We surveyed our external quality assurers (EQAs) in June, to capture their feedback on NextGen: HN quality assurance activities throughout session 2023-2024, and we wanted to share some of the results with you. We distributed the survey to all of the EQAs involved in NextGen: HN quality assurance activity with a response rate of 69%.
Pre-delivery meetings:
70% of respondents felt that the pre-delivery meetings were helpful, whilst 23% did not attend a pre-delivery meeting this session.
Respondents commented:
‘…the pre-delivery meetings help Centre focus on the upcoming Academic Session, any changes they want to make…’
‘Great to meet the team in advance of starting. Also to clarify expectations moving forward’
Touchpoint meetings:
82% of respondents felt that the touchpoint meetings supported centres to deliver the NextGen: HN qualifications, in line with qualification requirements.
Respondents commented:
‘One centre really appreciated the touchpoints and took full advantage of them. Another centre did not use them…’
‘I think the touchpoints have been very beneficial in building relationships between centres and the EQAs. The role has evolved to be more supportive.’
Additional support:
65% of centres reached out for support out with the scheduled touchpoint meetings. Some of the aspects they requested support with included: prior verification, grading, meta-skills, marking checklists, unit course planning, and assessment design and delivery. This support took place on MS Teams and email.
Engagement:
31% of EQAs surveyed felt that the level of engagement with their centre throughout session 2023-2024 was ‘very good’, whilst 62.5% stated that engagement was ‘good’.
Overall NextGen: HN experience of EQAs:
41% of respondents felt that their NextGen: HN EQA experience throughout session 2023-2024 was ‘very good’, whilst 53% felt their experience was ‘good’, and 6% felt their experience was ‘fair’.
None of our EQAs reported a negative experience whilst working with centres on NextGen: HN quality assurance activities.
Therefore, these findings demonstrate that our NextGen:HN quality assurance model is achieving its aim and objectives:
- Provide a more supportive, centre-focused approach
- Provide support for centres as and when required
- Ensure issues and concerns are dealt with as we go through the session
- Ensure end of year quality assurance activity is straightforward and achieved without difficulty
Our EQAs have provided suggestions and improvements to be considered, which we will be reviewing and implementing, in time for next session.
We will also be reviewing and updating our NextGen: HN quality assurance guidance documents as necessary, which will be sent out to centres and published on the website.
If you have any questions, please email qav@sqa.org.uk and we will respond as soon as possible.
