SCQF
UPDATE 24
autumn/winter 2015
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A MESSAGE FROM THE
SCQF PARTNERSHIP CHIEF
EXECUTIVE, AILEEN PONTON
A very warm welcome to the Autumn/Winter 2015 edition of Update. As always we have tried to use
Update to showcase a range of articles showing how the SCQF Partnership as well as our partners and
stakeholders are using the SCQF and its associated tools and resources in a variety of ways.
You can read an update on the new Insight tool, which is helping local authorities, senior leaders and teachers use data to analyse, compare
and improve the performance of pupils in the senior phase. We have an update on apprenticeships including information on the new pilot
Foundation Apprenticeships being led by Skills Development Scotland and targeted at young people. There is also an article on the new
School Ambassador Programme launched by the SCQF Partnership this year with the aim of improving understanding of the SCQF for both
pupils and teachers.
We have, as always, a number of really interesting and inspiring case studies including a case study from Concept Northern which has
specialised in providing hardware, software and training to people with dyslexia and other learning challenges about why they decided that this
should be recognised as an SCQF credit rated programme. There is an excellent case study from Rathbone outlining progress since having
their Onelife programme credit rated four years ago including the fact that they have just been awarded the 2000th certificate.
There is a range of information on new tools and resources including the revised SCQF Handbook which is available on the website and also
in hard copy as well as the Level Descriptors and lots of guidance materials. We have also been busy on social media and would very much
welcome volunteers to contribute to our blogs as we see this as a very useful way of showcasing on a more regular basis the great work which
is going on out there with partners and stakeholders.
Hopefully, as always, there will be at least one article that tells you something new about the SCQF or something new about the work that one
of our partners is doing. Please keep all those interesting articles and case studies coming. Finally just a reminder that we continue to offer a
range of workshops and seminars that you can see on our events page at www.scqf.org.uk/events and are outlined in this issue of Update.
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SCQF PARTNERSHIP
WORKSHOPS
The SCQF Partnership runs a wide range of free workshops to help individuals and organisations understand the many aspects
of the SCQF including credit rating and Recognition of Prior Learning to name but a few. We have provided details of the full
range of workshops below and more information is available on the SCQF website www.scqf.org.uk/events
GENERAL
Lunch & Learn
This workshop introduces the SCQF to participants along with the wide range of SCQF resources and support available. The workshop
will benefit anyone wishing to update their knowledge of the current qualification offer or seeking further information to support learning
and development or employer engagement activities.
Would You Credit It?
This workshop introduces participants in some detail to the SCQF and the criteria which will determine whether a learning programme
is suitable for credit rating. It is designed to support organisations who are interested in submitting a programme for credit rating onto
the SCQF and provides key information about the SCQF, how it can be used, and how credit rating processes are carried out.
My Skills, My Future
A useful workshop for those wishing to use the ‘My Skills, My Future’ suite of resources to support individuals in identifying the skills
they have gained from other experiences outwith formal qualifications. The aim of the workshop is to help advisers fully understand
the resources and their benefits to individuals. It also offers the chance to try them out through a series of practical activities including
benchmarking skills to the SCQF.
My Skills My Future Train the Trainer Course
This workshop is for delegates who have attended a workshop on using the My Skills My Future resources. It is a half day course
which covers all aspects of delivering the My Skills My Future workshop to colleagues including background information on the SCQF
and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and the benefits of the My Skills My Future resources to individuals.
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)
RPL: Supporting Learners
This workshop will benefit staff in institutions who receive and assess RPL claims from learners and wish to increase their knowledge
on how to support individuals through the RPL process. The workshop will be useful for staff who are supporting learners making a
claim for RPL and gives participants the opportunity to explore current thinking on RPL and credit transfer, the role of the RPL facilitator
and helps to clarify practice around these topics. There is a mix of input and activities and some case study examples.
RPL: Setting up institutional processes
Aimed specifically at staff in colleges, universities and other organisations who wish to set up processes and procedures and consider
implementing an RPL policy in their organisation. This workshop provides a background to RPL and aims to clarify practice around
the topic. Attendees will gain an understanding of the types of RPL and some suggestions for setting up systems and implementing
procedures in their own organisation.
