SCQF

Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)

The SCQF is the qualifications framework used in Scotland. This is used by schools, colleges and universities and it recognises a wide range of qualifications and wider achievement awards completed by learners.

We understand that the qualifications process has changed significantly over time, we would like to ensure our parents/carers are informed about the course choice process to allow them to advise our young people at home. Pupils now have a range of options to choose from when completing their course choice including National Awards from National 3, National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher as well as National Progression Awards (NPAs) ranging from Level 4 – 6, Foundation Apprenticeships and Wider Achievement Qualifications. These qualifications will support our young people in gaining tariff points which will be visible on their SQA Certificate when the exams have been completed. The tariff points pupils receive will support their applications for further study at college or university.

Many of these qualifications offer pathways to higher levels, for example: Level 5 Business with IT NPA can be completed in Year One if a pupil is completing N5 Business Management and N5 Admin & IT followed by a Level 6 Business with IT NPA in Year Two if the pupil chooses to take both qualifications again at Higher Level. This will support the pupil in gaining three qualifications at Level 5 or Level 6 instead of two. Another benefit to completing qualifications such as NPAs and Foundation Apprenticeships is they can be assessed differently, for example, using continuous assessments in class instead of one exam at the end – some pupils prefer this and could still achieve a Level 5 (N5) or Level 6 (N6) Award at the end.

Pupils can also make use of some of the extra-curricular activities to support them in gaining additional qualifications eg. Volunteering Award which would be completed in addition to their usual subjects but would allow the pupil to gain extra tariff points. If you would like to learn more about SCQF, you can visit the SCQF Website: https://scqf.org.uk, pupils can also speak to our SCQF Ambassadors or Mrs Winwood in school and our SCQF Ambassadors will be available at Parents Evenings from S3-S6.

We have also included an image which shows you the differences between our current qualifications and the old Standard Grades, Ordinary Grades and Higher Qualifications you may have completed!

Other useful links:

Awards Aware – Award Finder: Use this to research different awards you could do, if you see anything you would like to do, please see Mrs Winwood

Award Search || Awards Network

SCQF Register: Use this to research all awards that are recognised by SCQF: SCQF Register - Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework