National Transitions Officer update #7
Scottish Qualifications Authority
This information was published following the announcement by the Deputy First Minister that there will be “no Higher or Advanced Higher exams in 2021”. (Read more)
A message for parents and carers – Update on National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses 2020-21
Wednesday 13 January 2021.
On Monday 4 January, the First Minister announced that, as part of a national lockdown, schools across Scotland will operate on a remote learning basis until at least the beginning of February. Following this announcement, the National Qualifications 2021 Group has met to consider the impact this will have on schools delivering National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses under the alternative certification model.
The National Qualifications Group is working through a range of scenarios and is considering any potential flexibilities, should they be needed, for the alternative certification model that will be used to award your child’s courses this year. This may include extending the date for when schools and colleges send provisional results to Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
Learning and teaching
The priority for schools and colleges during January should be to maximise your child’s learning and teaching
time. Given the move to remote learning, assessment of your child’s evidence cannot be undertaken unless they have been taught the foundations of their course. This will impact on the timing of assessment, which can take place later in the session.
Keeping you updated
Schools and colleges will receive regular updates on any newly published guidance and assessment resources which will support your child’s teacher or lecturer to gather evidence, consistently apply the national standard and make accurate assessment judgements.
The National Qualifications 2021 Group is continuing to work through the details of the 2021 alternative certification model, including appropriate contingencies, and will provide further information as soon as possible.
Stay up to date on 2021 National Qualifications.