Specialist Developments: National Certificates, National Progression Awards

The NQGA Development Programme is now well underway with 43 National Certificates (NCs) and 114 National Progression Awards (NPAs) having been presented for validation and 18 NCs and 91 NPAs now available. To date, these NCs and NPAs have been SQA led developments, in partnership with colleges and have contributed to meeting the needs of both Scotland's economy and its learners. 

In addition, over this academic session, we have been supporting colleges who have been piloting a number of specialist developments. This pilot is being conducted in a similar way to that which was adopted for the successful HN Modernisation Programme.

We are now planning the next phase of the NQGA Development Programme which will, from August 2009, focus on specialist collaborative developments led directly by colleges and be supported by SQA.

In order for specialist collaborative developments to be scheduled and development work to begin at the start of the next academic session, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with your college before the end of June 2009. This would be with a view to confirming potential future specialist developments for NCs and NPAs, taking into account locally devised provision and the implications that the current economic downturn will have on qualifications development.

If your college is interested in finding out more about specialist developments or alternatively if you would to arrange for us to visit your college before the end of June 2009 please contact nqga@sqa.org.uk or one of the NQGA Project team as detailed below:

• Hilary Rutherford, NQGA Project Manager: 0845 213 5542
• Ashley Harries, NQGA Project Officer: 0845 213 5549
• Margaret Curran, NQGA Project Manager: 0845 213 5576
• Pat Hendry, NQGA Project Officer: 0845 213 5572

We look forward to this next phase of work with colleges to ensure that NC and NPA developments continue to meet the needs of learners, as well as those of the local and national economy.

Find out more
 

First graduates of the Diploma in Police Management Course for Maldives Police Service

Maldives Police Service recently held a graduation ceremony for the first group of graduates of the International Vocational Award: Diploma in Police Management organised by the Police Academy in collaboration with Scottish Police College.

The Chief Guest of the ceremony was Economic Development Minister Mohamed Rasheed. The ceremony was also attended by Police Commissioner Ahmed Faseeh, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohamed Fayas, senior police officers and families of the course graduates.

Acting Head of Police Academy Inspector of Police Mohamed Hameed in his introductory remarks noted the immense contribution by the Scottish Police College for the development of Maldivian Police Service and thanked the Scottish Police College and the Scottish Qualification Authority for their immense help.

A total of 24 police took part in the course conducted by the Scottish Police and Maldives Police Service and altogether 12 police officers successfully graduated from the course.

Modules taught in the course included decision making, developing skills for personal effectiveness, international policing, leadership, organizational management, staff management and professional ethics in policing and managing operational resources.

Find out more about the International Vocational Award in Police Management

Improved SQA-RED coming soon

An upgrade to the SQA-RED software - used by many of you to manage candidate data - is currently being piloted by a few of you and will be made available to all existing SQA-RED centres from early in August. Watch the SQA.net headlines for more details.

Reaction to the new software from those of you who have been using it has been very positive as there are several new features which make it easier to manage your data.

Some of the main changes to the system are:

• displaying a Dashboard which will highlight to the user which part of their data needs attention
• enabling users to easily identify candidates with outstanding entries and then providing an improved way of amending, resulting or withdrawing them
• a screen for selecting the inputting of entries by groups rather by just individual candidates
• a screen for entering results by Unit rather than by candidate
• an improved set of reports
• increasing the size of the SQA-RED window

There are no changes to the way that data is exchanged between you and SQA and so the upgrade is not compulsory, but the advantages should make it worthwhile.

Interested in becoming an Appointee?

Each year, around 15,000 appointees work with us to deliver the assessment, quality assurance and certification functions that support Scotland's education and training system. There are many different appointee roles, but they all have one common goal - to deliver for Scotland's learners.


We welcome new applications for appointee roles and our Appointee Management Department have recently produced revised information and a new application form for anyone interested in becoming an appointee. Find out more here.

For established appointees, we have also recently published two new policy documents, Appointment Policy and Procedure (0 MB) and Contract Termination Policy and Procedure (0 MB)

Gaelic Language Plan

Gaelic Language Plans are a key component in delivering the National Plan for Gaelic to secure the status of Gaelic in Scotland and like other public bodies we have a key role to play in helping to deliver the Scottish Government's, and Bòrd na Gàidhlig's vision for Gaelic.

We have been developing our Gaelic Language Plan and aim to publish our Draft Plan for public consultation in July - so please look out for it - your feedback is important to us.
 

New Annual Statistical Digest

Our Annual Statistical Digest 2008 has recently been published on our website. The Digest offers extracts from the Annual Statistical Report 2008 which provides details of the results for all SQA qualifications in the 2007-08 academic year.

