Qualifications


	MFL & INCLUSION

QUALIFICATIONS

Learning and teaching


	ACCESS LEVELS IN MODERN LANGUAGES

CAUTION: The following notes are derived from information published by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Learning and Teaching Scotland. However, details are subject to change. It is the teacher's responsibility to ensure that he/she is working from the latest information available, so always check publication dates

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) produces the official documentation for all levels. Details of special examination arrangements can be found here:http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/14977.html

Learning and Teaching Scotland's National Qualifications website includes support materials for languages at all levels, including the following downloads:

Student materials for Access 3 in French, German, Spanish and Italian. Some of the materials can also be used at Access 2.
Access in Modern Languages: A Guide for Teachers. Covers Access 1, 2 and 3.
Life in Another Country: Life in Greece. A case study at Access 1 and 2.
Life in Another Country: Access 1 and 2: Support for Teachers and Students. Shows how the unit can be linked to core skills, citizenship, etc.


	NEW FROM SQA...

Modern Languages for Work Purposes The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has confirmed that a suite of new, freestanding units at Access 3, Intermediate 1 & 2 and Higher will be launched in the Spring 2008. The first two levels, Access 3 and Intermediate 1, will be available for study from August 2008. (Units will also be available at Intermediate 2 and Higher level in and after August 2009.)

The specifications will be generic, valid for French, German, Italian, Spanish, Urdu, Cantonese, Mandarin, Gaelic (learners) and Polish. It is envisaged that the Unit will be used to vocationally enhance a range of existing courses in other disciplines. Specific content will be a the discretion of Centres and assessment will be internal. An assessment support pack will be published.

SQA says:

These Units, due to be introduced in session 2008/09, will interest practioners who wish to integrate the study and use of modern foreign languages in a vocational setting, into the delivery of a variety of courses or as stand-alone additions to existing provision. The Units can promote horizontal progression across two or more languages at the same level, or vertical progression through the levels. The Units will be offered in Cantonese, French, Gaelic (Learners), German, Italian, Mandarin, Polish, Russian, Spanish and Urdu. Units at Intermediate 2 and Higher will be available in and after 2009.

More details and some help with planning later.

Access 3 National Courses in Cantonese and Mandarin are now available. Find National Qualifications resources here:

18 Mandarin resources A series of listening and speaking exercises to support the teaching of Simplified and Traditional Mandarin at Access 3.
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/nq/resources/nq_library/subjectsearch.asp?bSubmit=1&strSearchNode=National+Qualifications%5C%7CLanguages+%28NQ+category%29%5C%7CChinese+Language+%28NQ+subject%29%5C%7CChinese+Language%3A+Mandarin+%2D+Access+3

9 Cantonese resources A collection of listening and speaking exercises to support the teaching of Cantonese at Access 3.
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/nq/resources/nq_library/subjectsearch.asp?bSubmit=1&strSearchNode=National+Qualifications%5C%7CLanguages+%28NQ+category%29%5C%7CChinese+Language+%28NQ+subject%29%5C%7CChinese+Language%3A+Cantonese+%2D+Access+3


	National Qualifications 2008: Assessment Arrangements Instructions for those responsible for operating audio/CD/DVD equipment for candidates with disabilities and/or additional support needs in Modern Languages, Gàidhlig, Gaelic (learners), Music and Physical Education examinations have now been posted on the secure area of SQA's website. Once logged in to the secure area, select 'Assessment Arrangements' from the 'In this section' menu.


	SUPPORT


	The following items are adapted from Course Notes produced for my own CPD events. Copyright belongs to Hilary McColl unless otherwise stated. They can be copied for use within educational establishements provided the source is clearly indicated.


		Introduction to Access level provision in Scotland
		Summary of Access Provision in Modern Languages
		Summary of assessment at Access 1
		Summary of assessment at Access 2
		Summary of assessment at Access 3
		Notes on topics to be studied at Access levels
	Foundation Level and Access 3 - What's the difference?

		The SALT website carries an ASN Resource File which can be downloaded: http://www.saltlangs.org.uk

		For ideas for developing cultural content and the 'Life in Another Country' strand, see Linking Communities page on this site.


	HELP WITH COURSE PLANNING
		The following checklists and pro formas may serve as notepads and aides mémoires when you are designing Access courses. Series A encourages reflection on basic course design, for use when you are just starting out; Series B encourages further reflection on how basic courses might be enriched. The help sheets can be used on their own, or they can be used as worksheets alongside the LTS Guide for teachers, mentioned above. They are all PDF files.

A1 Designing your Access programme
A2 Delivery checklist
A3 Delivering the Access 3 programme
A4 Delivering individual MFL units at Access 3
A5 Delivering the Access 2 programme
A6 Delivering individual units at Access 2
A7 Delivering the unit Life in Another Country at Access 2
A8 Delivering the units Life in Another Country at Access 1

A1

A2

A3

A4

A5
						B1

A6

						B2
A7

						B3

A8

						B4


						B5

						B6

						B7

						B8

B1 Planning for progression
B2 Exploring cross-curriculum and community links
B3 Building a coherent group of units
B4 Delivering a non-MFL unit at Access 3 as part of a coherent group

Exploring opportunities to incorporate:
B5 Citizenship
B6 Core Skills
B7 The four CfE Capacities
B8 The AifL principles


	OTHER WAYS OF RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT

ASSET LANGUAGES

The Asset Languages Scheme is increasingly being seen as an alternative to GCSEs for language learners who are struggling and/or demotivated. It caters for learners of all ages and provides a qualifications framework for a wide range of community and foreign languages. http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/learners/default.aspx

For more information about the Languages Ladder which underpins this scheme:
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/languages/languagesladder.cfm

THE EUROPEAN LANGUAGE PORTFOLIO

The European Language Portfolio allows learners to recording a range of competencies in any language. It was developed by the Council of Europe and is administered in UK by CILT http://www.cilt.org.uk/elp.htm

The Junior European Language Portfolio is available for download here: http://www.nacell.org.uk/resources/resources.htm


	This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.


	Page last updated: 8.5.08
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