Tag: qualifications

Education overhaul: Reform of qualifications and assessment

Less reliance on “high stakes” final exams

The balance of assessment used for senior phase pupils in Scotland will change, with greater use of internal and continuous assessment to award final grades.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth announced the shift as part of the Scottish Government’s response to an independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (IRQA), which was led by Professor Louise Hayward and published in June 2023.

In a statement to Parliament, Ms Gilruth confirmed that exams will remain part of the overall approach to assessment, including at National 5, while some more practical courses may not have written exams in future.

The Education Secretary committed to ensuring that qualifications reform is done in full partnership with teachers, pupils and other professional bodies, with a secondary Headteacher to be seconded to the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA), and its replacement Qualifications Scotland (QS), to oversee that.

Ms Gilruth also confirmed that she will set out a renewed national approach to improvement later this year, setting out short, medium and longer term improvements for Scottish education.

Ms Gilruth said: “While exams will remain part of our approach, I have accepted the independent review’s recommendation that the balance of assessment methods in the senior phase should change so there is less reliance on high stakes final exams and internal and continuous assessment contributing to a greater percentage of a final grade.

“The actions on qualifications reform I am setting out seek to achieve a balance between ambition and pragmatic action. Any change needs to be focussed and deliverable given the resources available to national and local government and to schools themselves. This will build directly on the hard work, success and creativity already evident in Scotland’s schools.

“This pragmatic approach to evolving qualifications and assessment will deliver a fair and credible system to enhance learning and teaching and support better outcomes for young people.”

Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) General Secretary, Seamus Searson, said: “The SSTA welcomes the Cabinet Secretary’s statement on the Government’s response to the Hayward Review. The statement maps a way forward in making the cultural changes required in secondary schools in regard national qualifications and a teacher led continuous assessment.

“Many SSTA members will be pleased to hear there will be an element of external assessment at Nat 5 in the short-term and that any future developments will be trialled and piloted before implementation.

“The SSTA equally welcomes the importance placed by the Cabinet Secretary on schoolteachers at the centre and leading the changes necessary for creating an education system for the future.”

The Education Secretary’s Parliamentary statement was delivered in response to the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (IRQA) by Professor Louise Hayward.

Scottish Government Response To The Final Report Of The Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment – ‘It’s Our Future’ – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The SQA is consulting on whether written external examinations should remain part of course assessment in more practical subjects, such as National 5 Practical Woodworking and Fashion and Textile Technology, with a view to any changes being brought in for 2025/26.

All change for education qualifications? Hayward review published

Considering the future of qualifications and assessment

The views of teachers will be key to Scotland’s education reform journey, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has said, as a major report on qualifications and assessment is published.

Professor Louise Hayward’s report following her Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (IRQA) recommends reform of the current senior school phase, including the creation of a new Scottish Diploma of Achievement (SDA).

The report, along with the recent Withers Review of the Skills System and National Discussion on Education, sets out the case for significant change across the sector. The Scottish Government will now consider the recommendations made in these reports and respond in due course.

Ms Gilruth said: “I am very grateful to Professor Hayward and members of the review group for the time and effort they have given to bring this report together.

“These recommendations for reform could amount to a radical shift in Scottish education. As Cabinet Secretary I need to be certain that these changes are the right ones for Scotland’s young people – and I am determined that the voices of teachers will be central to this process.

“Scotland has a proud educational tradition – the challenge now is to build on that success and deliver reform which ensures we have a coherent education and skills system that supports children and young people to reach their potential.

“Ultimately we must judge everything we do by those criteria. I will work together across parties to improve educational outcomes – this is a prize worth striving for, to ensure we get this right for the next generation.”

Key recommendations of the Hayward report include:

  • adopting the SDA (Scottish Diploma of Achievement) as a graduation certificate for all senior phase educational settings
  • the end of exams in S4 and a wider range of assessment methods used in Highers and Advanced Highers
  • a digital profile for all learners which allows them to record personal achievements, identify and plan future learning

Professor Hayward said: “This report offers the potential to provide learners with a more valuable senior phase experience, teachers with the resources to do the job properly and colleges, employers and universities with better information about learners’ achievements.

“It would not have been possible without the support and hard work of the Independent Review Group and the vital contributions from schools, colleges, universities, employers, parents, and young people from across the county.

“I’d like to thank them all for their assistance and taking the time to support the work.”

The Scottish Government’s detailed response to the IRQA will be considered alongside wider reform activity being taken forward following the National Discussion , the Review of the Skills Delivery Landscape , the forthcoming Purpose and Principles for Post-School Education, Research and Skills, and establishment of the new national education bodies.