CREDIT RATING BODIES
Building Capacity: Credit Rating for the SCQF
Building Capacity targets staff working in SCQF Credit Rating Bodies who want to know more about credit rating programmes
of learning onto the SCQF. The workshop will include some introductory information about credit rating, as well as more detailed
information about how to carry out allocating an SCQF level and SCQF credit points to programmes of learning.
CRB: Third Party Credit Rating
This workshop focuses on aspects of credit rating learning programmes for third party organisations and will be of interest to CRBs
who are yet to become involved in third party credit rating as well as those who have already embarked on this activity. The day
will provide opportunities to hear about and discuss good practice in this area as well as the opportunity to review and discuss the
particular principles relating to third party credit rating within the recently published revised SCQF Handbook.
For further information and to make a booking, please visit www.scqf.org.uk/events
www.scqf.org.uk
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HEADLINES…HEADLINES…
HEADLINES…HEADLINES…
HEADLINES…HEADLINES
SCQF UPDATE 23 SURVEY
Thanks to those of you who responded to the survey in the Spring/Summer Update, in which we
asked you for your thoughts on the format of the SCQF Update. We have decided to extend the
survey, this time putting one question to you:
In which format would you prefer to receive the SCQF Update in future?
a) Continue to receive a hard copy
b) Download a pdf from the SCQF website
c) Be emailed a PDF
d) No longer wish to receive
Please email your preference to Sarah MacGregor at s.macgregor@scqf.org.uk or tweet your answer a, b, c or d using
#SCQFUpdateSurvey by Friday 11 December.
We really want to hear your views, so each respondent will be entered into a prize draw, with one lucky person winning £50 of M&S
vouchers in time for Christmas! Good luck!
SCQF PARTNERSHIP CONFERENCE AND MEETING ROOMS AVAILABLE TO HIRE
As we have moved to our brand new premises at 201 West George Street we now have a large conference room and smaller meeting
room which we can offer out to partners and stakeholders to hire for a small fee. For details of costs and packages available, contact us at
bookings@scqf.org.uk.
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UPDATE ON
EMPLOYER
ENGAGEMENT
EMPLOYER WORKSHOPS A BIG
HIT IN DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
In August, Minerva People, along with Route to Employment, held a very positive workshop in Dumfries to raise awareness of
the SCQF Employer Guides. The Guides demonstrate how the SCQF can be used to support an improved method of writing,
producing and understanding Job and Person Specifications with a view to enhancing both the hiring process and workforce
development, for the benefit of both employers and employees.
The workshop was interactive with great discussions and further explanations as to the value of the SCQF. It provided delegates
with a better insight into the variety of ways people can demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competencies.
Eleven companies and fifteen participants from the Dumfries and Galloway region took part including private, public and third
sector organisations. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the workshop, stating that it was “interesting to see from an
employer’s perspective, thanks for such an informative workshop”, and a number are now spreading the word and looking at the
next stage of implementing the Guides into their organisations.
Further awareness workshops have been delivered throughout September-November in Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, Edinburgh and
Aberdeen and case studies as to how companies have implemented the Employer Guides and the benefits they have gained will
follow in 2016.
SCQF PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES UPDATE
Two of our key publications were recently refreshed and are now available
to download from our website and in hard copy.
The Framework diagram has been updated to reflect changes in the
mainstream qualifications offered by SQA, predominantly in schools and
colleges. The Intermediate 1 and 2 and Access 1, 2 and 3 awards have
been removed and the Skills for Work National 3, 4 and 5 and Skills for
Work Higher have been added. The new look diagram also features SQA
Awards across SCQF levels 1 to 7. These awards are small and flexible
qualifications providing certification of learning and skills in a wide range
of contexts. They have been designed for all learners to help develop and
recognise skills, aiding progression into further education, higher education, training or employment. The Framework diagram
is available as an A6 postcard and A3 poster as well as an online interactive version at scqf.org.uk/framework-diagram/
Framework.htm.
The introductory section of the SCQF Level Descriptors has been tweaked to bring it up to date as a sister publication to the
brand new SCQF Handbook. All Credit Rating Bodies should be reassured that the Descriptors themselves have not changed,
so the 2012 version of these is still the current version to be used in the development and credit rating of learning programmes.
The Level Descriptors continue to be available in hard copy upon request and can be downloaded from the SCQF website.
