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Scottish Baccalaureate
Education and Lifelong Learning
11:00 am
Hugh O'Donnell (Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Scottish Executive how many higher education institutions have recognised the Scottish baccalaureate. (S3O-12453)
Fiona Hyslop (Scottish National Party)
The Scottish baccalaureate has been recognised by many universities, in their prospectuses and, more generally, in developing the knowledge and skills that are necessary for higher education. The number of centres that are approved to deliver the baccalaureate has doubled this year to 140. As uptake of the qualification increases, I expect recognition by universities also to increase.
Hugh O'Donnell (Liberal Democrat)
Given the range of weighting that we have in relation to exams for the curriculum for excellence and the Scottish baccalaureate, how will the package come together to deliver a comprehensive range of examinations for our students?
Michael Russell (Scottish National Party)
Very simply, the Scottish credit and qualifications framework provides an internationally respected framework for understanding how all levels of examination in Scotland, from the very basic right up to the postgraduate level, fit within a comprehensive system. We are proud of that and we are already exporting it. For example, the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership has advised the Hong Kong Government on how it could put in place a similar framework. We also see how the baccalaureate is contributing as part of the whole, for example by allowing advanced standing in university entrance. There is a way in which qualifications ratchet up and do different things. We are developing a robust and effective system.
Elizabeth Smith (Conservative)
Can the cabinet secretary update us on the Scottish baccalaureate for the arts and social sciences?
Michael Russell (Scottish National Party)
I can indeed. We will have a report early in 2011 that I will share with the chamber. I am enthusiastic to ensure that the baccalaureate continues to grow, but it must be evidence based.
Jeremy Purvis (Liberal Democrat)
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. You were not in the chair earlier, so I apologise to the Deputy Presiding Officer, the minister and other members for missing my question, which was the first education question. I did so for no reason other than that I forgot about today's different timings. There is no excuse for that and I apologise.