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SCQF and Community Learning and Development Sector
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is embedded in community based learning and development through the CLD action plans as outlined in Scottish Executive and HMIE guidance Working and Learning Together to Build Stronger Communities, How Good is Our Community Learning and Development and Improving Scottish Education. Delivering Change an outcome framework for community learning and development notes the value of SCQF when working with specific learning outcomes.
During the initial phase of raising awareness of SCQF, Edith MacQuarrie of Learning Connections, Communities Scotland delivered presentations and provided practical workshops to community learning and development partnership groups throughout Scotland. At March 2007 this phase is now complete. An Interim Evaluation was undertaken in 2006 and the report entitled Awareness of the SCQF in the Community Learning and Development sector – an Interim Report is available to download.
Community Learning and Development Managers (CLDMS) have now identified contacts to develop SCQF within each CLD partnership area. SCQF information will be channelled through them. The CLDMS working group chaired by Wilma McCullough, Service Manager Cultural and Community Services, Perth and Kinross Council is taking forward five collaborative projects (March 2007). These SCQF projects reflect the CLD priorities of achievement through learning for adults and young people and through building community capacity.
The voluntary sector has been actively engaged in debate and discussion around the application of the SCQF within training and learning programmes. Reports entitled Assessment Methods for Selected Short Courses SCVO and Critical understanding of Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework within adult education in the voluntary sector are available to download. Susan Walker, Deputy Director of Learning Link Scotland, the national intermediary body for voluntary adult learning organisations, is establishing a working group with partner organisations to take forward development using the SCQF within voluntary adult education.
The SCQF Community Learning and Development Forum chaired by Learning Connections reflects key stakeholders within the CLD sector. CLDMS, SCVO and Learning Link Scotland are represented here as well as Youthlink Scotland, SALP, CeVe, Further and Higher Education, learndirect Scotland, the Quality Assurance Agency and the SCQF partnership. It aims to promote and support understanding and appropriate application of SCQF within CLD.
An online tool for the Recognition of Prior Informal Learning (RPL) has been developed by an expert working group in the field of youth work training and has been piloted initially with those considering undertaking awards in Youth Work (SVQs/ Modern Apprenticeships). An evaluation report of this project entitled Recognising Prior Learning in Community Learning and Development using the SCQF is available to download.
Further information is provided on the Learning Connections website and through Learning Connections e bulletins.
Populating the Framework
- A consortium for training (ACT) CLD programmes were formerly launched in June 2006. This range of learning programmes are variously levelled at SCQF 5, 6 and 7.
- LEAP training (Learning Evaluation and Planning) often forms part of continuing professional development for CLD staff and those adopting a community learning and development approach to their work. This training has been revised and credit rated at SCQF level 7 with 5 credits (February 2007).
- CHEX (Community Health Exchange) have adapted their programme ‘Health Issues in the Community’ at SCQF level 6 and it has been credit rated through SQA so that more participants can achieve qualifications. (March 2007)
- Youth Scotland’s Youth Achievement Awards, the Princes Trust xl to xlerate and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Training for Leaders are being presented for credit rating using SCQF guidelines.
For further information on the SCQF and Community Learning and Development sector, contact:
lconnections@communitiesscotland.gsi.gov.uk |
