2. Dr Lena Gray Head of Policy and New Products

3. Background Ministerial announcement in June 2008 Scottish Baccalaureates in Science and Languages to be introduced in August 2009 First certification in August 2010 SQA has worked with Scottish Government and key stakeholders to develop detail of the qualification

4. Aims of the Scottish Baccalaureates in Science and Languages promote sciences and languages as valued and important areas for study and employment provide qualifications which are valued for entry to higher education develop the generic skills needed for learning, employment and life encourage collaboration between schools and further/higher education institutions

5. Design specification Mandatory components 2 AH Courses 1 Higher Course AH Interdisciplinary Project Unit (graded A,B or C) Must include two eligible modern/classical Language Courses English/ESOL/Gaidhlig Course Mandatory components 2 AH Courses 1 Higher Course AH Interdisciplinary Project Unit (graded A,B or C) Must include two eligible Science Courses Maths/Applied Maths Course LanguagesScience

6. Design specification The Scottish Baccalaureates in Science and Languages will be awarded at : PassDistinction Pass or Distinction Criteria forDistinction : Criteria for Distinction : Grade A Grade A in one eligible Advanced Higher Course Grade A Grade A in one other component of the Baccalaureate Grade B Grade B or above in all other mandatory components

7. Advanced Highers – the icing on the cake Very significant and demanding qualification – “deep” learning Emphasis on analysis, research skills, independent study, extended essay-writing/scientific investigations Provide a bridge between classroom-based learning at Higher and self-motivated, proactive study at university Oxbridge has changed typical offers to reflect the value they place on AH Subject specific information at www.sqa.org.uk/highereducation

8. Revised UCAS Tariff scores for entry 2010 Tariff ScoresHighers Advanced Highers A80 (72)130 (120) B65 (60)110 (100) C50 (48) 90 (80) D36 (42) 72(72)

9. The Interdisciplinary Project Advanced Higher level Unit (SCQF level 7) SQA double-credit Unit (16 SCQF credit points) graded – A,B,C Will be UCAS Tariff-rated for entry 2010 provides the added value through –a broadening experience –skills development –meaningful contact with HE/FE/employers

10. Key features application or extension of subject knowledge in a relevant context focus on generic and cognitive skills development e.g. - collaborative working - information management - communication and presentation opportunity to access different learning environments Learner negotiation of context within one of following broad themes: employability, enterprise, citizenship, sustainable development or economic development

11. Cognitive and Generic Skills Development Research skills: analysis and evaluation Interpersonal Skills: negotiation and collaboration Planning: time, resource and information management Problem – solving: critical thinking, logical and creative approaches Presentation Skills Autonomous Learning Self-evaluation: recognition of own skills development and future areas for development http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/33765.1567.html

12. Conclusion Nuffield 14 -19 review identified the following skills as being key to success in Higher Education: Application and analysis of ideas, knowledge and theory Logical and critical thinking Literacy and language skills Numeracy skills Personal and social skills Learning skills Synthesis and evaluation Vocational and practical skills We believe the new Baccalaureates are high-level, challenging and innovative qualifications which develop precisely these skills.