Soundfield Informationcatherine Finestone
Soundfield InformationCatherine Finestone
Cathie demonstrated the use of the Redcat Soundfield System as a number of people had requested information. If anyone is interested in buying or trialling the Redcat contact details are as follows:-
on behalf of Graham Breakenridge or
Update from SSC
Janis Sugden
Janis Sugden Co-ordinator Scottish sensory Centre discussed SSC progress and referred to the SSC’s objectives.
Objectives 1 and 2 National Overview and Quality Assurance and Service Planning.
Janis thanked HOSS members for their continuing support.
She discussed findings and in particular section 6 of The Education of Children and Young People with a Sensory impairment in Scotland which is available on SSC website under research articles.http://www.ssc.education.ed.ac.uk/library/publications/report12.pdf
The report highlights the variation of support and resources across Scotland. SSC advisory committee in collaboration with David Thompson, senior policy advisor with Scottish Government Learning Directorate Support and well-being Unit, will take forward the recommendations to identify specific objectives for the remainder of the current grant period.
Objective 3 High Quality Career Professional Development.
The SSC CPD programme for 2012-13 is underway with the first of the short courses starting in September. Lists of courses have been widely circulated; updates will be forwarded regularly by email.
Margaret Miller is continuing as Deaf CPD Course organiser.
Objective 4 National Resource Provider:
Thank you again for HOSS input with the semi structured interviews. Draft report is with Scottish Government at this stage.
Objective 5:
SSC Website has new look. Please take time to have a look and comments would be welcome.
HOSS have all been given a copy of DVD Positive Play for Every Day. Please send completed questionnaires to SSC. Request for similar DVD for VI will be considered but need additional funding to complete this.
Postgraduate VI Programme
Janis provided update re Postgraduate Additional Support for Learning (Visual Impairment)
Specialist courses being offered this academic year. ‘Issues and Strategies for Teaching and Learning’ (visual impairment) and ‘Inclusion of Visually Impaired Children; Policy and Practice.’
Janis is happy to answer any individual enquiries about the VI programme. Please email or phone 0131 651 6071 (SSC) or 0131 651 6204 (Institute of Education, Teaching and Leadership). Details of course and programme enrolments are available on website.
Rachel O’Neill
Rachel provided update on PG ASL Deaf Education programme and drew the group’s attention to the BSL consultation process. Rachel’s PowerPoint presentation is available on the Heads of Service section of the website.
SQA Update
Patricia McDonald provided update on 2012 SQA exam diet and stressed the importance of keeping dialogue open between SQA and HoSS. SQA have broad categories of disability similar to Scot. Exed.
Modifications for VI/Blind are kept separate. Blind are considered those pupils who require Braille papers while VI pupils may require different fonts/size/colour etc.
Statistics for HI/ VI
10 centres requested SSE/BSL for total of 22 candidates but only 7 centres actually used sign for a total of 10 candidates. WHY? Is it a safety blanket? Many candidates do not want the whole paper signed.
1845 VI candidates requested enlarged/ modified paper. (There was a big variety of specific requests re. print size, font etc. but they are hoping to standardise this)
24 Blind candidates - requests for 40 Braille papers.
Patricia emphasised thepresenting centre should communicate directly with the SQA – not the support specialist.
Internal assessments can be done in different ways. There are 7 methods of assessments. Look at the new specifications and liaise with staff in mainstream. Ensure schools have the most up-to-date guidance. See emphasis on methods of assessment and how candidates can generate info for this. (Delivered and assessed)
Broad guidance is available on the website or contact SQA but modifications can be made for individuals in exceptional cases.
SQA has sent out questionnaires re BSL/ digital papers & invite feedback from centres.
“Good examples of a ‘bad’ question are particularly useful.”
Speech Technology
Voice activated technology is also available and more work is being done on voice recognition. Only 9 pupils across Scotland use this facility so SQA would welcome feedback on why it is not being used with more candidates. Views or opinions on the use of ICT in exams and assistive technologies would be helpful. She welcomed views or opinions.
has responsibility for paper production.
Report on SQA consultation will be available by the end of the year. Comments would be very useful.
Signing - SQA are looking at training, guidance,Q&A & moving timings etc. There is a glossary of 100+ signs for physics as this seems to be a subject few deaf pupils take.
Patricia also mentioned possibility of SSC/SQA providing a joint training session.
Annette McKenna.
Annette reported that the final specifications for the new exams are available online.Select the CfE link then choose the subject. Schools have received a hard copy if they are a presenting centre.
Assessment awareness available from June 2012 re National 3,45 with timeline for next year.
SQA are providing events in September giving an overview and from October to March there will be subject specific events all across Scotland. Invites are being sent out Oct – Dec. to subject specific reps across Scotland. (5 areas)
Quality Assurance CT’s want this to be more robust. There will be wide consultation with all LA’s, colleges etc. Training will be given to 1 subject specialists per 5 schools to disseminate information to colleagues.
Candidates can be presented next year.
Examples of internally assessed units ranging from National 1 to Advanced Higher will be available from October on SQA secure.
We must get the support right from the beginning so VI/HI Services should be involved. Patricia suggested focus groups could be looking at specific issues for HI/VI .
SQA are happy to talk to HIS/VIS regarding CfE or subject specifics.
Patricia suggested that in future this update might be a standing item on HOSS Forum Meetings at this time of year and information can be sent directly to Cathie.
PM Eileen Calder. Powerpoint available.
Eileen gave an excellent presentation on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. She explained the cause and effect this condition has on a child throughout his/her life and the impact it has on families, social interaction, development and education.
The feedback was very positive and many people have requested her input for their own service.
N.B. Eileen works for the FASD Scotland group and is required to charge a nominal fee for her services.
The next HoSS forum will be 21st January 2013.