SQA statement on coursework for National Courses

Posted on by admin in Curriculum, Information, Learners, Parents/Carers, Recent Posts

Tuesday 24 March 2020

Following the announcement by the First Minister on Sunday, that no young person with SQA coursework to complete should attend school to do so, we continue to work hard on how we should take coursework evidence into account, in determining young people’s final grades.

Everyone here at SQA will do their utmost, given the current situation, and with the support of the education system, to ensure that learners’ hard work is rightly and fairly recognised and allows them to proceed to further learning or work.

The current public health advice has meant that we have had to make some really difficult decisions about coursework. This means that for this year, schools and colleges are not required to submit learner coursework for marking, in Higher and Advanced Higher courses.

We have taken this difficult decision to be as fair as possible to all Higher and Advanced Higher candidates, whilst taking on board the current public health advice, the many varied coursework requirements across different subjects, and how these are managed in schools and colleges across the country.

I appreciate that some learners may have already completed their coursework for Higher and Advanced Higher courses. This work can still be used as part of the suite of evidence for teachers and lecturers to draw on as they consider estimated grades.

We have received coursework for a range of National 5 subjects and have contacted National 5 coursework markers to confirm marking arrangements. All National 5 coursework, due to be uplifted in April and May, will not be submitted for marking.

We will provide further details on the estimation of grades, that we will need from teachers and lecturers to inform certification, and fuller details of our approach to certification, as soon as possible.

This is an unprecedented situation for us all, and circumstances are rapidly changing. With every change in circumstances, we continue to consider how best to recognise learner achievement in as fair a way as possible.

Please be assured that everyone here at SQA is fully committed to working with you to deliver for Scotland’s young people. Thank you for your patience and continued co-operation.
 

Fiona Robertson
SQA Chief Executive and Scotland’s Chief Examiner

Home learning page

Posted on by admin in Information, Learners, Parents/Carers, Recent Posts

If you are not in school as you are self-isolating, a number of links are available below to allow you to continue learning at home. In addition to these, a number of tasks will be available on your google classroom pages.

If you are unable to access your google ab-ed.org account please complete a google form by clicking here to have your password reset. Your password will be reset to Northfield2020. Please allow some time for this to take place. Thank you.

WebsiteLinkUseful forLogin required?
BBC BitesizeClick hereSuitable for all learner s with resources from 3rd level up to Advanced Higher availableNo
Big History Project Click hereAimed at Secondary age. Multi disciplinary activities. No
Breaking NewsClick hereVarious English resources based on current eventsNo
Corbett MathsClick hereVarious Maths worksheets, videos, practice papers etc.No
Crest AwardsClick hereScience awards you can complete from homeNo
Duolingo Click hereLearn languages for free. Web or app based. No
Futurelearn Click hereFree to access 100’s of courses, only pay to upgrade if you need a certificate in your name.Own account from age 14+ but younger learners can use a parent account
Geography GamesClick hereGeography gaming! No
Google ClassroomClick hereAccessing Google classrooms you use whilst in school.Your normal ab-ed.org login
iDEA Awards Click hereDigital enterprise award scheme you can complete online. No
Khan AcademyClick here Especially good for maths and computing for all ages but other subjects at Secondary level. Note this uses the U.S. grade system but it’s mostly common material. No login, however, need to register
Mystery Science Click hereFree science lessons.No
Openlearn Click hereFree taster courses aimed at those considering Open University but everyone can access it. Adult level, but some e.g. nature and environment courses could well be of interest to young people.No
Prodigy Maths Click hereIs in U.S. grades, but good for UK late Primary / early SecondaryNo
Read TheoryClick herePersonalized reading comprehension exercises for
K-12 and ESL students. 		Free registration
SenecaClick hereEnglish curriculum based site. Tons of free revision content. Paid access to higher level material. No login, however, need to register
SQA Past PapersClick hereFor those sitting National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams.No
Study LadderClick hereMathematics, English, Science and more! A comprehensive program of online educational activities for students aged 4 to 12, mapped to the curriculum. Free registration
SumdogClick herePracticing Maths. Progress is tracked to ensure you are challenged and staff can track your progress.Your normal Sumdog account
Ted Ed Click hereAll sorts of engaging educational videos.No
The Kids Should See This Click hereWide range of cool educational videos No
Toy Theater Click hereEducational online games.No
TwinklClick hereThis is more for printouts, and usually at a fee, but they are offering a month of free access to parents in the event of school closures.Requires sign-up. One month free at present.



SCOTLAND’S Big Parents Evening

Posted on by admin in Information, Parents/Carers, Positive Destinations

Date:              
30th January 2020

Time:              
5:30 till 8:00

Location:        
Millenium Copthorne   122 Huntly Street   Aberdeen  AB10 1SU

Format           
5.30 – 6.30pm – stand holder networking (finger buffet available)           
6.30 – 7.30pm – speakers     
7.30 – 8.00pm – further networking and questions

An opportunity for parents, carers, influencers and young people to:

  • find out more about the different sectors and jobs in the region
  • explore how these are changing in the future
  • looking at the key skills young people will need for these new roles
  • speak to young people currently participating in foundation, modern and gradate apprenticeships in different organisations
  • find out about the different pathways into employment
  • ask questions and network with a wide range of organisations

The evening will start with a networking session over an evening buffet with a wide range of stand holders.  There will be a number of presentations and videos from:

  • Opportunity North East
  • young people – currently participating in a range of foundation, modern and graduate apprenticeships in the region
  • DYW North East

Parents can book for here for free. All are welcome.