Informed Scotland February 2023 – Curriculum & Qualifications Reforms
February was a quieter month for learning & skills. Yet there was no shortage of must-read reports and significant announcements, including:
Choice, Attainment and Positive Destinations, a report from University of Stirling researchers into the impact of Curriculum for Excellence, funded by the Nuffield Foundation. Authors Prof Mark Priestley and Marina Shapira, describe it as ‘a stark picture of curriculum reform that has diverged considerably from its original aims with significant unintended consequences … and serious equity concerns’.
The interim report of the Independent Review of Qualifications & Assessment led by Prof Louise Hayward, featuring the model proposed to replace the existing system. Although published on 3 March, it’s included this month because of a tight 7 April feedback deadline.
A new joint project on The Future of Learning and Teaching launched by the Scottish Funding Council, Education Scotland, QAA Scotland, sparqs and College Development Network. It will look at ‘defining and delivering an effective and inclusive digital/blended offering’.
Other reports to highlight:
- City & Guilds’ Levying Up report with the 5% Club on the apprenticeship levy
- Scottish Government’s independent review on the gender gap for women in entrepreneurship, with recommendations for education and training
- The annual Summary Statistics for Attainment and Initial Leaver Destinations
- A snapshot of learning for sustainability in school and community learning by University of Dundee researchers for the Scottish Government
- NUS Scotland’s Cost of Survival report on the cost of living’s impact on students and apprentices.
And more news for podcast fans with four new series now being broadcast: Skillscast by Skills Development Scotland; from QAA on the biggest issues in HE; Research Matters by College Development Network; and from Northern Alliance Regional Improvement Collaborative.
This week is SCQF Week 2023, on the theme ‘Recognising Skills & Qualifications for the Future’. Finally, it’s once again worth checking out our Learning & Skills Events Calendar for other themed weeks, and a growing number of in-person and hybrid events. Let us know of any you’d like included.
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