Qualifications and Assessment Development: An Action Research Approach

Following the very successful launch of Curriculum for Excellence action research projects in September 2007, in Autumn 2008, SQA and Scottish Government approved eight new action research projects designed to give the further opportunity to think about ways in which current and future qualifications and assessment can support and enable Curriculum for Excellence aims, values and principles.

The eight new teacher led projects, situated in Bathgate Academy, Brannock High School, Cummnock Academy, Kersland School, St Roch's High School, North Ayrshire Council, North Lanarkshire Council, and West Dumbartonshire Council have given the opportunity to explore approaches to learning, assessment and qualifications across the curriculum.

Themes include: -

• developing core skills through a freight logistics themed enterprise activity

• interdisciplinary Development of Skills for Learning, Skills for Life and Skills for Work via the introduction of National Qualification Courses in Personal Development at SCQF Level 5 / 6

• using ICT to enhance assessment and learning and teaching in Modern Languages

• formative approaches to assessment in PE through the medium of ICT

• interdisciplinary, Innovative approaches to assessment and curriculum delivery at access level

• enabling learners to participate fully in the employment process in a border-free Europe, building both language and vocational skills

• developing SQA Personal Development at Access 3, and combining elements of Units with assessment in alternative SQA courses.

John has over 3 decades of experience in education and was latterly Depute Principal, Forth Valley College before joining the Scottish Qualifications Authority in 2005.

The SQA Policy and New Products team is responsible for the development of new approaches to qualifications and assessment and for policy development across the SQA portfolio.