As well as providing high-level data, the Digest takes a wider look at emerging trends and developments in Scottish education and qualifications over the past year, and includes articles on National Qualifications Group Awards, Advanced Highers, E-Assessment and Learning, Science, and Scottish Vocational Qualifications.

Find out more

Sport 4 life

Over the last three years we have developed, supported  and successfully piloted access to http://www.sport4life.biz  the on-line business game for schools. The launch and pilot has been supported through funding from Microsoft Partners in Learning. From August 2009 the Game will move to a subscription model to ensure its long term sustainability and ongoing development.

The pilot has been an outstanding success. In the last year 380 Scottish secondary schools have registered for the Game, 639 teachers were using it with their classes and 35,000 students played 135,000 Games and gratifyingly the game has been picked up and adapted for use around the world.

In other parts of the UK schools already pay to use the Small Business Game, at £400+VAT per school for an annual licence. However, recognising that Scottish schools have taken part in the successful pilot at no charge, the Game will continue to be part-subsidised by The Small Business Company for the 12 month period commencing  1 September 2009.

The cost for your school to use the Game is now at the discounted price of £200 + VAT for the year commencing September 2009.

Access will allow you to offer the Game and all its benefits to up to 1,000 students and teachers in your school, and your school will still be able to participate in the competitions that will run within the Game through the year.
 
To ensure your school continues to get full use of the Small Business Game beyond August 2009, please email Andy Coughlin, requesting a licence for the Game.

Scottish Education Awards

We were delighted to sponsor this year's Scottish Education Awards held last week. Our sponsored category was the 'Education Supporter of the Year' Award, which recognises the work of support workers in schools from cleaners, classroom or learning assistants, auxiliaries, janitors, administrators to support managers.

The Scottish Education Awards, now in their eighth year, aim to recognise the commitment of all those dedicated individuals who participate at every level within our education system.  Scotland is renowned internationally as having one of the best education systems, both in terms of quality and the breadth of subjects taught.  These awards are designed to reward the many successes that go unnoticed.

The main theme of the awards is Achievement. Achievement at all levels and at all stages within the system. Entries were submitted from Scottish schools and local authorities.

The winner of 'Education Supporter of the Year' was Lisa Goodman from Deans Community High School, Livingston. The two runner-ups were Peter Anderson from Donaldson's, Linlithgow and Margaret Forbes from Canal View Primary School, Edinburgh.

Our Director of Business Systems, Rob Gibson said, 'Support staff in schools play a key role in Scotland's education system - a fact that SQA are very familiar with as each year around 15,000 appointees, in a range of roles, work with us to deliver for Scotland's learners. We recognise and value the huge contribution that support staff make to our schools and I'd like to congratulate all the education supporters who were nominated and the finalists who have come along today for all their hard work and commitment.'

The Teacher of the Year category was won by Iain Houston, a Physics teacher at St Joseph's College in Dumfries.

Find out more

The Herald Scottish Student Press Awards

We were delighted to have sponsored the Herald's Scottish Student Press Awards which took place recently in Glasgow. The Herald Scottish Student Press Awards, established by The Herald in 1997, aim to recognise and reward the highest standards of student journalism and to celebrate and encourage the wonderfully diverse talents of young Scottish writers.

Our sponsored category, 'Best College Publication', went to students from Cardonald College's Cardonald Courier.

Karen McCallum, our Director of Operations, said: 'SQA are delighted to have sponsored these awards and in particular the 'Best College Publication' Award. The awards really showcase the great talent of students of journalism in Scotland. I congratulate all the finalists for their enthusiasm and hard work and wish them well in their future careers. I'd also like to thank all the teachers, lecturers and families of the students who do so much to support and encourage.'


The Student Journalist of the Year was awarded to Simon Mundy, of Edinburgh University's The Journal.

Find out more

Young Enterprise Scotland Awards 2009

We were delighted to sponsor this year's Young Enterprise Scotland Awards, which took place last week. Our sponsored award was the 'Best Trade Stand of the Year' Award.

Young Enterprise Scotland is one of Scotland's leading providers for aspiring young people. Their programmes give young people aged 5 - 25 the opportunity to develop their full potential and raise their confidence and self esteem.

Their 'Company Programme' allow young people to test out their business ideas and develop their own small businesses as members of a dynamic team. They also get the opportunity to work in various posts as they set up and run their small business in a safe, supported environment with the support of a Link Teacher. They go through processes relevant to a listed company covering market research, finance, sales, production or service provision, customer service, HR and everything else involved in running a real business. They sell their products or services through a wide range of events and sales strategies including attending at YES Trade Fairs and eventually wind up their company with a formal shareholders' meeting.

