Update for ASN schools National 1 2 Awards

Update for ASN schools (National 1 & 2, Awards & Verification Update) Sandy Riddell Qualifications Manager

Aims of the seminar w To outline the full range of provision available at SCQF level 1 & 2 w To give an update on the introduction of ‘Alternative Context’ units w To explain where to find information and resources for SCQF level 1 & 2 w To remind centres about the level of support allowed for learners at SCQF level 1 & 2 w To report on Verification at SCQF level 1 & 2

Qualifications at SCQF level 1 & 2 w The SCQF is the overarching framework SQA uses to show the level and size of qualifications w Within this framework we have: – National 1 & 2 (codes ending 71 & 72) – awards (codes ending 41 & 42) – other units or groupings

National 1 & 2 National 1 w There are now 76 National 1 units available w We no longer use the terms: Derived, Supported, or Independent, to describe units at National 1 National 2 w There are now 18 National 2 courses (3 units each) w Also, 29 freestanding National 2 units

Freestanding units at National 2 w Freestanding units reflect subjects not covered by the existing range of courses at National 2 w 29 freestanding National 2 units available: – 16 units covering various topics (Communication, Media Studies, Independent Living, etc) – 13 units covering employment skills

Awards available at SCQF level 1 & 2 w There are five awards at SCQF level 1 and/or 2: - Personal Achievement (level 1 & 2) - Cycling (level 1 & 2) - Personal Development (level 2) - Steps to Work (level 2) - Scottish Studies (level 2)

Entering for Awards w You must enter learners for: - the award code (usually starts ‘G’) - the units your learners will complete w This is particularly important for the Personal Achievement Awards, e. g. at level 1: - Bronze Award (GF 26 41) - Silver Award (GF 28 41) - Gold Award (GF 29 41)

Other units at SCQF level 2 w Core Skills units (codes ending 08): – Communication – Numeracy – ICT – Problem Solving – Working with Others w Core Skills Communication and Numeracy can also be done as ‘bite sized’ units (10 hour units)

New units in ‘Alternative Contexts’ w New alternative versions of many of the SCQF level 1 & 2 units have now been created w These units allow learners to repeat the same unit in a different context, chosen by the centre w For example: – Using Performance Skills (H 24 E 72) and – Using Performance Skills (Alternative Context) (XXXX 72) w There must be at least one year between the entry for the original unit and entry for the alternative context unit

Finding information re SCQF level 1&2 1. The main SQA website 2. SQA’s Secure website 3. The Understanding Standards website (USW)

Information on main SQA website w National 1 & 2 units and courses - http: //www. sqa. org. uk/sqa/65697. html w Awards at SCQF level 1 & 2, including units and awards specification - http: //www. sqa. org. uk/sqa/47606. html

Information on SQA Secure website w UASPs for units within National 1 & 2 – search under NQ section, all National 1 - UASPs under one heading, National 2 - under subject headings w UASPs for freestanding units at National 2 – search under NQ section, see National 2 freestanding units are all grouped together w UASPs for units from awards – search under Awards section w Exemplars for Core Skills Units – search under Core Skills section

Info. on Understanding Standards website: Select ‘National 1&2’ w Picture gallery showing approaches to assessment w Secure area (requiring login) containing: – Evidence Exemplars, Case Studies – Guidance on SOLAR (Lifeskills Maths) – Guidance on support allowed at National 1 & 2

Supporting candidates at National 1&2 w Most candidates at National 1 & 2 will need some form of support during assessment w The amount and type of support required will vary from one candidate to the next w Professional judgement will be important w Discussing standards and support with colleagues will help consistency across and between centres w Internal verification will be important here

Verification Groups (National 1 - AH) Level AH H N 5 N 4 N 3 N 2 N 1 Maths English History Biology French etc, etc National 1&2 – All Subjects

Current verification model w Main aim – to support, assist and reassure centres delivering National 1 & 2 qualifications w Central and Visiting Verification carried out each year w Approximately 60 centres verified each year w Centres selected at random based on entries submitted in the previous year w Central Verification covering approx. 40 centres and carried out by Nominees w Visiting Verification covering approx. 20 centres and carried out by Team Leaders

Verification next year w Centres selected for verification this year will not be selected again next year w There will be a few changes to the verification model for next year

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