The SCQF Partnership Annual Report 2014-15 is now available to download from our website. The pdf was also circulated
to our partners and stakeholders by email. The report highlights some of the SCQFP’s achievements throughout the year and
should be of interest to our many stakeholders that we engage with across various sectors.
The SCQF blog is still going strong, although we would like to feature more contributions from our partners and stakeholders.
If you have an idea for a blog, please contact Katie at k.mckenna@scqf.org.uk. If you need some inspiration, have a look at the
current blogs on our website at scqf.org.uk/category/blog/.
www.scqf.org.uk
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SCHOOL
AMBASSADOR
PROGRAMME
Past research has shown that levels of understanding and use of the Framework varies considerably
between schools, learning communities, staff and learners across the country. Some schools have a
very good understanding of the Framework while other schools admit to having limited understanding
of the Framework and the wider benefits that can be derived from it.
With the School Ambassador Programme the SCQF Partnership wants to support schools so that the Framework becomes second nature
to learners and school staff and the benefits of using the Framework are cascaded throughout the school and to parents and carers.
Benefits include supporting flexible learning pathways for learners as they plan their learning journey and understanding the many different
learning programmes that are on the Framework and how these can be compared against standard academic qualifications.
Other benefits for schools getting involved in the programme include:
•
•
•
•
•
Promotional and publicity opportunities for the school including a ‘School inauguration’ event where the school is presented with the SCQF School Ambassador plaque and staff and learners receive their ambassador badges
Opportunities to participate in ‘real life’ projects such as developing web pages and toolkits for the SCQF website and designing promotional materials
A thank you event at year end to recognise the efforts of outgoing ambassadors and welcome new ones
Tailored training for school staff and nominated pupils to equip them with the knowledge and resources to become SCQF Ambassadors
A set of dedicated resources including lesson plans, case studies, presentations and associated materials to allow ambassadors to deliver in-house events
A number of schools have already signed up for the programme and training has been delivered to the first groups of Ambassadors with
excellent feedback to date.
If this sounds like an initiative you would like your school to be involved in just get in touch with Anthony O’Reilly at anthony@scqf.org.uk to
find out more and to talk through the practicalities and feasibility of setting the programme up in your school.
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SUCCESS OF CLD CREDIT
RATING PROJECT – 4
YEARS ON
SCQF CASE STUDY –
RATHBONE TRAINING UK
Rathbone Training is a UK-wide youth charity that helps young people to transform their lives through
learning. It achieves this by providing access to training and qualifications that enable young people
to attain their goals, whether that be a job, college place, apprenticeship or work placement. Rathbone has been
operating successfully in Scotland for over 20 years. The organisation aims to provide outstanding outcomes for its
learners, has strong links with employers and provides a range of work placements.
BACKGROUND TO THE ORIGINAL PROJECT
The SCQF Partnership identified the need to broaden the range of learning programmes on the Framework that recognised young
people’s wider achievement across Scotland, and in partnership with the MacRobert Trust, made funding available to recognise seven of
these programmes on the SCQF through the process of credit rating. This project focused on programmes that acknowledge the wider
achievement of young people with delivery across Scotland by charities and other organisations that have limited funding.
THE LEARNING PROGRAMME
The OneLife programme is a series of 8 short personal development units targeting 12-19 year-olds, designed to enhance the
understanding, problem solving, accountability and decision making of issues experienced by many young people. It sets them on a
pathway to gain skills, confidence and facts to run their lives and make positive lifestyle choices. The cohort that Rathbone supports are
generally described as being disengaged, hard to reach, low attaining, low achieving and/or non-attending. The OneLife programme and its
inclusive delivery nurtures and develops the idea of ownership and responsibility which are key to making the progression into employment,
training and education. The programme is at SCQF Level 3, carries 16 SCQF credit points and was credit rated by SQA Credit Rating
Service in January 2011.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCQF CLD CREDIT RATING PROJECT IN 2010?
We had been interested in getting OneLife credit rated and had made enquiries regarding this, however, as a charity this was proving difficult
in the climate of funding restrictions. When the opportunity arose for some funds to be made available under the CLD project, we applied
and were fortunate enough to be accepted.
HOW HAS HAVING YOUR LEARNING PROGRAMME SCQF CREDIT RATED BENEFITED
YOUR LEARNERS AND YOUR ORGANISATION IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS?
