Qualifications Scotland Information
Qualifications Scotland (formally SQA) is the organisation that creates and manages the exams and qualifications students in Scotland take in school and college. QS are responsible for developing the qualifications, organising exams and internal assessments and providing certification to students on completion of courses.
Understanding Qualifications in Scotland
In the senior phase of secondary school at West Calder High School, pupils work towards national qualifications awarded by Qualifications Scotland. These qualifications are designed to recognise achievement, support progression, and prepare young people for further study, training or employment.
Common qualification levels include:
- National/Level 4
- National/Level 5
- Higher/Level 6
- Advanced Higher/Level 7
Courses are assessed through a mixture or combination of:
- Coursework and class-based assessments
- Practical activities or performances (where appropriate)
- Assignments completed under controlled conditions
- Final QS examinations (for most National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses)
- Internal assessed (by West Calder High School Staff) course assessments
Teachers track progress throughout the year to ensure pupils are working towards the level best suited to their attainment and future goals. The course work and exams are generated centrally by Qualifications Scotland and staff engage in a wide range of verification and professional development linked to this to ensure the national standards for courses are being met.
Prelim Examinations - December
Preliminary examinations ("prelims") will take place each around December for all S4, S5 and S6 pupils.
These assessments:
- Replicate the format, environment and timing of final QS exams
- Help pupils practise revision strategies and exam technique
- Provide important evidence of current progress and pupils next steps
- Identify any additional support required before the final examinations
Prelim results are carefully reviewed by staff to guide next steps in learning and revision and are shared with pupils and parents.
Qualifications Scotland Assignments
Many courses at all levels have assignments which make up between 20% - 90% of the final grade (subject and level dependant). These are hugely important pieces of work which can have a real impact on pupil's final grade. It is vital pupils give these assignments their full attention and effort. Again, as they are collected to marked centrally with qualifications Scotland they must be handed in on time to staff. Subject staff will provide exact details of hand in dates but generally these are completed between Mid February and the end of March.
Final exams (if applicable)
Final exams for pupils who are sitting a subject that has an exam within their level generally take place from mid-April (after the Easter Holidays) until very start of June. During this time pupils may have access to study leave and will be provided and individualised timetable with the timings and locations of their exams. These national organised exams cannot be rearranged, started late or re-sat so it is vital pupils attend these in plenty of time. The timetable for final in April and May exams is usually issued on the Qualifications Scotland Website around the October before.
Keeping Pupils Informed
We ensure pupils remain fully aware of expectations, timelines and available support connected to qualifications these include:
- Whole-school assemblies focused on study skills, wellbeing and exam preparation/information
- Regular in-class guidance from subject teachers
- Group calls and communication updates to reinforce key messages and deadlines
- Parents evening and tracking reports
This consistent communication helps pupils feel confident, prepared and supported.
Additional Assessment Arrangements
Some pupils may be entitled to additional assessment arrangements to ensure fair access to QS assessments.
These may include:
- Extra time
- Use of a digital reader or scribe
- Digital support or adapted papers
- Alternative assessment environments
All arrangements are based on identified need, current assessment data and follow all national Qualification Scotland guidance.
Wider Support for Success
Our Navigator Programme provides structured opportunities to help pupils prepare effectively for assessments and exams these opportunities include:
Supported study and Study lates -Subject-specific sessions led by teachers with focused revision and help with coursework or assignments
Easter School -Intensive revision opportunities during the Easter holidays with a focus on reparation for final SQA examinations.
Immersion days -Intensive revision days usually the day before the final exam where pupils can work on exam style questions and ask any last minute questions.
Aiming for Success Evening/sessions -These are information evenings/sessions for pupils and families. Which provide - Guidance on revision strategies and wellbeing, Information about qualifications and next steps and Opportunities to ask questions and access support.
Qualifications Scotland support -There is a range of extensive support, past papers, course details/specifications and supporting information of the qualifications Scotland website - Found at - https://qualifications.gov.scot
SCQF information
SCQF qualifications are practice based work qualifications for specific sectors or used to improve skills for the world of work. They provide both opportunities for courses which provide alternative learning experiences and a way to recognise the achievements of young people. These qualifications are completed in a range of subjects including well-being time and it is vital that pupils attend all sessions linked to these awards. All these qualifications can be used to support applications to college, university and employment. Given the skill development focuses within these courses, they are regarded very highly by all further education and employment establishments.
