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.