A Consultation on the future of AGE AND STAGE REGULATIONS
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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.