SCQF rating strengthens the approaches to assessment and delivery whilst giving greater currency and credence of participation to our
young people, many of whom do not hold recognised qualifications. This approach will raise the employability of our learners and is valued
by employers and partners. We have recently awarded the 2000th OneLife certificate to Dominika Cichon, a learner at the Rathbone centre
in Glasgow’s Queen Street. Dominika and her family moved to Scotland from Poland eight years ago and she was constantly bullied at
school. As a result, when she started her training at Rathbone she was very quiet and shy. Since then, her confidence has grown which
enabled her to gain some work experience in a hairdressers.
WHAT FUTURE PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR FURTHER PROGRAMMES TO BE CREDIT RATED ONTO THE SCQF?
We have another programme called OneJob which takes learners though the process of applying for and sustaining a job. We will strive to
gain funding to get this programme credit rated too.
The SCQF Partnership has developed a film featuring Barbara Hastings (Curriculum Manager) and Sarah McKenzie (Get Ready for Work
tutor) speaking about the work of Rathbone and how recognition of the OneLife programme on the SCQF can benefit young people. To
watch the video visit, http://scqf.org.uk/videos/rathbone/.
For more information on the benefits of having your learning programmes credit rated, visit the SCQF website at http://scqf.org.uk/
employers/recognising-your-training/ or contact the SCQF Partnership on 0845 270 7371 or at info@scqf.org.uk.
For more information on the training programmes and support offered by Rathbone Training in Scotland, contact 0800 731 5321 or visit
www.rathbone.org.uk.
www.scqf.org.uk
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GLASGOW
KELVIN COLLEGE
MUSICREATES PROJECT
BACKGROUND TO THE COLLEGE
Glasgow Kelvin College was formed by the merger of John Wheatley, North Glasgow and Stow colleges in November 2013.
Glasgow Kelvin College’s ethos derives from its commitment to Excellence, Progression and Enterprise. It seeks to provide
learning opportunities of the highest quality, which engage learners from the widest range of backgrounds, and support their
progression to employment or to further study. It seeks to develop enterprise in individuals – as a core skill for learning, life
and work; and to support enterprise in both organisations and communities – by developing the capacity of both employers and employees
and of community representatives.
The range of courses available at Glasgow Kelvin is designed to meet the needs of learners of all ages and all levels of ability from
introductory tasters and National Qualifications, through Higher Nationals, right up to degree level qualifications.
BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT
The 2014 -15 College Credit Rating (CCR) project aimed to achieve three outcomes for SCQF Partnership in its role of supporting Credit
Rating Bodies within the college sector:
• to help overcome any perceived barriers to credit rating within colleges and to embed credit rating within formal quality assurance structures of the new regional colleges;
• to increase in a coherent way the amount of credit rated provision on the Framework; and most importantly
• the building of sustainability in credit rating within regional structures in Scotland..
THE LEARNING PROGRAMME
The Student Mobility unit was designed and developed to give recognition to Further Education (FE) students participating in EU exchange
programmes and to support any pan-European learner exchange project.
Glasgow Kelvin College is currently involved in a music based project: Musicreates.
The project is funded through a European Commission, Lifelong Learning Programme, Leonardo Partnership bid. The partners were:
• Glasgow Kelvin College
• North West Regional College, Derry
• Kainuun ammattiopisto (Kainuu Vocational College), Kajanni, Finland
• Keski-Pohjanmaan konservatorio (Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory), Kokkola, Finland
• Georg Otsa Nimeline Tallinna Muusikakool, Tallinn, Estonia
The programme seeks to enhance the vocational education and professional skills of participants by improving their understanding of
cultural needs in a Europe wide context.
This is facilitated by learners from all locations coming together to participate in workshops and live events. Tuition and mentoring is by
staff from all partners, including a Working Life Partner, (currently Finnish) who provides business oriented input in the form of additional
workshops.
As part of the funding criteria, during mobility activity assessment is carried out by tutors from the partner schools, across mixed cohorts, in
accordance with European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training: http://www.ecctis.co.uk/ecvet/ (ECVET) procedures.
Although this programme was Music focussed the college developed a unit that is content free to allow the credit rated activity be subject
independent.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCQF COLLEGE CREDIT RATING PROJECT?
