Planning for the Interdisciplinary Project

by Lorna Grant

Planning for the Interdisciplinary Project

by Lorna Grant

Aims of the BaccalaureateAims of the Baccalaureate

Raise the status and value of S6 and motivate learners Provide qualifications which are valued for entry to

higher education Provide a bridge between school and higher education or

employment Encourage collaboration between schools and

further/higher education institutions Allow learners to relate and apply learning to realistic

contexts Enable learners to compete in the international job

market Develop the generic skills for learning, employment, life

Course RequirementsCourse Requirements

2 AH Courses 1 H Course( two eligible sciences, one of which must be at AH level

and Mathematics, which can be AH or H level)or Applied Mathematics (at AH)

The Interdisciplinary ProjectThe Scottish Baccalaureate will be awarded at Pass or

DistinctionCriteria for Distinction:Grade A in one eligible AH courseGrade A in one other componentGrade B in the other two components

The Interdisciplinary ProjectThe Interdisciplinary Project

You choose:• The project theme• The way you undertake the project• The contacts you will make• The way you present your findings• The audience or audience for your presentation

Your teacher will give you advice

The Five Stages of the ProjectThe Five Stages of the Project

Proposal Plan Presentation of findings/product Evaluation of Project Self-evaluation

There are templates to help you or you can use

e-portfolio to store your project information

Context of the ProjectContext of the Project

The project, which must involve a science based investigation or practical assignment, will explore and bring out the relevance of science

in one or more of the following broad contexts:• Employability• Enterprise• Sustainable development• Citizenship• Economic development

The skills you will developThe skills you will develop

You will develop and demonstrate the following generic and cognitive skills:

• Application of subject knowledge and understanding• Research • Interpersonal skills• Planning• Independent learning• Problem solving• Presentation skills• Evaluation skills

Links you can makeLinks you can make

FE/HE establishments Local businesses/organisations Learned Bodies/Institutes STEMnet Scottish Government Teachers Scottish Enterprise Fellow pupils

How to get started?How to get started?

Think about topics which interest you from a personal or career point of view

Have a look at the exemplar projects on SQA’s website

Discuss with your teacher Think about where you might get the

information/resources you will need Start with a proposal – use the SQA audit tool to

help you

Things to rememberThings to remember

Write a timeline and include other commitments on your time

Have contingency plans Adjust your plan when you need to – planning goes on

throughout the project Keep a reflective diary (template on the SQA website)-

this will help with the Evaluation stage Don’t be afraid to ask for help/advice Keep to your assigned project times – they are not free

periods! Try to meet your deadlines

What some of last year’s candidates saidWhat some of last year’s candidates said

‘I have noticed that whereas previously I tended to ask for help as soon as I encountered any problem, now I am more likely to independently find a logical solution.’

‘I have broadened my skills by presenting in a more formal manner to different audiences.’

‘I am proud of my achievements. I can admit mistakes but also admit successes.’

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed learning so many new skills and discovering new ideas which will be beneficial for future research and studies in university.’

The June 2010 Support EventThe June 2010 Support Event

ContactLorna GrantBaccalaureate Development Manager

ContactLorna GrantBaccalaureate Development Manager

email- Lorna.Grant@sqa.org.uk

telephone – 0845 213 5460