enthusiastic individuals with excellent communication skills and a passion for producing quality products. In addition, you will gain invaluable experience, benefiting your own professional and personal development.

Find out more

Landmark Internet Safety Project makes for Safer Surfing

IMAGE: Internet Safety leaflet cover
We have joined forces with Manchester City Council to help create a safer internet environment for the city's pupils, parents and teachers.

The unique safer-surfing initiative which represents a UK-first for Manchester, operates alongside the Government-funded 'Computers for Pupils' programme. Under the programme the Manchester City Council's Children's Services unit has provided computer notebooks with internet access to over 6,000 pupils.

Through this programme pupils will use the computers to access the internet for a range of subjects. Parents are also being encouraged to work with pupils at home as part of the drive to raise levels of Information Communications Technology (ICT) literacy among the older age-group and to raise awareness of the need for vigilance and care in the use of the internet. 

The computer notebooks have been issued with pre-loaded software including our Internet Safety qualification web-based learning materials. The programme is supported by four City Learning Centres where ICT-trained staff will provide study support to families at drop-in sessions including evenings and weekends.

Pupils are being given the opportunity to take our Internet Safety qualification on-line test at the City Learning Centres and are encouraged to produce a log of their internet use. This can be used as evidence towards achievement of our Internet Safety qualification which has been accredited by QCA as a Level 1 VRQ (Vocationally Related Qualification).

We are the first examination body to offer a structured and accredited internet safety qualification which is recognised throughout the UK and beyond.

Teachers in Manchester's Secondary schools are also being given the opportunity to use our materials and achieve the Internet Safety Qualification as part of their Continuing Professional Development.

Manchester City Council School Effectiveness Officer Andrew Wild said: 'The SQA internet safety award has given pupils and parents a goal to work towards while learning in a structured way. The SQA learning materials have been loaded on to every computer given to pupils with a prominent launch icon on the desktop. This sits alongside other internet safety documents and the City Learning Centers (CLCs) are providing advice and practical sessions for parents and pupils on internet safety based around the SQA award.'

This joint initiative also has the endorsement of Becta, the government agency which leads the drive to ensure the effective and innovative use of technology through learning. Becta safeguarding programmes manager Ruth Hammond said: 'Digital technologies play a huge part in the lives of children and young people both in and out of school. These technologies provide both educational and social benefits. It is imperative that our youngsters are taught to use these technologies effectively, responsibly and safely. Becta welcomes the collaborative approach being taken in Manchester to support the Computers for Pupils programme.'

Joe Wilson, our Head of New Ventures said: 'We want people to embrace new technology and get the most from it while feeling safe and secure. Our Internet Safety programme is suitable for all learners whatever their age and stage. We're delighted that the programme is being loaded on to computers that will go into learners' homes.'

Find out more about Internet Safety

Top Marks for Scottish Qualifications

LOGO: UCAS logo
Scottish qualifications providing entry to universities and colleges throughout the UK are being rated higher than ever before according to reviewed tariff scores recently released by UCAS, the body responsible for managing applications to full-time UK higher education courses.

UCAS appointed a group of experts to carry out an independent review for the UCAS tariff. The review benchmarked the Scottish Higher and Advanced Higher against the new A-Level. The tariff aims to provide a level playing field for university and college applicants to UK Higher Education Institutions. It assigns tariff points to a wide range of qualifications in order to help higher education admissions staff treat applicants with different qualifications in an equitable way.

For candidates seeking entry to HE institutions in 2010, the SQA Advanced Higher at A, B and C grades is now ranked ten tariff points ahead of the same grades at A-Level, whilst the score for grade D remains unchanged. The UCAS review has also resulted in the university entrance value of the Scottish Higher qualification at A, B and C being upgraded.

Our Chief Executive Janet Brown said: 'The UCAS review has been rigorous and searching but Scottish qualifications have come out of the exercise well. The independent assessment and expert groups which conducted the detailed analysis of our qualifications came to the view that insufficient tariff points were being allocated to Higher and, particularly, Advanced Higher. They decided that there was a compelling case to be made for an uplift and this reflects well on the robust and appropriate nature of our qualification system and further rewards our candidates for all of the hard work which they put in.'

Find out more

Young Student Cooks up Success

PHOTO: Scott McArthur receiving his prize at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews, along with Principal Teacher of Home Economics at Vale of Leven Academy, Karen Moore from Debbie Taylor, Chair of the British Hospitality Association, with SQA Qualifications Manager, Graeme Findlay, Qualifications Officer, Rosslynn Walker and Resident Manager of the hotel, Richard Ellison
 
















Vale of Leven Academy pupil Scott McArthur has been recognised as the top candidate in the our 2008 Hospitality Practical Cookery Intermediate 1 Course.

Scott came top out of over 5,000 candidates from all over Scotland in the Course which is designed to provide the development of practical techniques and skills required for food production appropriate to hospitality situations. The Course is one of a suite of qualifications we offer in the hospitality sector. For his practical assignment, 16 year old Scott cooked carrot and orange soup and a savoury flatbread.