The college decided to embark on the application to credit rate a mobility unit for students undertaking a period of European mobility and
also establish a credit rating team and process to create a sustainable service for Glasgow Kelvin College.
HOW HAS HAVING YOUR LEARNING PROGRAMME SCQF CREDIT RATED BENEFITED YOUR LEARNERS AND YOUR
ORGANISATION?
The college felt that having an SCQF credit rating for this unit would give learners a portfolio that improves their employability on a European
level and can also provide evidence that could be used towards individual Awarding Body qualifications.
The college has now developed a series of credit rating tools and templates to ensure staff can access the opportunity to ensure learners
are enrolled on credit rated units. Staff at all levels are involved in the credit rating process and this has grown an interest across the
college. Staff are keen to be part of the credit rating team as Continued Professional Development.
WHAT FUTURE PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR FURTHER PROGRAMMES TO BE CREDIT RATED ONTO THE SCQF?
The college now plans to credit rate a number of courses and the success of this project and the processes developed will help us to grow
our SCQF offering across the college. For more information on the benefits of having your learning programmes credit rated, contact the
SCQF Partnership on 0845 270 7371.
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UPDATE ON ADULT
ACHIEVEMENT
AWARDS
Following the successful credit rating of the Adult Achievement Awards in December 2014, a formal
launch of the project and pilot phase took place at Newbattle Abbey College in May 2015. Angela
Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning described the awards as a ‘global
first’ for Scotland.
The awards are an example of true partnership work – a steering group led by SCQF Partnership and Education Scotland brought together
representatives from the wider Community Learning and Development (CLD) community to develop a non-contextualised award to give
recognition for informal learning in a range of situations. The awards offered at SCQF Levels 3, 4 and 6 are owned by Newbattle Abbey
College and were credit rated by Edinburgh Napier University.
Since then, there has been major progress in establishing a pilot programme, which will run from September 2015 – February 2016. This
phase will be driven by the newly formed Access and Participation Working Group, a subgroup of the National Strategic Forum for Adult
Learning. The membership of this new group, which includes representatives from colleges, CLD, national organisations and the Third
sector is well placed “to take forward the implementation of the Statement of Ambition for Adult Learning in Scotland relating to Access and
participation”.
The 12 pilot projects have been identified across the country and will continue this extended partnership work, to include CLD services,
colleges, voluntary organisations, national organisations and higher education institutions. It is estimated that up to 250 learners could
benefit from participation in these awards. It is anticipated that evaluation will be ongoing with interim reports published leading to another
event at Newbattle Abbey College in March 2016 to share outcomes and achievements with the wider community.
In the meantime the project showcased in a seminar, Promoting Adult Achievement through Collaboration, at the Scottish Learning Festival
in September. The seminar outlined the partnership approach to the development of the awards and shared details of the 12 pilots involved
in the programme.
Regular updates will keep everyone informed as to the progress and ensuing successes via partners and sector newsletters.
www.scqf.org.uk
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EUROPEAN AND
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
SCQF – EQF RE-REFERENCING PROJECT
It’s been almost six years since the UK submitted the “Report Referencing the Qualifications Frameworks of the United
Kingdom to the European Qualifications Framework”. It was one of the first referencing reports to be accepted by the
EQF Advisory Group back in 2010.
Since 2010 though, the referencing process has evolved considerably and is constantly being reviewed in light of member states’
experiences and the recommendations from the EQF Advisory Group.
What has also changed over the years is the qualifications landscape in the UK. Frameworks in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are
currently going through considerable change and the UK as a whole is not in the position to submit a UK referencing report. In Scotland
however we are able to demonstrate more stability in terms of our lifelong learning framework at the current time. Therefore the SCQF
Partnership, on behalf of the UK National Co-ordination Points, will be leading on a project to scope out the amount and type of work which
will be required when the UK decides to submit an updated UK EQF referencing report.
We are required to submit as the United Kingdom to the EQF Advisory Group for scrutiny so we plan to produce an action report on what
needs to be done to update the UK Referencing report and use this to carry out a pilot project to update the Scottish report. This will result
in a template to assist the rest of the UK when the time is right for them to update their reports and for us to submit a revised report as the
UK to the EQF Advisory Group.
