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SQA GamesSpace

News

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Introduction

Europe and Scotland social fund logo

SQA is now offering Games Based Assessment from August 2009 in selected Skills for Work Courses, with more to follow in coming years. This assessment allows candidates to enter a simulated workplace environment and perform simulated tasks to demonstrate key competencies required. Feedback on the system has been very positive.

Quote from Skills for Work tutor

The game is really good for pupils, they enjoy it thoroughly. It taps into their interest in games. It’s also enjoyable for myself as a teacher. It enables me to use different methods with the pupils to teach them employability skills.

Training and Support

Training in how to use the system and its features is built into the SQA GamesSpace system, where a short tutorial ensures that you are familiar with the interface before proceeding to the test.

Materials Available

GamesSpace is now available in Retail Int 2 and Health Sector Int 1. See 'How to sign up' for further details on access.

Please note that for the academic year 2010/11 the games are only available as a pilot version and should be used as a supplement to the NAB, rather than a replacement at this stage.

SQA will continue to carry out testing and comparisons in results during this time to ensure the games based approach remains valid and reliable.

Phase 2 of GamesSpace is also nearing completion and will include: Uniformed and Emergency Services, Energy, and Health Sector Int 2. These will be available online via a Moodle installation - more details to follow soon.

Quote from Skills for Work candidate

I like it… it’s a lot better than doing a written exam. You don’t feel as pressurised.

How to sign up

GamesSpace is available for selected units in the following Skills for Work courses:

Health Sector - Intermediate 1 and 2
Retailing - Intermediate 2
Energy - Intermediate 1
Uniformed and Emergency Services - Intermediate 2

Centres wishing to use GamesSpace will have to be registered with SQA to access the game. Please contact esf@sqa.org.uk with your subject and centre information to register.

GamesSpace screen shot - player in virtual environment