A new Scottish Diploma of Achievement is being suggested as the centre piece of future qualifications.
The new model put forward by the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment led by Professor Louise Hayward, has been designed to recognise a wider spectrum of learners’ achievements, not just those traditionally measured by exams.
Schools, colleges, universities, employers, parents, and young people from across the country have all contributed to help shape the proposed model for the diploma during an extensive consultation process.
Education expert Professor Hayward, who was asked by the Scottish Government to look at the future of qualifications and assessment, has now published an interim report outlining a possible new approach to be considered further with stakeholders.
Further views will now be taken from schools and colleges to refine this model, before a final report is submitted in May for consideration by Ministers.
Professor Hayward said: “We want the recommendations that come from our work to improve outcomes for all learners.
“By taking a broader and more inclusive approach I believe our proposed model will help create a fairer, more prosperous future society in Scotland.”
The draft model for the Scottish Diploma of Achievement is made up of three key areas:
- Subject studies – where learners progress knowledge in line with specific curricular areas and individual subjects
- Learning in context – project-based learning which recognises the importance of equipping learners with skills for the future
- Personal pathway – the opportunity for learners to evidence their contributions to society and career aspirations
Professor Hayward said: “The design of the diploma, which will be refined after further consultation, represents an opportunity to ensure all learners’ achievements are recognised.
“We need a qualification system that will support all learners as they transition into whatever they choose to do in the next stage of their lives, in college, employment, university or the voluntary sector.
“This approach would lead to a better balance between external assessment, including examinations, and other ways of gathering evidence across the senior phase.
“A better and more clearly defined integration of academic and vocational qualifications will be at the heart of the proposed diploma.
“There would be a broadening of the evidence collected during the senior phase to include skills and other competencies.
“Learners want to have opportunities to demonstrate more of what they can achieve.
Colleges, employers, and universities are also clear about the important role skills and competences play in future success.”
The model is designed to represent a future direction of travel and details of the model are intentionally left open for further consultation ahead of the final report.
Professor Hayward explains “The purpose at this stage in the Review is to seek views on whether this direction of travel aligns with the vision and principles we have developed and ultimately would provide a better evidence base for learners in Scotland to support their transition into the next phase of their lives.”
External exams will remain part of any new system.
Professor Hayward invited individuals from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including teachers and learners, to join the Independent Review Group (IRG) who helped shape the diploma model.
Oban High Executive Head Teacher and member of the IRG, Peter Bain said: “Scotland has a rich history of providing an outstanding breadth of curriculum, one that is generally recognised through the acquisition of many individual subject awards.
“However, Curriculum for Excellence has allowed us to reshape our understanding of what our learners really need, and what they can achieve in their journey through learning, life and work.
“A Scottish Diploma of Achievement would more fully encapsulate all of which we value: academic and vocational attainment; inter-disciplinary learning; and in acknowledging the wealth of wider achievements across our educational settings and wider communities.”
The Independent Review Group’s final report and recommendations will be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Shirley-Anne Somerville, who will respond in due course.
You can read the full interim report here: Independent Review of Qualifications & Assessment in Scotland: Interim Report – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
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