This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Moves to reduce red tape in education
10/07/2003
New measures to reduce burden on schools and colleges
were unveiled today.
Proposals from the Scottish Qualifications Authority
(SQA) for 11 subjects - including Geography, Computing and
Information Systems and PE - have been endorsed to reduce
unnecessary assessment.
Education Minister Peter Peacock said:
"We heard the concerns raised about assessment,
flexibility and progression in the National Debate on
Education. We are committed to simplifying the assessment
and exam system while ensuring it continues to provide a
rigorous assessment of students' abilities.
"Reducing red tape and streamlining the system allows
teachers and lecturers to concentrate on what they do best
- getting the best from their students.
"One of the ways we are doing that is by carrying out an
extensive review of National Qualifications. Phase one of
the major reviews has looked at eleven subjects and
suggested a number of changes to course structure and to
internal and external assessment arrangements. This follows
extensive consultation with relevant parties."
The National Qualifications Steering Group (NQSG) report
Review of Initial Implementation of New National
Qualifications recommended that the Scottish
Qualifications Authority (SQA) should review assessment
arrangements for new national qualifications courses.
SQA reviewed a total of 70 subjects covering over 200
courses and made significant changes to reduce unnecessary
demands on teachers, lecturers and pupils while maintaining
and improving quality. SQA identified 18 subjects for more
fundamental review.
Eleven subjects were covered in phase one of the major
subject reviews (Accounting & Finance, Administration,
Computing, Information Systems, Craft & Design,
Geography, Media Studies, Music, PE, Psychology and
Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies).
Internal and external assessment and course structure
have been revised to reduce the assessment burden. Centres
will be expected to implement the changes in session
2004/05 except for Music which will be implemented in
2005/06 along with changes resulting from the phase two
subject reviews.