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Good practice in assessment - Scots Language, SCQF Level 5 – Smithycroft Secondary School

Delivery and assessment

Using materials from Education Scotland we created courses to cover both the required units – Scots Language: History and Development (SCQF level 5) and Scots Language: Understanding and Communicating (SCQF level 5).

We delivered the award on a unit-by-unit approach, tackling Scots Language: History and Development (SCQF level 5) in term one, and Scots Language: Understanding and Communicating (SCQF level 5) after Christmas.

We chose this approach because it was felt that Scots Language: History and Development (SCQF level 5) provided candidates with essential information about factors which have influenced the contemporary Scots Language, the relationship between Scots and other Languages and the status Scots had prior to the Treaty of Union in 1707.  We found that being aware of these factors, among others, helped candidates to view Scots as a legitimate language and not a “slang” version of English.

This meant that when we delivered the Scots Language: Understanding and Communicating (SCQF level 5), candidates were much more aware of and engaged with Scots Language. They could understand the origins and history of the language, and this gave them greater confidence when writing in Scots.

Before implementing the award, we discussed fully the mandatory course coverage as well as the unit outcomes and assessment standards. Throughout the year, we were in regular contact with Education Scotland’s Scots Language Coordinator, who helped us to plan stimulating activities which provided knowledge and understanding at the appropriate level.

The assessment tasks for both units were based on existing examples from the SQA Understanding Standards materials.

It was important for us to ensure that our own assessment judgements were accurate and in line with the national standard. To encourage this, both teachers delivering the Scottish Studies course took part in cross-marking activities. We also made contact with other local schools who were delivering the Scots Language Award and shared resources and good practice with our colleagues through a GLOW Group and visits to other schools.