ESOL courses are for learners whose first language is not English. Learners develop their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in the English language, and also their knowledge of language.
Our National Qualifications in ESOL correspond with levels A1 to C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
National 5 and Higher Course information for 2020-21
07-OCT-2020
National 5
The Deputy First Minister has announced that there will be no external assessment of National 5 in session 2020–21.
Learners will not be required to sit exams and SQA will not assess coursework (including performances and practical activities). Instead, we are working with stakeholders to develop an alternative certification model for National 5 that is based on teacher and lecturer estimates.
Centres need to gather evidence of candidates’ attainment and use this to determine estimate grades and bands. We have today published broad guidance on evidence gathering and estimation with a very clear focus on the quality, not quantity, of evidence. This is accompanied by an SQA Academy Course on quality assuring estimates. This will be followed after the October break by subject specific guidance, published on a rolling basis, on the work that learners need to complete. Where possible, we will specify between two and four pieces of work per subject that will form the basis of arriving at a final award. We will also provide some additional resources that teachers and lecturers can draw on for assessment purposes.
There is no change to the structure or requirements of the Higher ESOL course assessment in session 2020-21. Given the nature and complexities of the course assessment, it is not possible to modify them without compromising the validity, credibility and standard of the courses, as well as their UK NARIC approval status and the benchmarked criteria of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) that they correspond to. Protecting this will ensure continuing recognition and progression opportunities for candidates. This position is supported by feedback from stakeholders who took part in our technical consultation on proposed modifications to National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses.
