Thursday 28 August 2014
Newbattle Abbey College

National Developments in Adult
Learning
• 2 National Adult Learning
Conferences
-
• National Strategic Forum for
Adult Learning

Statement of Ambition for Adult
Learning in Scotland
– produced by National Strategic
Forum for Adult Learning
– reflects extensive consultation with learners and providers
– launched in May 2014
3 core principles re adult learning:
• should be lifelong
• should be life-wide
• should be learner-centred
Strategic Priorities for Statement of
Ambition
– drafted by National Strategic Forum
– will lead to an implementation plan
– growing momentum behind adult learning

Background to Award
• SCQF Partnership provided funding for development of credit-rated programmes for adults
• CLD developing local achievement awards for adults
• Consultation with CLD Managers
Adult Learning Group/Adult
Literacies/CLD Standards Council positive response
• Steering Group established to discuss development of award
• Newbattle Abbey College asked to become the awarding body
• Consultant appointed to develop award for submission to SQA for approval by Dec 2014

National Adult Achievement Award
• context-free
• content-free
• complements informal communitybased learning
• will accredit adults for their learning/ skills/experiences
• portfolio of evidence, based on
Dynamic Youth Award model
• wide range of activities and settings
• 3 SCQF levels proposed at this stage:
3, 4 and 6
• individual/group options
• award endorsed nationally
• offers progression to further accredited learning
• supports Statement of Ambition

Progress to Date
• schedule agreed for development of award
• consultant appointed
• award ‘owned’ by Newbattle Abbey
College
• Education Scotland Conducted survey monkey with interested sectors/agencies
• 3 Focus Groups arranged to consult providers and learners more fully
• following consultation, award will be submitted to SQA for approval by
December 2014.