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Qualifications are changing - information for young people
Qualifications are changing as part of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE).
Curriculum for Excellence is the new approach to learning in schools which will help to develop your skills for the twenty-first century. We are developing Scotland’s new National Qualifications which you will study in school or college. If you entered S1 in 2010/11 you will study towards new National Qualifications.
Guide to the New National Qualifications for Learners
Our leaflet gives a detailed overview of what the changes mean for you and your family.
This table shows what the new qualifications are and what they replace.
| SCQF Level | New National Qualifications | Replaces | Current National Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 and 2 | National 1 and National 2 | > | Access 1 and Access 2 |
| 3 | National 3 | > | Access 3 Standard Grade (Foundation level) |
| 4 | National 4 | > | Standard Grade (General level) Intermediate 1 |
| 5 | National 5 | > | Standard Grade (Credit level) Intermediate 2 |
| 6 | Higher (new) | > | Higher |
| 7 | Advanced Higher (new) | > | Advanced Higher |
The new qualifications from National 2 to Higher have been developed and we are currently developing Advanced Higher. Throughout the development we are publishing draft documents to show our thinking and ask for feedback.
These documents are used by teachers to deliver the qualifications.
To view the documents and information for each subject, use the subject drop-down menu at the top of the page.
Read the transcript for young people introduction (15 KB)
What is Curriculum for Excellence?
Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) represents a different approach to learning in schools and in the way education is delivered in nursery, primary schools, secondary schools, colleges, the workplace and the community.
It takes a fresh approach to what, how and where young people learn. CfE aims to raise standards, improve knowledge and develop skills by providing a coherent, more flexible and enriched curriculum from 3 to 18.
Ultimately it aims to develop “four capacities” in young people which are: successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.
For more information on the background and benefits of CfE, visit www.curriculumforexcellencescotland.gov.uk
Why are qualifications changing?
The fresh approach to learning under Curriculum for Excellence requires new assessment methods and qualifications.
We are developing the new qualifications which will have equal status and credibility to those currently available and will support the new curriculum.
We are working with parents, teachers, colleges, universities, employers and the Scottish Government to make sure national standards are maintained.
The new qualifications will help you to reach your full potential as you progress from their broad, general education through to college, university, other learning and employment.
Where can I find further information?
For information about:
- when you will your their subject choices and other arrangements within your classes, please speak to your school or your local authority
- what parents can do to support you, visit the ParentZone website
- Scottish qualifications and learning programmes and how they compare with one another, visit the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework website
- parent/teacher groups, visit the Scottish Parent Teacher Council website or the National Parent Forum of Scotland website
- what’s happening across Scotland’s education community, visit the Engage for Education website
- advice and information about additional support for learning, visit Enquire
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