Jillian Hendry Qualifications CoordinatorJillian Hendry Qualifications Coordinator

Aims of the DayAims of the Day Provide an overview of the:

– NQGA Development Schedule and Design Principles– Feedback from the initial consultation

Provide an opportunity for centres to discuss:– National Certificate/National Progression Award

structure and content for Arts and Humanities– Potential gaps in Unit provision/Unit areas in need of

revision To outline the next steps for this development and

highlight opportunities for centre involvement

National Qualification Group AwardsNational Qualification Group Awards

National Certificates

National Progression Awards

National CertificatesNational Certificates

Aims to develop a range of knowledge and skills (including core skills)

Each National Certificate will have specific aims relating to subject/occupational area

Designed to prepare candidates for progression Aimed at post-compulsory candidates in full-time

and part-time education Usually delivered in Scotland’s colleges.

National Certificate Design PrinciplesNational Certificate Design Principles

Available at SCQF levels 2-6:– Levels 2-3 = 9 Unit credits (54 SCQF points)– Levels 4-6 = 12 Unit credits (72 SCQF points)

The majority of the Unit credits must be at the level of the award: eg Level 5 award must have more than 6 Unit credits at SCQF level 5

Mandatory section must make up at least 50% of the award: eg Level 4 award must have at least 6 mandatory Unit credits

Linked to National Occupational Standards Opportunities to develop all 5 Core Skills and certificate

some Core Skills.

National Progression AwardsNational Progression Awards

Small, flexible group awards, like current SPAs/PDAs

Aim to assess and certificate a defined set of skills & knowledge in a specialist vocational area

Aimed at post-compulsory education – those in work, entering or returning to work

Main target group will be adults in part-time training attending Scotland’s colleges.

National Progression AwardsDesign PrinciplesNational Progression AwardsDesign Principles

Available at SCQF levels 2-6 Minimum value = 12 SCQF points (at least 2

Units) Links to National Occupational Standards as

appropriate to the group award area

Previous consultation feedback

Previous consultation feedback

Arts and HumanitiesArts and Humanities

All centres currently offer a range of NC provision

Programmes are between 1 and 18 units Levels from Access 2 to Higher (SCQF

levels 2 - 6)

DestinationsDestinations

NQ awards Higher National awards Degree courses

Current provision - SWAP award Current provision - SWAP award

SCQF level 6 18 units with additional guidance Mandatory units and range of options Access to agreed Higher Education places

Centre devised longer programmesCentre devised longer programmes

One year or 6 months Fast Track Full and part time Tailored to needs of target intake Units at SCQF levels 4 to 6 Access to National and Higher National

awards/local HE agreements

Benefits of current provisionBenefits of current provision

Centres determine and meet own needs Flexibility

New NQ developmentsNew NQ developments

Formalise and share good practice Give opportunities to review and upgrade

units/support materials Build on HN development experiences Provide SQA award certification

First ideasFirst ideas

SCQF level 5 award(s) with some level 4/6 units– allows possible progression to SWAP

Two strand framework Upgraded/new units which support HN award

units Harmonising with SWAP programme Problem Solving focus

New Arts & Humanities DevelopmentNew Arts & Humanities Development

Confirm level/specialism Agree useful existing units for upgrade Suggest new elements Define essential components Suggest progression routes Consider assessment strategy for award

How can you get involved?How can you get involved?

Workshop question – submit your thoughts Expression of interest forms:

– Qualifications Design Team– Unit Writing

Contact detailsContact details

jillian.hendry@sqa.org.uk 0845 213 5524

website: www.sqa.org.uk– NQ logo, NQ Group Awards (shown under

‘related links’)