Morning, Wednesday, 2nd April 2025
Online
This conference focuses on the future for qualifications and assessment in Scotland.
Stakeholders and policymakers will discuss priorities for reform moving forward as the Education (Scotland) Bill progresses through Scottish Parliament.
The conference will also be an opportunity to consider the role and governance of Qualifications Scotland as it replaces SQA, and priorities for the newly established Chief Inspector of Education in providing public assurance in the quality of education in Scotland’s schools, raising standards and improving outcomes for learners.
Delegates will assess progress in implementing recommendations outlined in It’s Our Future: Report of the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment, and look at next steps, including a hybrid approach to assessment utilising both continuous assessment and traditional examination. We are pleased to be able to include a keynote session with Prof Louise Hayward, Lead of the Independent Review.
We also expect discussion on the Government’s decision to keep S4 exams, counter to recommendations from the Independent Review. Delegates will consider strategies for improving outcomes at S4 level in subjects such as maths, and the potential for introducing compulsory subjects and easing limits on the number of subjects students can study at the Senior Phase.
The agenda looks at further proposals for reforming Scotland’s assessment system, including the Scottish Diploma of Achievement, and the potential impact of introducing Personal Pathways, Programmes of Learning and Project Learning. We also expect discussion on the introduction of a digital learner profile, with the aim of providing learners with a portfolio to facilitate progression to further study and employment.
Assessment for Highers and Advanced Highers will also be examined, with the expected introduction of a wider range of methods, and reduced reliance on high-stakes final exams. Delegates will assess the potential impact of internal and continuous assessment on teacher workload and autonomy.
The agenda also examines opportunities and best practice for the use of technology, with discussion on digital and on-screen assessment options. Delegates will also assess implications of the rise in AI use including opportunities such as easing workloads, as well as challenges such as bias and impact on the teacher-pupil relationship. Priorities for improving technical literacy will also be discussed, alongside addressing digital inequalities and improving accessibility for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds or with additional needs.
Further sessions look at priorities for the teaching workforce, including digital upskilling, understanding new curriculums and assessment methods, and ensuring that both teacher and learner perspectives are considered in reforms. Discussion will also consider the role of the Centre of Teaching Excellence in providing advice and support to the teaching workforce, and how the CTE can best support the workforce and improve educational outcomes.
Overall, areas for discussion include:
- policy: progress on implementation of Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment recommendations - next steps - Education (Scotland) Bill - proposed Scottish Diploma of Achievement
- next steps: priorities for assessment reform - options for broadening assessment methods - implementation of continuous assessment - maintaining traditional examination - use of technology
- priorities: building an effective qualifications system - providing equitable student pathways, both academic and technical - role of employers - recognition of qualifications by HEIs
- implementation: system design and delivery - accountability and oversight - coordination across the system - meeting the needs of colleges, universities, learners and employers
- teaching workforce: ensuring access to upskilling - implementation of effective teacher assessment - workload implications of reform - role of the CTE
- digital skills: equipping learners with skills for a future digital environment - opportunities and challenges posed by AI - remote and digital assessment and invigilation - addressing digital exclusion
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates.