Scott and his school were presented with £500 of equipment vouchers by Debbie Taylor, Chair of the British Hospitality Association Scotland Committee who sponsored the award. The presentation took place at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews where Debbie is the Managing Director.

Graeme Findlay, our Qualifications Manager said, 'I would like to congratulate Scott on achieving this award, which recognises all his hard work and that of the teaching staff. The Course itself is an excellent insight for pupils into what is a very exciting and vibrant Industry.'

Debbie Taylor, Chair of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) Scotland Committee said: 'BHA Scotland is committed to supporting talented, young people who wish to pursue a career within the hospitality industry. I am delighted to congratulate Scott McArthur and Vale of Leven Academy in their pursuit of developing new skills within Scotland's hospitality industry and I particularly wish Scott much success in his future career.'

Vale of Leven Academy Principal Teacher of Home Economics, Karen Moore said 'Scott is an energetic and enthusiastic pupil who has shown a passion for cooking and food since we met him in 1st Year.  Scott has excellent culinary skills and we are delighted his achievements in Hospitality have been recognised with this award.'

Find out more about our hospitality qualifications

myAlerts

LOGO: MyAlerts logoWe are delighted to announce that a new alerts service that e-mails you whenever content you are interested in is added or updated on our website has been recently launched.

To use MyAlerts you need to first register your details and select which areas of the site you would like updates on. This is a one-off process that only takes a few minutes. 

You can change your content selection, update frequency or unsubscribe from the service at any time.

If you have any queries about the system or would like to give us some feedback, please contact web.team@sqa.org.uk

Register Today

SQA and Tycom Sign Agreement

PHOTO: Gordon Rodgers, Head of Industry and Busines at SQA with Tycom Managing Director, Alistair Findlater
We recently signed an agreement with Tycom to contribute to assuring workforce competence in the Energy industry through the provision of their joint internet-based candidate evidence portfolio; e-Competence: Energy.

On 4 December 2008, Gordon Rodgers, SQA Head of Industry and Business and Alistair Findlater, Managing Director of Tycom (IT for Business), confirmed their joint commitment to supporting the competence assurance of the energy industry by signing an agreement to deliver e-Competence: Energy.

e-Competence: Energy is an innovative internet-based system which has been designed on a partnership basis between SQA and Tycom to make a substantial contribution to building workforce capability and capacity within the oil and gas industry, and the wider energy sector. 

The system has received the full support of Bill Murray, the Chief Executive of the UK Offshore Contractors Association ,who said: 'Systems like this that verify accredited qualifications are very important and highly desirable. The fact that e-Competence: Energy is based on the National Occupational Standards framework means that competence to do a job can be drilled down to specific skills and knowledge.'

David Adcock, SQA Oil & Gas project manager said: 'This is a comprehensive and robust system with huge potential which has been delivered through a partnership between Scottish public and private sectors to support the energy industry's requirements for their workforce to perform their jobs effectively and safely.'

Alistair Findlater said: 'We are delighted to have been working with SQA to develop e-Competence: Energy.'

e-Competence: Energy is hosted by Tycom for worldwide access and is supported by us in respect of competence standards, assessment evidence requirements, qualification frameworks and quality assurance.

Find out more

Oil & Gas Deliver International Professional Development event in Abu Dhabi

PHOTO: SQA seminarOur Oil and Gas Team successfully delivered their first one-day International Seminar in the form of a Quality Network event in Abu Dhabi on Monday 17 December 2008.

The event was devised as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity for the learning and development community serving the oil and gas industry. The content was devised around using vocational qualifications to support workforce development.

Abu Dhabi was selected as the venue primarily due to it being the base of a major National Oil Company, ADNOC, which has a subsidiary, ZADCO, which is already an active SQA Centre.  

As part of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is also easily accessible for visitors and the event attracted interest from eight organisations - ADNOC, ADGAS, ZADCO, BAPCO, Petrofac Training, Dubai Petroleum, Abu Dhabi VETI and the Abu Dhabi Educational Council.

This pilot event was run as an International Quality Network (IQN) event with a 'back-to-basics' theme delivered via presentations, workshop activities and discussion forums. These were run by:

The event content was planned around the following topics:

The event proved highly successful in meeting the expectations of delegates and so provides a basis for the development of a model to roll-out into other regions.

Find out more about Oil and Gas qualifications

Scottish Offshore Achievement Awards

LOGO: Scottish Offshore Achievements Awards Logo
We are delighted to be sponsoring the Internationalisation of Scottish Skills award as part of the Scottish Offshore Achievement Awards, 2009.

This award category recognises the effective application of Scottish-based education and training for certification either in Scotland or in other countries in order to develop Scottish business in international oil and gas markets.

Applications are invited from companies, organisations and institutions working with the oil and gas industry whether as an operator, contractor, consultant or education and training provider.

Applications close on Friday 6 February 2009.

Find out more about the awards and how to enter

New Interactive SCQF Ready Reckoner

IMAGE: SCQF Ready Reckoner







 






 



An interactive version of our popular SCQF postcard is now available on-line.

This new version allows you to access further information on our qualifications and how they relate to the levels in the SCQF.

