In 2015/16 the SCQF Partnership launched its School Ambassador programme with the aim of identifying and confirming SCQF Ambassadors in schools to raise awareness and understanding of the SCQF as well as promoting its use among learners, school staff and parents. A successful programme ensures the impact of the Framework is maximised, that it is perceived as a vital tool for progression and that the benefits of the Framework are being communicated to learners across all schools.

Six schools were initially approached, all of whom were extremely keen to take part. After training and as part of the package to schools, both plaques and badges were awarded to:

In the latest phase of the programme the SCQF Partnership has developed a Memorandum of Understanding which makes it clear what is expected of participating schools and what support they will receive.

In summary the Partnership will:

• Deliver an initial training session for participants;
• Present trained ambassadors with an “SCQF School Ambassador” Certificate, Ambassadors badge and an Ambassadors Resource Pack containing exemplars of materials required to deliver on-site sessions;
• Support Ambassadors by providing all the necessary resources to deliver training sessions in schools including lesson plans, case studies, presentations and associated materials;
• Provide opportunities for schools to participate in real life SCQF projects;
• Provide opportunities for staff and pupils of the school to be involved in events which showcase the different ways in which the SCQF can be used;
• Provide opportunities to engage in SCQF related competitions; and
• Provide opportunities for pupil work experience within the SCQFP office in Glasgow.

Schools signing up for the programme will:

• Undertake the initial training at the SCQFP office in Glasgow or an appropriate regional venue;
• Cascade this training to other staff members and appropriate school pupils;
• Ensure SCQF is highlighted on the school’s website and has a prominent place at Parents’ Evenings/events;
• Engage with SCQFP via social media;
• Ensure SCQF leaflets/newsletters/promotional materials are endorsed at school events;
• Utilise SCQFfold, the SCQF online toolkit;
• Promote short training sessions on the SCQF delivered by staff for parents; and
• Promote short training sessions on the SCQF delivered by senior phase pupils for younger pupils and for parents.

Benefits for participating schools include:

• A ceremony at school to award a plaque. This can raise awareness and act as a good promotional activity for the school;
• A heightened profile for the school and acknowledgement of sharing good practice;
• Opportunities for staff development through training for nominated Ambassadors;
• A set of dedicated resources to allow ambassadors to deliver in-house events;
• The opportunity to participate in real life projects such as developing web pages and toolkits for the SCQF website, designing promotional materials and taking part in school competitions which will further promote the Framework;
• A better awareness of how to use the SCQF for pupils to plan their learning journey and make decisions about future learning;
• An increase in confidence and self-esteem for pupils involved in the programme.

Schools have shown great interest in the programme and we are currently planning training events with Bearsden Academy, Greenwood Academy, Greenfaulds High School, St Joseph’s College and Cardinal Newman High School. We are keen to explore opportunities across Scotland.

Sign up for our SCQF Ambassador training workshop taking place in our Glasgow office on Tuesday 7^th March 10.00 – 12.00. If you are interested in finding out more about the programme please contact:

Brian Keegan at b.keegan@scqf.org.uk or phone 0141 225 2926