1. Design of new National Qualifications May 2012

2. Key messages An inclusive, coherent, and easy to understand framework of qualifications which provides personalisation and choice Clear and smooth progression from Es & Os and between levels of qualifications – hierarchies wherever possible More focus on skills development Assessment which supports learning, motivates and challenges Positive recognition of achievement – no automatic fallback High standards, integrity and relevance

3. Design of new qualifications – what is different? Mandatory documents Unit Specifications – more flexibility for professional judgement Course Specifications - shorter, less prescriptive Course Assessment Specifications (National 5 and above) – information for Course assessment, further information on Course coverage Guidance and support Course and Unit Support Notes - guidance on approaches to learning, teaching and assessment, developing skills for learning, life and work Assessment support - specimen Question Papers, specimen coursework, live assessment support for Units including Added Value Unit

4. Skills for learning, life and work New SQA skills framework, building on BtC4: –Literacy –Numeracy –Health and Wellbeing –Employability, Enterprise and Citizenship –Thinking Skills Skills to be developed in new National Courses and Units as appropriate Advice and guidance given in Course/Unit Support Notes

5. Added value / Course assessment Each Course from National 4 to Advanced Higher will include an added value assessment For National 4 this is assessed in the Added Value Unit For Courses at National 5 to Advanced Higher the added value assessment is in the Course assessment This will sample breadth, challenge and/or application of skills from across the Course Course assessment at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher will be graded A - D

6. Assessment methods for Added Value The National 4 Added Value Unit and Courses at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher will be assessed using one or more of seven agreed methods: Assignment Case study Practical activity Performance Portfolio Project Question paper/test

7. Controlled Assessment SQA is introducing Controlled Assessment for the National 4 Added Value Unit and Course assessment at National 5 to Advanced Higher 3 stages of assessment: –Setting the assessment, Conducting the assessment, Marking the assessment 3 defined levels of control: –SQA-led, shared responsibility, centre-led

8. Other qualifications which support CfE Awards Flexible qualifications - can be made up in a variety of ways and be of varying sizes A range of Awards already available and new Awards will be available from August 2012 Skills for Work Courses Vocational programmes designed with school learners in mind – delivered in partnerships between schools, colleges and employers Courses provide practical experience, employability skills, vocational skills Existing Skills for Work Courses continue and are a vital part of CfE suite of qualifications