It can be accessed here and if you have any comments or questions, please e-mail Rebecca Amis.

Appointee Vacancies

We are currently seeking applications for Appointee vacancies in a number of roles and subjects. Applicants will be expected to be actively engaged in the delivery of the relevant qualifications and should preferably have at least three years experience of working for us.
 
Find out more.

Microsoft Innovative Teachers – UK and European Competition

The Innovative Teachers Network (ITN) connects a global community of educators who share a common interest in enhancing teaching and learning through the use of technology.

The Network is currently running a UK virtual competition - full details available from the ITN website. The top ten entries will be invited to the UK Innovative Teacher Forum to be held in Microsoft, Reading on Friday 20 February 2009 to share ideas and for selection to go forward to the European round (travel and expenses will be paid by Microsoft).
 
The ITN contains further details of the competition, examples of best practice and a forum to discuss the competition and pose questions. Entries will be sought that demonstrate technology making a difference in the classroom, are innovative and are transferrable in enhancing the learning and teaching practice of other teachers. The closing date for entries is Sunday 1 February 2009.
 
A selection of teachers from the UK competition will go forward to the European Forum to be held in Vienna on Tuesday March 24 to Thursday 26 (travel and expenses will be paid by Microsoft). UK teachers will be able to share best practice with others from all over Europe and also compete for places at the world final to be held later in the year.

Enter the National Training Awards and get recognised....

LOGO: National Training Awards logoWe were delighted to have sponsored the 2008 National Training Awards in Scotland and as a winner of the Scottish Partnership Award, along with Scotland's Colleges, SFEU and COLEG, we would recommend entering them - here are some details on the 2009 Awards!!

Do you want to be recognised and rewarded amongst the best  in the UK? If so, then we at the National Training Awards want to hear from you!
 
Deadline for entries is 5pm Friday 24 April 2009.
 
What are the National Training Awards?

The National Training Awards (NTAs) are the most prestigious awards for training in the UK. We identify and celebrate organisations and individuals that have achieved really outstanding business and personal success through investment in training.

The NTAs are special because entries are received from all sectors, industries and areas across the UK and provide you with the unique opportunity to have your training judged against the best in the UK. The Awards are run by UK Skills on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
 
Why enter the awards?

Winning a National Training Award brings with it a real sense of pride and kudos and the external recognition can help you really raise the profile of your organisation and the work you are doing. Winning an Award also:

So...isn't it time for you to step up and be recognised?
 
What are the Awards categories?

There are six categories:

How can we support you?

NTA information sessions
These sessions are held across the UK and offer helpful tips on how to prepare your entry. They also give you the opportunity to meet other entrants and talk to past winners about their experiences. A full list of information sessions can be found on our website 
or call now and book your place - 0800 0191 475.
 
NTA Helpline
This is a free phone Helpline to answer your questions and advise you on putting together your entry. Call the NTA Helpline on 0800 0191 475 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) to book a place at an information session or for any other information.
 
Remember - the deadline for entries is 5pm Friday 24 April 2009.

Download an entry form today!

2009 Scottish Education Awards

LOGO: Scottish Education Awards 2009 logo
We are pleased to announce that nominations for the 2009 Awards are now open, and will remain so until Friday 27 February 2009.

The Scottish Education Awards celebrate the successes and recognise the achievements taking place within Scottish education. Entry to the Awards is open to all publicly funded schools, including secondary, primary, nursery and special schoools.

There is a wide variety of school categories to enter which link to key policy initiatives such as International Education, Health & Wellbeing and Determined to Succeed. There are also individual categories which seek to recognise the dedication and commitment of teaching staff and education supporters.

The Awards Ceremony will take place on Tuesday 16 June 2009 at the City Halls in Glasgow.

We are delighted to be sponsoring the ' Education Supporter of the Year' award category at this year's awards and would encourage you to consider getting involved.

Find out more about the awards and how to nominate today

Young Scot Awards

LOGO: Young Scot Awards 2009 logo
The Young Scot Awards aim to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Scotland's young people. Now in their fourth year, nominations for the 2009 Awards are now open.

There are 13 award categories in total and we are delighted to be sponsoring the 'Volunteering' Award.

Nominations close on Friday 6 Feburary 2009.

So, if you know an unsung hero who deserves to be recognised, someone who works tirelessly to improve their community and/or country or a young person in the public eye that inspires you, then nominate today!

Find out more about the awards and all the categories

Young Brits at Art

LOGO: Young Brits at Art logo




The Equality and Human Rights Commission has just launched a national art competition for young people to express their thoughts and feelings about living in Britain today. Young people are invited to create art works depicting everyday concerns and aspirations relating to identity and equality in Britain.
 
Young Brits at Art has been designed to promote the work of the Commission while complementing and reinforcing learning under the National Curriculum in England and Wales, and the Curriculum for Excellence that is being developed in Scotland. This competition provides huge scope for thought-provoking debate and project work across a range of subjects.
 
Teaching materials and lesson plans are available for teachers and youth workers. Young people who are not enrolled at any institution can find out how to submit their works on the young people section of the website or by e-mail.

Find out more