Senior Phase

National 4 

We have extracted the key points from SQA documentation on National 4 to provide an overview of the content and assessment requirements of this new qualification:

• National 4 Unit Assessment Support - key points (SCILT, February 2013)

National 4 Added Value Unit

Advice from the SQA indicates:

'It is an SQA requirement that centres use the SQA Added Value Unit for the first two years. In terms of Modern Languages, this does not mean that centres have to use the context or texts provided in the SQA AV unit. These are intended to illustrate a possible approach. What centres have to do is to apply the SQA structure , Judging Evidence and conditions. Centres should select their own context and appropriate texts of N4 standard. These texts will not require to be submitted for prior verification.'

Further information and course support notes are available on the SQA website. 

National 5 

The course specification for National 5 has been updated following the Scottish Government announcement that unit assessments will no longer be mandatory from session 2016-17 at this level.

We have extracted the key points to provide an overview of the content and assessment requirements of this new qualification:

• National 5 key changes (SCILT, July 2017). Key changes from the new course specifications.

Further information can be found in the SQA course specification.

SQA held a National 5 webinar in April and May of 2017 which was repeated in September and October. This outlines the changes to Performance of Talking and provided details of the new Assignment-Writing and its requirements.

You can view the National 5 webinar on the SQA website. It can be found under the CPD webinar/audio and support tab.

A question and answer booklet has also been developed by the SQA to help address concerns arising from the changes to National 5. 

Higher

Further information and course support notes are available on the SQA website.  Here you can also find tables which outline some of the changes for each of the new Higher Courses in comparison with the existing Higher Courses. This is intended to help teachers/lecturers identify what is changing, and what will remain the same, within their subject. The information in these tables is not exhaustive, but provides links to more detailed subject documentation that can be accessed from the SQA's subject pages. Course comparison documents can be found on the 'Related Information' panel on the relevant subject pages on the SQA website.

Concerned about pupils opting out of languages at the end of S3? Why not consider offering alternative provision?

The Languages for Life and Work award gives learners the opportunity to study up to two languages in a more vocational context without the pressure of a final exam! Not only will learners who study for the award develop language skills, but they will also develop skills which they can take into the workplace.

It is also worthwhile noting that the award for Languages for Life and Work, unlike the National Qualifications, can be undertaken by learners during the broad, general education or in the senior phase, whenever best suits their needs.

Further information on this is award available on the SQA website - Modern Languages for Life and Work Award.

The SQA Scottish Languages Baccalaureate allows young people to continue with the study of two languages so it fits very well with the aims of the Scottish Government's 1+2 language policy. You can find out more about the requirements of the award on the SQA website.

Keep young people engaged with languages in the senior phase

The Interdisciplinary Project (IP) is an essential component of the Baccalaureate but can also be taken as a stand-alone unit. There is a substantial body of evidence that it develops self-confidence, communication skills and learner autonomy, thus preparing young people very effectively for the demands of higher education study. Where schools find it difficult to offer the full Baccalaureate award we therefore would encourage them to consider offering the IP as a stand-alone unit or combining it with a ‘Languages for Work Purposes’ unit at Higher or Advanced Higher level. These options may be of interest to senior pupils who would like to keep up their languages but whose main focus is on science subjects. 

Past candidates have relished the demands of the IP and chosen a wide range of topics to investigate, making links with universities, colleges, organisations and companies both in the UK and abroad in the process. Presentation methods have included talks, seminars, open days, films, web pages, learning activities/games, e-magazines and information leaflets. 

SCILT support for the Languages Baccalaureate / Interdisciplinary Project

We would be happy to:

• provide advice and guidance to staff so they can outline the benefits of the Scottish Baccalaureate in Languages/Interdisciplinary Project to young people, parents and senior leaders.
• offer assistance and advice to candidates enrolled for the Interdisciplinary Project, in the area of research and research skills, as well as with regard to finding external partners.

Please email scilt@strath.ac.uk to find out more.