Tell us a bit about yourself and your role/client group
I am a school-based Careers Adviser based at Fortrose Academy, and have been working with school pupils, parents/carers and partner agencies for 15 years.
How do you use the SCQF to provide careers advice and guidance to your clients?
I introduce the SCQF with the Framework diagram image as part of class presentations for S3 to S6. On a one-to-one basis, I use the online diagram to help pupils understand the Framework, and it’s particularly useful when discussing subject option choices.
How useful do you find the SCQF when working with pupils?
Extremely! Schools are increasingly aware of the SCQF as a way of helping shape the curriculum by identifying courses at different levels that offer progression ‘in-house’ or delivered by partners. Skills Development Scotland Advisers use the SCQF to help show progression routes to those struggling to access a mainstream pathway – it is always good news!
In your opinion, how does the SCQF help people of all ages to navigate learner and career pathways?
I use the Framework to help pupils and parents/carers understand the levels of learning and demonstrate the range of pathways, no matter their current or past performance. But knowing that a horizontal line is approximately a year of study and there is progression up at college/uni/workplace etc, is key. Simple is better and will build confidence in learners to engage further when ready.
One pupil told me how much more reassured she felt after seeing that there were HNC options post-school (when she didn’t pass all exams). She was very emotional and said – “We need to KNOW THIS!” – this has stuck with me greatly and shaped my practice a lot!
