Understanding Standards Event

Scottish Studies

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.uk

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 1 Language and LiteratureGroup 2 Society and EnvironmentGroup 3 Arts 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.

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.

Any Questions ??

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