The experiences gained in this programme are second to none and differ dramatically from those taught in traditional ways, with challenges which have to be overcome and developing a skill set that complements their education and gives them an added advantage when seeking future employment.

The Young Enterprise Scotland Awards are a true celebration of excellence! The awards are the culmination of all of the youngster's hard work. Teams from throughout Scotland - who have already beaten off tough competition from other schools in their areas - competed at the event.

The 'Best Trade Stand of the Year' went to Zenith from Brae High School, Shetland and the runner-up was Forte from Stirling High School, Forth Valley.

Alasdair MacRae, our Head of Business Development and Customer Support said, 'SQA are delighted to have sponsored these awards and in particular the 'Best Trade Stand of the Year'. These awards really showcase the great talent, creativity and entrepreneurial skills of young people in Scotland. I congratulate all the finalists from across Scotland for their enthusiasm and hard work and wish them all well in the future. I'd also like to thank all their teachers and families who do so much to support and encourage.'

Find out more

Scottish Union Learning in the Highlands & Islands

We were delighted to sponsor the 2009 STUC Highlands and Islands Learning  Representatives Conference, held in Inverness recently. The theme of the conference was 'Making the case for learning in the current economic climate'.

A key aim of the Scottish Union Learning in the Highlands and Islands is to support Highlands and Islands Union Learning Reps (ULRs) and to develop and sustain a strong network. The conference, while recognising the difficulties and challenges workers may face in the current economic climate, provided delegates with practical information and skills through workshops, presentations and a speed networking session to help them make the case for learning to their colleagues and employers.

Find out more

The Write Stuff Awards

We were delighted to sponsor The Write Stuff Awards, which took place in Glasgow recently. The Awards, organised by Cardonald College Glasgow and now in its 12th year, named students from across the country who have excelled in journalism courses at HND, under-graduate and post-graduate levels.

Our sponsored category was the 'College Feature Writing Award', which was won by Rosemary Lowne from Cardonald College, Glasgow.

Find out more

Students get set for the Science Baccalaureate

We were delighted to support an initiative at Forth Valley College recently which will see pupils from 13 secondary schools in Central Scotland, in the Clackmannanshire, Stirling, Falkirk and West Lothian local authority areas, being given the opportunity to study for the new Scottish Science Baccalaureate, thanks to a partnership between Forth Valley College and the schools.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Fiona Hyslop MSP, attended the short ceremony to present the 69 students with starter Lab Packs to give them a head start with their studies.

The Science Baccalaureate is one of two new qualifications, being developed by SQA in partnership with the Scottish Government and key stakeholders, with a similar award focusing on languages. The introduction of the new qualifications were announced by Fiona Hyslop MSP, in June last year, and the first cohort of students will begin work in August 2009.

The aim of the courses is to encourage a higher level of study in the areas of science and languages in line with high profile government initiatives such as the 'Skills Strategy for Scotland' and 'Curriculum for Excellence'.

At the event, Fiona Hyslop said: 'The new Scottish Science Baccalaureate is designed to stretch our most able young people and further boost Scotland's reputation as a rich source of scientific and international discovery. We fully expect the award to contribute to the Government's principal purpose of creating a more successful Scotland with opportunities for all to flourish through increasing sustainable economic growth.'

Our Director of Qualifications Development, Dr Gill Stewart said, 'SQA are delighted to support this partnership and wish all the pupils involved well in their studies for the new Science Baccalaureate. SQA has a key role in ensuring that training and education, which foster skills for learning, life, work and business, make science in schools and colleges more challenging, relevant and exciting. SQA is committed to promoting all aspects of science, technology, mathematics and engineering through our qualifications.'

Forth Valley College Principal Linda McKay, said: 'We are delighted that the Cabinet Secretary has given such positive endorsement to the collaborative working between schools and the College in Forth Valley. The College has a long established reputation in meeting the needs of our local industries in science, engineering and technology and we are delighted to build on this in contributing to the launch of the Science Baccalaureate today.'

Find out more about the Baccalaureates

James Watt College Graduation

We were delighted to support James Watt College's North Ayrshire campus annual prizegiving ceremony recently, by sponsoring the 'SQA Award for Highers/Intermediate2s'. The evening recognised a number of high achieving students.

The winner of our sponsored award was Susan Walsh, who was nominated by members of college staff because she is a very hard working student, who has successfully balanced a busy home life with study in her determination to achieve her goals.

One of our Business Development Managers, David Ross was there to present the award to Susan.