SQA News 29 October 2020

Higher National and Advanced qualifications graded units: 2020–21

On Thursday 22 October, we provided information for centres regarding the removal of Higher National and Advanced qualifications graded units for this year only.

The decision to remove the need for candidates to complete graded units for this year only was made as part of our support package to centres during this challenging time, to further increase flexibility with approaches to assessment, and reduce time spent on assessment-related activities. We hope delivering staff and candidates are able to benefit from this decision. 

We are aware that some assessment plans and related activities may already be underway in centres so, where this is the case, centres are at liberty to continue with arrangements which best suit the teaching, learning and assessment needs of deliverers and candidates. 

SQA will be publishing guidance on this during week commencing 9 November 2020 to support centres with the implementation of this increased flexibility. This applies to all HNC/HND/ACD awards except those listed below where the graded unit within these awards is needed for registration for employment purposes and/or at the request of professional bodies.

You can read the full message to centres here.