 The SDA would be awarded to school leavers when achievements are recognised in each of three elements. The Programmes of Learning element would focus on individual courses, while the Project Learning would focus on learning in practice and may look at areas such as climate change, migration or artificial intelligence while the Personal Pathway would allow a learner to reflect on learning through social, cultural, economic and well-being perspectives. 

Legislation to establish new education bodies will be introduced only after Ministers have considered the findings of recent reviews, though work continues in this area.  Recruitment for a new chair of the Scottish Qualifications Authority will begin shortly. Recruitment for a independent HM Chief Inspector of Education will also be progressed.

The IRQA was commissioned and announced in October 2021 by the then Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Shirley-Anne Somerville.

Interim report identifies inclusive diploma model for future of qualifications

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)

Views sought on reform on exam qualifications and assessment

A consultation has been launched on how qualifications and assessment should be reformed to ensure learners’ achievements are fairly recognised.

Young people, parents, carers, teachers, education staff and all learners are among those being encouraged to give their views.

The consultation invites opinions on:

  • the balance between exams and other forms of assessment
  • how a wider range of learners’ achievements can be recognised
  • potential uses of technology in assessment and qualifications
  • how to ensure that qualifications enable all learners, regardless of their circumstances, to demonstrate their strengths and achievements

The consultation, which will close on 16 December, is part of an independent review of qualifications and assessment announced by Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville in October 2021.

The review is being led by Louise Hayward, Emerita Professor of Educational Assessment and Innovation at Glasgow University, who will provide independent advice for Ministers to consider in March next year.

Professor Hayward said: “This Review of Qualifications and Assessment offers Scotland an opportunity to look to the future.

“We want to ensure that the ways in which we gather evidence about all learners’ achievements, awards and qualifications help every learner to transition positively into the next phase of life, be that in college, employment, university or voluntary work.

“By supporting every learner to become a confident, committed life-long learner, we will help Scotland to grow socially, culturally and economically.”

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The aim of reforming qualifications and assessment is to ensure that all senior phase learners have the best possible opportunity to demonstrate the breadth, depth and relevance of their learning.

“This consultation and the other work being done by Professor Hayward to gather a wide range of opinions is crucially important and I would encourage anyone who has an interest, particularly young people, parents, carers and education staff, to give their views.

“The review, and our other planned education reforms, have the clear purpose of doing all we can to improve the experiences and outcomes of children and young people in Scotland’s education system.”

The consultation on qualifications  and assessment will run until 16 December.

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Want to get on? Young people advised to brush up their soft skills

One in three employers regard soft skills as more important than academic achievements

  • In a poll of more than 500 senior managers commissioned by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, 98% think young people should invest more time enhancing their soft skills
  • 9 in 10 say young people with strong soft skills often progress faster in the workplace
  • Three quarters of employers think traditionally laid out CVs do not showcase young people’s soft skills in the best possible light
  • British Entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den investor, Sarah Willingham is amongst the 82% who think ‘soft skills’ should be renamed to better reflect their importance
  • 93% reveal they are more likely to employ a candidate who can demonstrate achievements beyond their curriculum studies, such as a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, with 86% looking more favourably on a candidate who shares evidence of volunteering and other extracurricular activities on their social media channels

As GCSE students across England and Wales await their results and prepare to enter the world of work or higher education, new research by youth charity The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) reveals the attitudes of UK business leaders when it comes to employing young people.

The polling has found 95% of UK senior managers regard soft skills as equally or more important than exam results alone, with 98% recommending young people invest more time in enhancing soft skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership, to get ahead of the game in the competitive job market.

9 in 10 of the business leaders surveyed revealed they are more likely to employ a candidate who demonstrates achievements beyond grades and those who show evidence of strong ‘soft skills’ often progress faster in the workplace.

British Entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den investor, Sarah Willingham is amongst the 82% of employers who think the term “soft skills” does not adequately reflect their importance. “Real life skills” or “Core skills” would give the term more gravitas and better highlight the key message: when it comes to employability, the value of those skills cannot be underestimated.

It comes as no surprise to UK Businesswoman and Dragon’s Den investor, Deborah Meaden, that a third of UK employers are urging young people to value soft skills over academic achievements. Deborah said: “I would actively encourage young people to get involved in extracurricular activities and volunteering. Achieving a DofE Award is a brilliant way to gain recognition for all the effort put in and shows potential employers a candidate has great communication, confidence and teamwork skills, which are indispensable in the workplace.”

When it comes to receiving a young person’s CV, three quarters of senior managers say the traditional format does not showcase soft skills in the best possible light. Employers are urging candidates to flip traditional CVs on their heads, highlighting skills and experiences up front, to better reflect their skills and competencies outside of the curriculum.

Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Chief Executive at Virgin Money agrees and said: “There’s more to life than exams. I did 10 O Levels and got 5 ‘A’s and 5 ‘B’s. Sir Richard Branson left school without any qualifications and went on to launch the Virgin Group. Good exam results show you have the discipline to study hard and that’s important, but the right attitude will get you a long way. Be yourself. Find your purpose. Make a difference. Each and every one of us can change the world. Go out and find your way.”

As social media continues to be an increasingly popular tool at the hiring stage, over half (65%) of senior managers say they check a potential candidate’s online presence before recruiting and 86% state they look favourably on candidates who share evidence of volunteering and other extracurricular activities on their social media.

The DofE’s Chief Executive, Peter Westgarth, said: “The results demonstrate that a young person’s potential should not be measured solely on academic achievements. Whilst grades are of course important, they don’t showcase a young person’s full potential. Evidence of soft skills helps employers to see that a young person is more employable and that they will adapt to the workplace culture more easily and progress faster in the job.  

“It’s therefore really important that young people are aware of this and have access to opportunities such as the DofE which is instantly recognised by employers as evidence of the skills for life and employability they are looking for. Over the years, our Charity has helped millions of young people from all walks of life to transform their lives, gain self-confidence and develop essential employability skills.”

OMG! College offers digital industry skills programme

Edinburgh College gives budding digital creatives the chance to make it with BBC scheme

Social Media Logotype Background

Edinburgh College is giving creative young unemployed people who love likes, hashtags and telling stories online the chance to take the first steps towards a digital industry career.

The college’s eight-week BBC Make it Digital programme will teach skills to unemployed young people including: digital storytelling, building a website, planning a social media campaign, shooting and editing a film and learning how to pitch creative ideas to business.

The training programme was designed by the BBC Academy and is open to unemployed people between 16-24. It will take place at the college’s Milton Road Campus, where students will work with industry-standard software. The course will start on 2 November.

Taking part in this programme does not affect benefits and those between 16 and 18 on the programme will receive £55 per week Training Allowance. Travelling expenses are also part of the support.

Students will spend three weeks on work placements with local employers, who will ask them to design a social media campaign.

Make it Digital is a national scheme but the programme in Scotland has the added benefit of a recognised SQA qualification – the National Progression Award in Enterprise and Employability.

Trainees will also take part in a Radio 1 challenge based in London, where the best entries will be shortlisted into the final recruitment stages for a year-long Radio 1 Apprenticeship.

As well as new digital skills, students will also learn employability skills including business networking, CV and interview tips, budgeting, project management and creating an online portfolio. By the end of the training, participants will greatly improve their chances of finding a job or a modern apprenticeship.

Jon Buglass, head of Creative Industries at Edinburgh College, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to start to develop the skills they need to make it in the creative digital industry. The digital sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK at the moment as businesses now rely on an online presence to survive. We’re excited to be working with the BBC Academy and Skills Development Scotland to give unemployed young people the chance to build digital and employability skills to help them make their way back into the workplace.”

Skills Development Scotland is funding the programme through the Employability Fund. Contact the Edinburgh Skills Development Scotland Careers Centre on 0131 718 2040 or speak to a Jobcentre Work Coach to find out how to apply for this course.

 

Edinburgh College Open Days this week

Open Day at Granton Campus on Wednesday 

EdColl

Anyone wanting to boost their qualifications, improve their job prospects, get on the career ladder or learn new skills should come along to Edinburgh College’s Course Open Days this week.

The Open Days on Wednesday (17 June) at Granton Campus and Thursday 18 June at Milton Road Campus – from 2-6pm on each day – are an opportunity to take the first steps into further education or learn new career-advancing skills. Expert staff will be on hand to discuss course information, progression routes and funding options.

The Open Days are a chance to learn more about and apply for the college’s new range of part-time, evening and leisure courses, including professional development programmes. These are open for applications now and include Accounting and Finance, Art and Design, Business and Enterprise, Construction, Health and Social Care, Hair and Beauty, Engineering, I.T., Performing Arts, and Sport and Travel.

The Open Days are also an opportunity to find out about full-time courses beginning in August with remaining places, which will open again on the college website this week.

At the Open Days, the college’s advisors will have all the information prospective students need, including funding options. Students on part-time courses may have several funding options available depending on their circumstances, including Individual Learning Accounts. Advisors can help students with funding applications.

Edinburgh College principal Annette Bruton said: “We have top-quality courses across our whole curriculum to suit a range of study needs, and we’d love anyone interested in finding out more to come down to our open days. Whether you want to develop your education or career, or you want to become skilled in a different field, there’s part-time, full-time and evening options to fit into your lifestyle.

“You’ll be taught by dedicated lecturers with real industry experience so you’ll be well prepared for the next steps of your career. Even if you’re not sure what the best option for you is, our advisors will be able to help and guide you to make the best decision possible.”

For more information about available courses, to make an application and to register your interest in a course, go to www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk