Review of the SCQF Level Descriptors

The SCQF Partnership is undertaking a review of the SCQF Level Descriptors. Paula Cleary of the SCQF Partnership tells us more…

The SCQF Level Descriptors have been in place since 2001 and since that time a significant amount of expertise in using them has been built up. There have also been a number of developments which may have had an impact on the descriptors such as the credit rating of SVQs, the extension of credit rating authority to colleges and other bodies, Curriculum for Excellence and the development of frameworks across the UK and the emergence of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). 

The SCQF Level Descriptors were developed to allow organisations to attach level and credit to qualifications and learning programmes. However, their usage has increased and they are now used for multi purposes. Although their main function must continue to have primacy, the review will take into consideration whether any work could be done to assist in increasing their use to benchmark programmes of learning, write job descriptions and support workforce development and skills utilisation.

To reflect and promote their usage for these functions and, in order to ensure that the descriptors remain fit for purpose, a review of the Level Descriptors began in April 2011 and will continue until June 2012. As a starting point, the review will consider the language of the descriptors, the audience, the characteristics and developments in Scotland, the UK and Europe. However, it will not be a major overhaul but rather an updating and refreshing of the descriptors and, importantly, will not include a review of the number of levels as the 12 SCQF Levels continue to meet the needs of the Scottish education system.

With regard to the Review of the SCQF Level Descriptors, Jane Denholm, Ann Hughes and Gerard Madill have been commissioned by the SCQF Partnership to carry out the review. The review involves extensive engagement with all our stakeholders through surveys, questionnaires, focus groups and interviews.

Regular updates will be provided on the SCQF website and via the SCQF Update and e-zines. For further information, contact Paula Cleary.