Materials for Access 1 and 2
As we often work with students who are accessing the curriculum at these levels we thought it might be useful to concentrate on finding where materials are that pupils who need assistive technology might use. It may be that we could organise links to materials if teachers were willing to make their resources freely available. Clearly, this could only be course materials or practise NABs but it would provide a wider range of materials to offer students. Throughout the country there will be school staff creating materials to enable our students to work through units and courses where the existing materials either are not suitable or don’t exist in great numbers (if at all). It would be extremely helpful if we could share these. Some authorities place restrictions on the distribution of materials produced by staff in their employ which is outwith the control of the creator whilst others offer theirs through the IACN (Inter Authority Collaborative Network). Materials are often produced to meet specific needs that may not be suitable for distribution through the standard channels (IACN) but would still be useful for those looking for more accessible files.
There seems to be a number of issues when working at Access levels:
- because students have specific needs the materials they are presented with have to be individualised;
- because of this there are often only guidelines given on the structure of the actual content and delivery methods.;
- when material is available it is not always accessible to pupils who normally use assistive technology to access the curriculum.
Consequently there is a lack of good material suitable for many. A forum to exchange materials would seem to go some way in helping this.
Access Network
The Access Network was formed in 2002 to provide a forum for teachers who are delivering Access units. It allows teachers to discuss resources, delivery, and assessment (including internal moderation). Network meetings also facilitate contact with SQA staff, and providers of commercial resources. Membership of the group is open to all. We meet termly at Hillside School in Aberdour (always on a Friday). We are in the process of setting up an internet discussion group which will allow for communication between meetings. For further details contact David Noble on 01383 860731 or noble_d@hillsideschool.co.uk, or visit our weblog at http://accessnetwork.blogspot.com
Additional Support Needs information
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/nq/nq_library/additionalsupport/index.asp This support for learning section includes links to materials that have been produced for learners working at Access levels 1 and 2. Access 1 has been designed for learners who require considerable support with their learning, while Access 2 is designed to meet the needs of learners with more moderate support needs.
SQA Access 1 and 2 Information
http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/sqa_nu_display.jsp?pContentID=3530&p_
applic=CCC&pMenuID=501&p_service=Content.show&
This page provides links to information on Access 1 and 2 units, clusters and group awards as well as staff support materials and moderator reports.
|
