Curriculum for Excellence: the Curriculum for Excellence: the structure and design of new National structure and design of new National

Qualifications in ScotlandQualifications in Scotland

Curriculum for Excellence: the Curriculum for Excellence: the structure and design of new National structure and design of new National

Qualifications in ScotlandQualifications in Scotland

Jacqui MurrayCfE Liaison Team Leader

Jacqui.murray@sqa.org.uk

Purpose of session Purpose of session

This session will cover:• Information about the design of the new National

Qualifications in Scotland• Timescales• The development process• Keeping informed

National Qualifications

Advanced Higher

Higher

National 5

National 4

National 3

National 2

National 1

Qualification AimsQualification Aims

Breadth of learning Seamless transition from experiences and outcomes Clear and smooth progression Inclusive, coherent, easy to understand Less time spent on assessment for certification   More focus on skills development Assessment supports, motivates and challenges

learners More scope for personalisation and choice High standards, credibility and relevance

How will the new qualifications be assessed?How will the new qualifications be assessed? Courses and Units at National 1 to National 4

– assessed by teachers and lecturers

– assessed as pass or fail

– Quality assured by SQA Courses at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher

– include Units assessed by teachers and lecturers

– Course Assessment – usually a question paper and/or coursework marked by SQA

– Graded A to D or ‘No Award’

AssessmentAssessment

Courses are Unit based - Units assessed pass/fail within centres – as at present

Assessment appropriate to subject and level, including case-studies, practical work, performance, project work and exams

To be awarded the Course, learners must provide evidence which meets the requirements of all of the Units and a Course assessment (National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher)

If a learner fails a Course assessment, they will receive credit for the Units that have achieved

National 4 GeographyNational 4 Geography

3 Units– Geography: Physical Environments– Geography: Human Environments– Geography: Global Issues

Added Value Unit– Geography Assignment

National 5 ChemistryNational 5 Chemistry

3 Units– Chemical Changes and Structure– Nature’s Chemistry– Chemistry in Society

Course Assessment– Question Paper– Assignment

CfE Qualifications implementation timelines CfE Qualifications implementation timelines Session 2012/13

– last Standard Grade examinations

– develop Assessment Support (N2 – N5)

– Publish Draft and final Advanced Higher documents

Session 2013/14– first new National Qualifications (N1 to N5), dual run with existing

Access and Intermediates

– develop Assessment Support (Higher)

Session 2014/15 – first new Higher qualifications, dual run with existing Access,

Intermediates and Highers

– develop Assessment Support (Advanced Higher)

Session 2015/16 – first Advanced Higher qualifications

Assessment Support Schedule 2012/13 Assessment Support Schedule 2012/13

Sep 12 Curriculum Area Events

Oct 12 N2 to N5 Unit Assessment Support (package 1)

Oct 12 to Mar 13 Subject Specific Events

Feb 13 N2 to N5 Unit Assessment Support (package 2)

Feb 13 Publish N5 Specimen Question Paper

Apr 13 N2 to N5 Unit Assessment Support (package 3)

Apr 13 Publish N5 Specimen Coursework

Apr 13 N4 Added Value Assessment Support

Development ProcessDevelopment Process

Unprecedented levels of engagement Publish draft qualification documents Teacher and lecturer involvement Parent, employer and university involvement

New AwardsNew Awards

More ways to demonstrate achievement Shorter than ‘traditional’ Courses Available at various levels

– Personal Achievement– Personal Development– Modern Languages for Life and Work– Wellbeing– Religion, Belief and Values

Other types of National QualificationsOther types of National Qualifications

Skills for Work Courses

– encourage learners to become familiar with the world of work

National Progression Awards and National Certificates

– assess skills and knowledge in specialist vocational areas

– designed to prepare learners for employment, career development or progression to further study at HNC/D level

Further InformationFurther Information

www.sqa.org.uk/cfeforparentswww.sqa.org.uk/curriculumforexcellencewww.sqa.org.uk/myalertswww.facebook.com/ScottishQualificationsAuthorityTwitter – @sqanewsYouTube – www.youtube.com/user/SQAonlineSpeak to your school