WORKING WITH MACEDONIA
The SCQF Partnership was invited to join with corresponding organisations in Poland and Croatia to bid for a Twinning Project to support
the development and implementation of a Qualifications Framework (QF) in Macedonia and to work with the government there to help put
all of the necessary structures and organisations in place to support the full implementation of their QF. We had to have the support of
the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to be part of this bid as there are very specific criteria for Twinning. SCQF Partnership CEO Aileen
Ponton, along with counterparts from the other two countries, presented to a panel in Macedonia and in August we were informed that our
bid was successful. SCQFP team will be involved in study visits, workshops, developing papers and policies etc over the duration of the project.
ECVET
We continue to support the work relating to European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) as the National contact
Point in Scotland with one of our team acting as an ECVET expert. In August we ran a regional workshop for practitioners involved
in student mobility projects, giving them an overview of ECVET principles and how they could implement these in their own mobility
programmes. We also continue to carry out visits to providers who make ad hoc requests for support regarding how they might make best
use of the ECVET tools and resources that are available.
WORKING WITH HONG KONG
The SCQFP was successful in winning a six month contract in Hong Kong to develop an evaluation strategy and tools for assessing the
impact of the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework which was launched in 2008. This involved a member of the team running four focus
groups and one bigger session in Hong Kong to test out a range of tools for the Hong Kong context. The project will be completed towards
the end of 2015.
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CONCEPT NORTHERN –
MAKING EMPLOYMENT
ACCESSIBLE
For over twenty years, Concept Northern has specialised in providing hardware, software and
training to people with dyslexia and other learning challenges. Using assistive technology can have a
transformative effect on the lives of students, employees and private individuals, making literacy issues
significantly more manageable.
But when Technical Director Andy Tasker searched for a widely-recognised qualification for learners to prove their literacy and business skills
to employers, he found the marketplace wanting.
“People with dyslexia often find themselves excluded from the mainstream,” says Andy, “and it isn’t surprising that there was no SCQF
credit rated course available for them to show how they can achieve parity with their peers in the workplace. That’s why we designed,
developed and produced our own SQA Customised Award – Assistive Technology Associate.”
Rated at an inclusive SCQF Level 5 and comprising 120 learning hours, the award contains seven units. The first four concentrate on
introducing the learners to three key assistive technology tools – Texthelp Read&Write, Matchware MindView and Audio Notetaker – as well
as the core Microsoft Office applications.
Equipped with these essential software skills, learners are then guided through three business skill units, focusing on business reading and
writing, time management and workplace communication.
“We looked at what dyslexic leaners need to be able to do to succeed in the workplace,” says Andy, “and then we designed the award
around that. Employers value SQA-approved qualifications and, for the first time, our unique award helps learners prove that they’re ready
to deliver results.”
Learning resources – including extensive video tutorials and interactive modules - are hosted on the company’s industry standard learning
portal – www.conceptlearning.co.uk. Assessments include portfolio exercises, demonstrations and a final examination. Funding may be
available for learners depending on individual circumstances.
Concept Northern is an approved SQA and ILA centre. For more information on the award, funding routes, or any of our other services, see
our websites or get in touch.
www.conceptnorthern.co.uk
www.conceptlearning.co.uk
www.conceptadjustments.co.uk
Tel - 01355 573173
Email – andy@conceptnorthern.co.uk or alant@conceptnorthern.co.uk
www.scqf.org.uk
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INSIGHT – THE BENCHMARKING
TOOL FOR THE SENIOR PHASE
Improving attainment for all
Average Total Tariff Score
2160
School
Virtual Comparator
Local Authority
National
Average total tariff score
1800
1440
1080
720
360
0
Lowest 20%
Middle 60%
Attainment cohorts
Highest 20%
Insight has just had its first birthday, with its second annual update for attainment data now live for users (all school
staff and relevant local authority staff). This unique tool was launched in September 2014, coinciding with the first
cohort of pupils who had been taught under Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). There are no other national data sources
which serve its function in benchmarking and stimulating professional reflection as a foundation for improvement
planning.
Insight reflects the richness of learning and qualifications that is now going on in schools by including data on a range of SCQF credit-rated
awards and learning programmes. As well as giving a ‘big picture’ on how a school is doing, Insight allows a user to dig deep and filter, for
example on gender, age, positive destinations, additional support needs and looked after children.
