A Scottish Diploma of Achievement has been recommended as part of a new model for qualifications and assessment in the 15-18 senior phase of education in Scotland.

The 106-page report from the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment, sets outs 26 recommendations for reform with the Scottish Diploma of Achievement at the centre. The review of qualifications and assessment in Scotland follows increasing concerns about the impact of three years of high-stakes assessment on learners aged 15-18 in the senior phase, but the review also sought to consider what knowledge, skills and capacities learners will need to thrive in Scotland in the 21st century as learners move into a less predictable environment than learners from previous generations.

The review proposes that the Diploma will gather evidence of learner achievement in a broader range of areas than is currently the case. The Diploma would not be graded and would be awarded on completion of three key aspects:

• Programmes of Learning: “Qualifications and assessment matter” says the review report.  In-depth study of individual areas of the curriculum and vocational, technical and professional qualifications will continue to be important.  Course Specifications would be reviewed to ensure a strong relationship between curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and qualifications.  The range of assessment methods would be broadened including the addition of more modularisation, and the number of exams in the senior phase reduced to create more time for teaching and learning.  A new qualifications body and new curriculum body would be created to manage these reforms.
• Project Learning: learners would have opportunities to demonstrate how they can use knowledge from across subjects, technical and professional areas to tackle challenges, work as part of a team, investigate, solve problems and look for creative solutions.
• Personal Pathway: learners would have opportunities to demonstrate their individuality, interests, achievements and aptitudes.