The SQA, in collaboration with colleges, has embarked upon a review of non-advanced provision, National Qualification Group Awards (NQGAs), with a view to ensuring a cohesive set of new National Certificates and National Progression Awards.

The aims of this project include:

• develop or revise nationally recognised SQA National Certificates and National Progression Awards
• review, update, revise and rationalise the NQ Unit Catalogue
• develop or revise servicing Units
• develop assessment support materials
• develop a range of student and tutor support materials

A number of events have already been delivered to support the implementation of the updated qualifications. Details of these events can found on the SQA website.

An additional strand of the project is to support practitioners to integrate ICT into programme delivery in support of a blended, flexible, online delivery model. This will:

• Enable easier access to qualifications for those for whom traditional forms of delivery are a barrier and help to increase learner motivation and engagement, particularly amongst disengaged groups.
• Develop a new computer-assisted-learning approach to NQGA provision thereby widening and improving access to resources and assessment leading to raised awareness and stimulated demand for lifelong learning.

Gerry Dougan
Scotland’s Colleges