The September 2015 update brings users a number of new features. It incorporates results gained in 2015 (including of course new
Highers), with an updated dashboard of local measures, course awards, curricular areas and breadth and depth measures for year
groups. Data will be available for an increased number of award providers, with Open University YASS courses and Prince’s Trust Personal
Development and Employability Skills awards being included in Insight for this release. A new local authority level view has been developed,
with six outputs allowing users to see performance across all schools in a local authority, for specific measures and courses, as single
summary tables.
A fuller explanation of new developments can be found at http://insight-guides.scotxed.net/new.htm. A wealth of support is available to
develop and enhance approaches, via the updated Insight Help & Support pages (http://insight-guides.scotxed.net/), Education Scotland
and the Insight professional learning community now established at http://bit.ly/insightcommunity.
School-leavers’ data will of course be key for further benchmarking analyses and improvement planning. The following update (planned for
February 2016), containing post administrative review of 2015 results and with leavers’ 2014-15 data from Skills Development Scotland, will
update the National Dashboard Measures.
Insight will continue to develop over the next few years, and user feedback is very valuable to this process. A short online user feedback
questionnaire will be circulated later in September, and users can of course contact the Insight project team with suggestions or issues via
insight@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.
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LEARNING THROUGH
WORK WEEK – SKILLS
DEVELOPMENT SCOTLAND
More and more employers and young people are recognising the benefits of Modern Apprenticeships.
As well as paying a contribution towards the cost of training Modern Apprentices, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) also
promotes work-based learning.
Modern Apprenticeships (as well as Technical and Professional apprenticeships) are featured on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF) and range from SCQF Levels 5 to 11. When compared with qualifications, a Professional Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 11
whilst a different type of learning, is at the same level as a MastersDegree.
Earlier this year SDS launched a new website – www.apprenticeships.scot – as a one-stop-shop for information on all apprenticeships.
One of the key purposes of creating the site was to match young people looking for jobs with employers who have apprenticeship vacancies.
The site features the latest vacancies from employers across the country. Employers can upload their apprenticeship positions directly to the
site for young people to find the latest jobs in their area.
As well as aiming to inspire young people to take up Modern Apprenticeships, the site also contains more information about Foundation
Apprenticeships for pupils, parents and employers.
The site is just one way that SDS is working with employers, industry and training providers to meet ambitious targets for Modern
Apprenticeships set by Scottish Government.
Last year government announced that Modern Apprenticeship places would increase from 25,000 each year to 30,000 by 2020.
This year during Scottish Apprenticeship Week – organised by SDS to promote Modern Apprenticeships – the First Minister announced an
additional 500 places; the first step towards the new target.
Thanks to support from partners such as SCQF Partnership, Scottish Apprenticeship Week has grown each year, reflecting support from
employers and businesses.
The campaign – which will take place from 29 February to 4 March next year – offers employers, apprentices, training providers and other
partners the chance to celebrate apprenticeships.
We are reaching out directly to young people too.
From 16-20 November SDS is co-ordinating Learning Through Work Week, an ambitious week of activity which will see apprentices and their
employers or training providers visiting secondary schools to talk directly to pupils about their experiences, and the opportunities Foundation
and Modern Apprenticeships offer.
The approach was hugely successful last year, with over 250 secondary schools across the country getting involved.
The week also includes Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship Awards, the Press & Journal Skills Show in Inverness, Skills Scotland event in
Glasgow and a Symposium on Leadership in Work-based Learning, which features speakers from across Europe.
To find out more about apprenticeships go to apprenticeships.scot or follow @apprentice_scot on Twitter.
www.scqf.org.uk
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DEVELOPING THE YOUNG WORKFORCE
– UPDATE FROM SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
In May the Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work Skills and Training announced an extra 500 Modern Apprenticeship places would be
funded over the next year by a £3.8 million investment from the Scottish Government. This was announced as part of Modern
Apprenticeship week. The extra places are the first step to expand Skills Development Scotland's current apprenticeship
programme from 25,000 to 30,000 by 2020.
