Main navigation:
Breadcrumb navigation:

Choose a subject

Sub navigation:

In this section

Jargon buster

letter A image

Academic (qualifications)
Type of qualification. Traditional academic subjects include Maths and English. The other type of qualification is Vocational.
Access 1 and 2 (qualifications)

Qualifications which provide opportunities for candidates who require additional support for their learning. Access 1 and 2 are routes to learning and provide opportunities for progression - this may be to another qualification at the same level, or to the next level.

Access 1 and 2 are being revised as part of the new qualifications and will be available in session 2013/14.

Access 3 (qualifications)
Qualifications offered in schools and colleges. They are at the same level as Standard Grade Foundation and some schools offer them as an alternative to this. However they can also be taken in S5 and S6 (This is the group they were originally designed for). Access 3 is also widely used in colleges as a preparation for other qualifications. Access 3 is being revised as part of the new qualifications and will be available in session 2013/14.
Accreditation

The process of ensuring all qualifications (other than degrees) across Scotland are valid.

SQA Accreditation is a distinct, autonomous arm of the Scottish Qualifications Authority which approves and accredits all types of qualifications (other than degrees) that are offered across Scotland.

Action Research Projects
School and colleges were given funding to think about ways in which current and future qualifications and assessment can support and enable Curriculum for Excellence aims, values, and principles. See http://www.sqa.org.uk/actionresearch
Active Learning
Engages and challenges children and young people to think using real-life and imaginary situations.
Added Value Assessment
Added Value assesses breadth, challenge and application of skills, knowledge and understanding in New National Courses.
Added Value Unit
A mandatory Unit in National 4 Courses which selects from one or more of the other Units in the Course to provide the added value for the Course.
ADES
Body which promotes public awareness of, and make national representation on, issues affecting the education service. See http://www.adescotland.org.uk/
Advanced Higher
Qualification which forms part of the Scottish secondary education system. It is normally taken by students aged 17-18 after they have completed Highers. Advanced Highers are being revised as part of the new qualifications and will be available in session 2015/16.
Aims (Curriculum for Excellence)
Curriculum for Excellence aims to build the four capacities.
Application
How a learner applies knowledge and/or skills.
Assessment
Used to measure whether or not a learner has met the requirements of a qualification. See www.sqa.org.uk/definitions
Assessment approaches
Different ways of assessing a person – such as a project, assignment or exam.
Assignment
Structured problem-solving exercise with clear guidelines.
Award

The word “award” is used in different ways by SQA.

It can mean:

  • A type of qualification with a small number of Units.
  • A flexible qualification to meet learners’ different needs
  • A grade we give within our qualifications, eg a “no award” means someone has not passed.
  • There are also Group Awards. These are made up of Units from different Courses.