2. Understanding Standards Event Scottish Studies

3. Clarke McDowall  Early involvement – focus group at consultation stage (2009 onwards) – Teacher of pupils with additional support needs, area of expertise Social Subjects.  Early adopter  SQA – part of the Qualification Design Team for Scottish Studies & design consultant  Clarke.McDowall@south-ayrshire.gov.ukClarke.McDowall@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

4. SCOTTISH STUDIES AWARD  It is an award providing young people the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge & understanding of Scotland (from the perspective of its people, languages, society, culture, natural environment and heritage).  SCQF levels 2,3,4,5&6 – National 2,3,4,5&6  A skills-based course – cross curricular approach, making connections across the curriculum.  Connections made by delivery across 3 subject areas. For National 2 the requirement is 2 subject areas.

5. Cont’  Broad & flexible framework. Time for deeper learning, development of skills and for reflection.  Personalisation & choice reflective of subject areas with a specific Scottish perspective, e.g. Social Subjects – compulsory Scottish unit (e.g. Making a contrast with a Scottish context).  Specifically it provides the opportunity for learners to broaden their knowledge of the society they live in and be reflective of their studies from an interdisciplinary perspective.

6. Cont’  The Award may appeal to a wide range of learners who wish to broaden their understanding of Scotland., including: –S3 – S6 pupils in secondary schools –students in Further Education establishments –adult learners  It is of great relevance to teachers of Additional Support Needs pupils due to the cross-curricular learning and the active approaches to learning and teaching.  Pupils are make clear connections in their learning due to its natural interdisciplinary nature.

7. Cont’  The Scottish Studies Award may provide progression to further study:  in Scottish Studies at SCQF level 3 or 6  a variety of Courses, Awards or Units at the next SCQF level, depending on the specific subject areas that have been studied as part of the Award  other Awards, Courses or Units at the same SCQF level  It could also lead to vocational training or employment in a variety of sectors including tourism, hospitality and the creative, cultural and heritage industries.

8. Supporting documentation Award and Unit Specifications – www.sqa.org.uk/awards- then select the 'Wider Achievement' option Award and Unit Support Notes – http://secure.sqa.org.ukby SQA Coordinator Assessment Support Packs for Learning About Scotland Unit - http://secure.sqa.org.ukby SQA Coordinator www.sqa.org.uk/awards http://secure.sqa.org.uk

9. The practical information All of the Units in this Award are at SCQF level 2 and learners must complete a total of three Units. Learners must complete the mandatory Unit Scottish Studies: Learning About Scotland (SCQF level 2). They must also complete two optional Units, one each from two of the following Groups: Group 1Language and Literature Group 2Society and Environment Group 3Arts and Culture There are a number of Units within each of these groups. Whichever Units are chosen, these must be delivered and assessed in a Scottish context.

10. Supporting Documentation Case studies from Grange Academy, Forfar Academy, Crieff High School and Dalkeith Academy which have been taken from the SQA website. http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/64329.html These provide observations on their methodologies and cross-curricular approaches taken to support this award in the senior phase of the curriculum. However these are aimed at higher levels of study.

11. Any Questions ??

12. WWW.sqa.org.uk│0303 333 0330