A further £1.5m was announced in August for Skills Development Scotland to provide careers advice for younger pupils. This is
aimed at better preparing young women and men for the world of work and extends the current offer of group activities in careers
information and advice to S1. In addition to this extended offer, there will be face to face support for pupils and parents prior to
choosing senior phase subjects.
For more information or to be kept up to date with the latest on the Developing Young Workforce programme, you can sign
up to our newsletter (www.register.scotland.gov.uk/Subscribe/Step1), follow us on LinkedIn or drop the team an email on
youngworkforce@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.
MEET THE SCQFP
EXECUTIVE TEAM
SARAH MACGREGOR – COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
OFFICER (MATERNITY COVER)
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR CAREER TO DATE
I started my career in a temporary post within the Higher
Education Division of the Scottish Government. I then joined
Education Scotland, where I worked as a PA for one of the Senior
Chief Inspectors. After this, I returned to the HE sector with a
move to QAA Scotland, as an administrator in the Enhancement
team. Recently, I have been covering the role of Stakeholder
Engagement Co-ordinator at QAA Scotland, managing all the
communication and marketing for the Enhancement team and
leading on the organisation of a number of conferences and
events. I recently joined SCQF as Communications & Marketing
Officer (maternity cover). During my time at SCQF Partnership, I
will continue to work part time at QAA Scotland.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WITHIN THE SCQFP?
I support the SCQF Partnership’s marketing and communication,
including the implementation of the communications strategy.
I lead on PR, publication and print management as well as the
development of a wide range of marketing materials.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF!
I used to be a keen gymnast and ice-skater, with an impressive
number of medals to my name. These days, my only exercise is
walking to and from the Subway!
scqf | SCOTLAND’S LIFELONG LEARNING FRAMEWORK
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STATISTICS AWARD
AT SCQF LEVEL 6
Today, more data is produced than ever before. As a result, the use of statistics is becoming
increasingly more common across many different sectors and industries.
The new Statistics Award at SCQF level 6 focuses on the interpretation of statistical data. It aims to develop learners’ knowledge and
understanding of key statistical concepts and to equip them with statistical literacy skills that they can use in their everyday lives — including
in the workplace.
WHAT SKILLS WILL LEARNERS DEVELOP?
Learners will develop their ability to sample, collect, handle and present statistical data in
real-life contexts, enabling them to:
• assess the likelihood of an occurrence
• make accurate predications based on sound statistical analysis
• use statistical software to interpret, critically analyse and draw conclusions
IS THIS AWARD ONLY RELEVANT TO LEARNERS STUDYING MATHEMATICS COURSES?
No. This Award has been designed to complement a wide range of subjects across the curriculum, including but not limited to: Business,
Modern Studies, Geography, Sciences, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, and Politics.
The Award focuses on interpreting statistical data, rather than calculating data, so mathematical content is minimal.
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED ENTRY FOR THE AWARD?
Potential learners should have obtained a National 5 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant subject area.
FIND OUT MORE
For further information on the Statistics Award at SCQF level 6 please visit the Awards web page at www.sqa.org.uk/awards.
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A launch event was held at Strathclyde University in early June 2015 for teachers and college lecturers who were interested in
teaching this Statistics Award. Due to the high level of interest in the Award, the lecture and workshop were repeated and
three more CPD sessions were delivered to practitioners in September 2015, including a one-day event at the University
of Edinburgh.
SQA’S READY
RECKONER
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF) comprehensively
describes qualifications in terms of their
level and their credit value as defined by
a number of SCQF points from 1 to 12,
indicating how demanding a qualification
is. SQA have produced a handy A6 sized
postcard showing qualifications by SCQF
level. The SCQF uses two measures
to describe qualifications and learning
programmes within the framework — the
level of difficulty and complexity; and
credit points to quantify learning outcomes
and give them a value or currency. Find
out more at www.sqa.org.uk/scqf
www.scqf.org.uk
WE WANT
YOUR COMMENTS
Please get in touch to let us know your thoughts on SCQF
Update by contacting Sarah MacGregor on
s.macgregor@scqf.org.uk
We would also like to remind you to contact us if you have any
interesting features or stories for the next edition of Update. All
contributions gratefully received!
www.scqf.org.uk
s.macgregor@scqf.org.uk
E info@scqf.org.uk www.scqf.org.uk
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SCOTLAND’S LIFELONG LEARNING FRAMEWORK
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