Next >

A Consultation on the future of AGE AND STAGE REGULATIONS

This document is also available in pdf format (325k)

CONTENTS

MINISTER’S FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION

SECTION ONE: BACKGROUND
National Qualifications
1998 consultation
Current Age and Stage regulations
Impact of 1999 relaxation of Age & Stage regulations
Exceptional entry

SECTION TWO: GENERAL POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION
Flexibility in the curriculum
Timetabling and maturity issues
Links with other education policy

SECTION THREE: OPTIONS
Option 1 — Revert to the regulations as operated prior to session 2003-04
Option 2 — Maintain the regulations as operated in session 2003-04
Option 3 — Relax the regulations to allow entry to Intermediate level National Courses from S3
Option 4 — Replace the Age and Stage regulations with guidance
Option 5 — Abolish the Age and Stage regulations entirely

YOUR VIEWS

ANNEX A
Extracts from Conditions and Arrangements for National Qualifications. (Scottish Qualifications Authority 2003/2004)

ANNEX B
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

ANNEX C
Relevant web links
References

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 — Minimum age and stage when candidates can be entered for Standard Grade and National Courses, showing changes made as a result of 1999 relaxation.
Table 2 — Minimum age and stage when candidates can be entered for National Units.
Table 3 — Number of candidates achieving an award at Standard Grade in S3, and at Intermediate and Higher level in S4, following the 1999 relaxation of the regulations.
Table 4 — Number of successful applications for exceptional entry by level.

Next >