SCQF Gold Ambassador School

Our SCQF Journey

At Linlithgow Academy, SCQF is not an add-on—it is at the heart of our curriculum and ethos.

Key highlights:

• SCQF embedded in our School Improvement Plan (SIP) over the past five years

• Supported by a 80-strong teaching team and strategic leadership across departments

• Continuous curriculum review has led to the annual expansion of SCQF-accredited courses

• Pupils benefit from qualifications at SCQF Levels 4 to 7, including NPAs, Foundation Apprenticeships, Skills for Work, and meta-skills awards

• Curriculum design reflects our belief in equity, flexibility, and ambition, aligned with the Scottish Government's Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) agenda

"Our SCQF approach is embedded across faculties and driven by senior leadership to ensure every learner has access to meaningful, high-quality pathways."

Explore Our Curriculum Model

SCQF Ambassadors - Leading the Way

Our SCQF Ambassador Programme empowers S5 and S6 pupils to become role models, peer mentors, and advocates of alternative learning pathways.
Ambassadors:

• Present at PSE classes and course choice evenings to demystify qualifications for younger pupils

• Support and train new Ambassadors annually

• Represent SCQF during whole-school events and act as leaders within our Future Skills bundle

• Gain formal recognition through SCQF Level 6 Leadership Awards

"The activity was successful—not only do we have more knowledge of SCQF, but so do younger year groups and parents, which supports better decision-making during course choice." - Imogen, S6 Ambassador

Future Skills Programme

Our SCQF Level 6 Future Skills bundle combines:

• Leadership (Level 6)

• Personal Development

• Religious Beliefs and Values

• Optional studies in Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy

The bundle supports:

• Critical thinking, resilience, and employability

• Learner agency and moral leadership

• Community action projects based on real-world challenges

• Cross-curricular links with meta-skills development, citizenship, and reflective practice

This package is designed to prepare students for lifelong learning and success beyond the classroom.

Parent and Community Engagement

We believe informed families are empowered families. Our approach includes:

• Annual Careers & Senior Phase Engagement Evening - interactive and well-attended by staff, employers, and Ambassadors

• Parents can speak directly with:

  • Current pupils and SCQF Ambassadors

  • Faculty leaders and senior staff

  • Industry professionals

• Regular updates via:

  • School app and website

  • Social media channels

  • Termly newsletters

  • On-site SCQF info boards

This ensures families are consistently involved and informed about qualifications, employability skills, and pathways to success.

Employer and Industry Partnerships

We have built a strong bridge between school and the working world through our Pathways with Purpose initiative.
Features:

• Weekly employer visits linked to real subjects and SCQF courses (e.g., NPAs in Hospitality, Digital, and Land-Based Industries)

• Over 2,000 pupil engagements since 2023

• S5 pupils participate in mock interviews embedded in the SCQF Leadership & Future Skills programmes

• Links tailored to subject areas and career paths—from Cyber Security to Customer Service to Construction

"These sessions not only inspire ambition but also connect qualifications to real-life career journeys, enhancing pathway awareness and employability."

What SCQF Gold Status Means

Achieving SCQF Gold Ambassador status reflects:

• Our leadership in embedding SCQF into curriculum design and faculty planning

• Use of SCQF qualifications to drive faculty improvement and professional learning across the school

• Staff mentoring and sharing good practice at RIC and DYW network events

• Learner agency through ambassador leadership and wider achievement frameworks

• Partnership with employers to support qualifications with real-world relevance

"Together We Thrive"—our vision becomes a reality through personalised, flexible learning pathways that honour every student's potential.

Resources and Links

• Senior Phase Pathways Info

• S3 Pathways Info

• SCQF Framework (official site)