Belmont Academy
SCOTTISH CREDIT & QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK (SCQF)
GOLD
SCQF Journey
2018 - became an SCQF Ambassador School
2022 - upgraded our status to SCQF School Ambassador (Bronze level)
2023 - upgraded our status to SCQF School Ambassador (Silver level)
2024 - upgraded our status to SCQF School Ambassador (Gold level)
We look forward to working with our already established partners and we continue to seek new partnerships to enhance our curriculum delivery and work related learning experiences for our young people.
The Framework
By using two measures, the level of a qualification or learning programme and the number of credit points awarded, the Framework helps you understand and compare various Scottish qualifications.
The level of qualification indicates the level of difficulty and the number of credit points indicates the length of time it takes to complete. One SCQF credit point represents an average of 10 hours of learning time.
Curriculum
To meet the needs of our learners, we have reflected upon and refreshed our curriculum and utilised the SCQF Framework and database to investigate alternative pathways for our young people. Curriculum development and pathway progression has been extended at Belmont Academy in recent years to include Media Studies, Level 5 & 6 Sports Leader, Level 5 NPA Sport and Recreation, Dance, National 5 Music Technology, Travel & Tourism, Games Development, Cyber Security, NPA Music Performing, NPA Photography, Level 4 People and Society, Level 4 & 5 Personal Finance, Level 5 Mental Health Award, Higher Leadership and Prince’s Trust Achieve units. Our curriculum offer now includes more SCQF Level 4, 5, 6 and 7 options and pathways for young people, with even more in planning for introduction in 23-24 and 24-25. Sixty-three young people are attending a school-college partnership course at Ayrshire College this session as part of their senior phase timetable and a larger number have applications in process for session 23-24.
Partnerships
Our school has strong partnerships with Ayrshire College and Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire. We have a sustained and ongoing partnership working with a local construction company and have recently formed a partnership with a local manufacturing company to raise awareness of pathways into Trades, which will provide an additional pathway for young people to be successful in careers in the Ayrshire Growth Deal; a massive boost to the local economy and job market.
Awareness & Recognition
Belmont Academy is currently an SCQF Gold Ambassador school. Our SCQF Pupil Ambassadors designed and created an information stand to raise awareness of SCQF at all parents’ evenings and whole school events. They are currently planning a recruitment selection process to grow the number of pupil Ambassadors in Belmont Academy to provide sustainability for the SCQF team. As a school, we are investigating opportunities to formally recognise them for their pupil leadership and volunteering.
Personal Support for all classes has been used over the past two years to deliver the SCQF training through our Theme of the Week series ‘Bee Work Ready’ which utilises SCQF and Skills Development Scotland resources. This has been a valuable tool in course choice decision making for S2-S6 pupils. An SCQF presentation was part of our Options and Pathways Information Event for parents and young pupils prior to option choices, which raised awareness and increased knowledge of the SCQF levels to support their child in decision making.
Our goals for SCQF in session 23-24 include:
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creating pathway profiles using Belmont Alumni and current learners to showcase a variety of routes to careers
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making use of the new school website to raise awareness of SCQF Framework
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identifying additional pathways that could be introduced to extend learner interest in a curricular area
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expanding the SCQF Pupil Ambassador team
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redrafting inputs for Personal Support lessons to make them more interactive
SCQF Ambassador Voice
“We have enjoyed being part of the SCQF Pupil Ambassador group. We have presented at parents’ evenings and shared how the Framework helps everyone understand levels of qualifications. We would like to build up our confidence talking to large groups next session and present SCQF information at an assembly.”
Learner Voice
“In my time at Belmont Academy, I have been part of new classes that have been recently added to the curriculum. I have achieved Level 5 and 6 Dance Leader with Active Schools and Level 5 Childcare with Ayrshire College. Doing these courses helped me decide the career path I wanted to go down - sport and dance. I enjoy teaching it to younger kids. As well as achieving these qualifications I have gained many skills such as time keeping, communication, teamwork and creativity. I also participated in the DYW Nail Bar experience where we learned how to shape and paint nails, create nail art designs and practise on each other. I have also completed Level 5 Mental Health Award. My experiences at Belmont Academy have really helped me decide the career path I want to pursue and I loved having regular work experience in a cluster primary school.
