SQA Works with local schools and colleges

Apr 6 2011 Dumfries Standard Wednesday

THE Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) recently held a Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) event at Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, for head teachers and senior management teams in local schools and colleges.

New national qualifications called National 4 and National 5 will be introduced in 2013-2014.

The event updated local staff on the new qualifications which are being developed by SQA as part of CfE and gave them the opportunity to give their feedback.

The event was part of one of a series taking place across the country to support the roll out of CfE in secondary schools and colleges.

SQA has a team of specialists to visit schools, colleges and local authorities to explain the new qualifications and respond to feedback. The team is organised by geographical location. The CfE liaison manager for Dumfriesshire, Ayrshire and Renfrewshire is Donna Vivers.

Donna said: “The event was a great opportunity to meet with more staff from the local area and hear their views.

“I have been visiting local schools and colleges to speak to staff about the new national qualifications. We want to work together to ensure that the teaching profession and students in the area are ready for their implementation in 2013-14. I am also happy to attend parent meetings to explain the changes and answer any questions.”

Heading up the CfE liaison team is manager Jacqui Murray who appreciates that teachers want a point of contact they can approach for advice and guidance.

She said: “My team and I are visiting every school and college in Scotland to explain the development and delivery of the new national qualifications, answer questions that teachers have and collect feedback to gauge what further support they need to deliver CfE.

“We want to encourage everyone to get involved and have their say,” said Jacqui. “It’s all about working in partnership.”

Parents and carers will also find information on how the changes to national qualifications will affect their children on SQA’s website – www.sqa.org.uk/curriculumforexcellence