Curriculum for Excellence

Qualifications

Pupils looking at laptop

Next Generation of National Qualifications in Scotland

A consultation on the National Qualifications ran from June to October 2008. This consultation aimed to collect stakeholder views to inform a review of the National Qualifications to ensure that these reinforce the values, purposes and principles of Curriculum for Excellence. Following the consultation, the Scottish Government worked closely on the issues raised with representatives from across the education community, through the Curriculum for Excellence Management Board. On 11 June 2009, the Cabinet Secretary for Lifelong Learning announced in a Parliamentary Statement the future arrangements for Scotland’s National Qualifications.

In summary, the new arrangements include:

  • Introduction of a new qualification to be offered at SCQF levels 4 and 5 from 2013/14 - National 4 and National 5. This will replace both Standard Grade (General and Credit) and Intermediate 1 and 2 whilst reflecting the best features of the present arrangements (Standard Grade Foundation level will be removed, with Access 3 providing an appropriate replacement)

  • Introduction of new qualifications in literacy and numeracy at SCQF levels 3, 4 and 5 from 2012/13 - National Literacy and National Numeracy

  • The existing Access, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications will be retained as points of stability, and reviewed to ensure they fully reflect Curriculum for Excellence.

Further information on the new arrangements can be accessed through the Scottish Government website.