2. Update for ASN schools (National 1 & 2, Awards & Verification Update)
Sandy Riddell
Qualifications Manager

3. Aims of the seminar
To outline the full range of provision available at SCQF level 1 & 2
To give an update on the introduction of ‘Alternative Context’ units
To explain where to find information and resources for SCQF level 1 & 2
To remind centres about the level of support allowed for learners at SCQF level 1 & 2
To report on Verification at SCQF level 1 & 2

4. Qualifications at SCQF level 1 & 2
The SCQF is the overarching framework SQA uses to show the level and size of qualifications
Within this framework we have:
National 1 & 2 (codes ending 71 & 72)
awards (codes ending 41 & 42)
other units or groupings

5. National 1 & 2 National 1 There are now 76 National 1 units available
We no longer use the terms: Derived, Supported, or Independent, to describe units at National 1
National 2
There are now 18 National 2 courses (3 units each)
Also, 29 freestanding National 2 units

6. Freestanding units at National 2
Freestanding units reflect subjects not covered by the existing range of courses at National 2
29 freestanding National 2 units available:
16 units covering various topics (Communication, Media Studies, Independent Living, etc)
13 units covering employment skills

7. Awards available at SCQF level 1 & 2
There are five awards at SCQF level 1 and/or 2:
- Personal Achievement (level 1 & 2)
- Cycling (level 1 & 2)
- Personal Development (level 2)
- Steps to Work (level 2)
- Scottish Studies (level 2)

8. Entering for Awards You must enter learners for:
- the award code (usually starts ‘G’)
- the units your learners will complete
This is particularly important for the Personal Achievement Awards, e.g. at level 1:
- Bronze Award (GF26 41)
- Silver Award (GF28 41)
- Gold Award (GF29 41)

9. Other units at SCQF level 2
Core Skills units (codes ending 08):
Communication
Numeracy
ICT
Problem Solving
Working with Others
Core Skills Communication and Numeracy can also be done as ‘bite sized’ units (10 hour units)

10. New units in ‘Alternative Contexts’
New alternative versions of many of the SCQF level 1 & 2 units have now been created
These units allow learners to repeat the same unit in a different context, chosen by the centre
For example:
Using Performance Skills (H24E 72)
and
Using Performance Skills (Alternative Context) (XXXX 72)
There must be at least one year between the entry for the original unit and entry for the alternative context unit

11. Finding information re SCQF level 1&2
1. The main SQA website
2. SQA’s Secure website
3. The Understanding Standards website (USW)

12. Information on main SQA website
National 1 & 2 units and courses -
Awards at SCQF level 1 & 2, including units and awards specification -

13. Information on SQA Secure website
UASPs for units within National 1 & 2
search under NQ section, all National 1 - UASPs under one heading, National 2 - under subject headings
UASPs for freestanding units at National 2
search under NQ section, see National 2 freestanding units are all grouped together
UASPs for units from awards
search under Awards section
Exemplars for Core Skills Units
search under Core Skills section

14. Info. on Understanding Standards website: Select ‘National 1&2’
Picture gallery showing approaches to assessment
Secure area (requiring login) containing:
Evidence Exemplars, Case Studies
Guidance on SOLAR (Lifeskills Maths)
Guidance on support allowed at National 1 & 2

15. Supporting candidates at National 1&2
Most candidates at National 1 & 2 will need some form of support during assessment
The amount and type of support required will vary from one candidate to the next
Professional judgement will be important
Discussing standards and support with colleagues will help consistency across and between centres
Internal verification will be important here

16. Verification Groups (National 1 - AH)
Level AH H N5 N4 N3 N2 N1
English
History
Biology
Maths
French
etc, etc
National 1&2 – All Subjects

17. Current verification model
Main aim – to support, assist and reassure centres delivering National 1 & 2 qualifications
Central and Visiting Verification carried out each year
Approximately 60 centres verified each year
Centres selected at random based on entries submitted in the previous year
Central Verification covering approx. 40 centres and carried out by Nominees
Visiting Verification covering approx. 20 centres and carried out by Team Leaders

18. Verification next year
Centres selected for verification this year will not be selected again next year
There will be a few changes to the verification model for next year

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