ESOL event in Inverness

I attended one of the SQA National Training Events for the new NQs in ESOL on Friday 14th in Inverness. The event was very well attended with around 65 delegates from schools and colleges in the Highlands and Islands. I was struck by the enthusiasm of these practitioners but also by the problems of isolation which many have - a large number work in departments of one. This was exemplified by the problems they have in complying with internal verification procedures. SQA have agreed to develop links between centres to mutually carry out I.V.
I was given a slot at the event to talk about SFEU and the Subject Network - some of the delagates were relatively new to lecturing and were not aware of SFEU. I was also able to speak to a number of people individually who were interested in the Swap Shop idea. I left a pile of business cards on the table with the ESOL materials and all were taken. It was very useful to have time to familiarise myself with the NQs (modelled on the Mod Lang ones but more flexible)and with some of the issues teachers and learners face. Higher ESOL has now been accepted for entrance by universities and colleges as an alternative to Higher English and Int 2 has been accepted by colleges for entry to NC and Highers Programmes. This is extremely significant for ESOL learners in terms of progression and articulation and is a positive response to these new qualifications. The entries for this year so far are three times the entries for last year (the first year of delivery). This is an indication of the rapidly growing demand for ESOL.
The event also gave me an opportunity to spend time with the Qualifications Manager, the Qualifications Development Manager, Qualifications Officer and the Senior Verifier from SQA. They are very keen to work with SFEU and for any support we can provide. I think we have established a good working relationship. Margaret Allan is also keen to set up a meeting between ourselves and LTS to discuss sector specific support. She has also agreed to read Colin's paper to the Scottish Government and to give her comments.