Dr Lena GrayDr Lena Gray

Head of Policy and New Products

BackgroundBackground

• Ministerial announcement in June 2008

• Scottish Baccalaureates in Science and Languages to be introduced in August 2009

• First certification in August 2010

• SQA has worked with Scottish Government and key stakeholders to develop detail of the qualification

Aims of the Scottish Baccalaureates Aims of the Scottish Baccalaureates in Science and Languagesin Science and Languages

• promote sciences and languages as valued and important areas for study and employment

• provide qualifications which are valued for entry to higher education

• develop the generic skills needed for learning, employment and life

• encourage collaboration between schools and further/higher education institutions

Design specificationDesign specification

Mandatory components

• 2 AH Courses• 1 Higher Course• AH Interdisciplinary Project Unit (graded A,B or C)

Must include• two eligible modern/classical Language Courses• English/ESOL/Gaidhlig Course

Mandatory components

• 2 AH Courses• 1 Higher Course• AH Interdisciplinary Project Unit (graded A,B or C)

Must include• two eligible Science Courses• Maths/Applied Maths Course

LanguagesLanguages ScienceScience

Design specificationDesign specification

The Scottish Baccalaureates in Science and Languages will be awarded at :

PassPass or DistinctionDistinction

Criteria forCriteria for DistinctionDistinction::

• Grade AGrade A in one eligible Advanced Higher Course

• Grade AGrade A in one other component of the Baccalaureate

• Grade BGrade B or above in all other mandatory components

Advanced Highers – the icing on the Advanced Highers – the icing on the cakecake

• Very significant and demanding qualification – “deep” learning

• Emphasis on analysis, research skills, independent study, extended essay-writing/scientific investigations

• Provide a bridge between classroom-based learning at Higher and self-motivated, proactive study at university

• Oxbridge has changed typical offers to reflect the value they place on AH

• Subject specific information at www.sqa.org.uk/highereducation

Revised UCAS Tariff scores for entry Revised UCAS Tariff scores for entry 20102010

Tariff Scores Highers Advanced Highers

A 80 (72) 130 (120)

B 65 (60) 110 (100)

C 50 (48) 90 (80)

D 36 (42) 72(72)

The Interdisciplinary ProjectThe Interdisciplinary Project

• Advanced Higher level Unit (SCQF level 7)

• SQA double-credit Unit (16 SCQF credit points)

• graded – A,B,C

• Will be UCAS Tariff-rated for entry 2010

• provides the added value through– a broadening experience– skills development – meaningful contact with HE/FE/employers

KeyKey featuresfeatures

• application or extension of subject knowledge in a relevant context

• focus on generic and cognitive skills development

e.g. - collaborative working

- information management

- communication and presentation

• opportunity to access different learning environments

• Learner negotiation of context within one of following broad themes: employability, enterprise, citizenship, sustainable development or economic development

Cognitive and Generic Skills Cognitive and Generic Skills DevelopmentDevelopment• Research skills: analysis and evaluation

• Interpersonal Skills: negotiation and collaboration

• Planning: time, resource and information management

• Problem – solving: critical thinking, logical and creative approaches

• Presentation Skills

• Autonomous Learning

• Self-evaluation: recognition of own skills development and future areas for development

http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/33765.1567.html

ConclusionConclusion

• Nuffield 14 -19 review identified the following skills as being key to success in Higher Education:

• Application and analysis of ideas, knowledge and theory• Logical and critical thinking• Literacy and language skills• Numeracy skills• Personal and social skills• Learning skills• Synthesis and evaluation • Vocational and practical skills

• We believe the new Baccalaureates are high-level, challenging and innovative qualifications which develop precisely these skills.