After a successful initial pilot of the Northern Alliance Collaborative Online Curriculum Opportunities (COCO) Project, we are planning for Phase 2 and are looking for schools to deliver SQA courses as part of the project for session 2022/23.

Schools can express an interest in delivering courses until 18th March: complete the lead school form now.

Have a read of our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the project to find out more.

Looking at the tracking and success of the project so far, we know it’s working:

• 100% of learners are on target to pass (A-C) and achieve their target grade
• Data from the most recent evaluation rates learner experience as 4.6 out of 5
• School feedback has also been positive and rated at 4 out of 5

Learners tell us they’re pleased the offer is helping them to study subjects they wouldn’t have been able to in school and that they’re enjoying interacting with peers across the country. Colleagues are pleased to be able to expand their schools’ curriculum offer and meet the needs of learners in an innovative way.

So far and with colleagues’ support across the Northern Alliance, we’ve been delivering five courses across three levels with 17 learners from across five local authorities. We can deliver more with your help.

Digital Depute Head Teacher, Jacqui Yule who is leading the COCO project on behalf of the Northern Alliance said: “Coco is a fantastic opportunity to maximise curriculum opportunities in the Senior Phase. Learners can study SQA courses that support their chosen career pathway whilst also benefiting from working with their peers across the Northern Alliance.”

“There may be schools offering Senior Phase courses to a small number of learners. This is one example of how a school could become involved in Coco for session 2022/23 as a Lead School and extend the course offer across the Northern Alliance with a hybrid model of delivery. Schools are successfully delivering in this way this session. We are seeing great results.”

Laurence Findlay, Lead Officer for the Northern Alliance and Director of Education and Children’s Services for Aberdeenshire Council commented: “This project is about us all working together, looking at opportunities to improve what’s on offer to our young people and sharing resources to make that happen. It is working really well for those who are already taking part and we are hoping to build on that, to engage learners and help them achieve great results.”   

If you have any further questions, please email naseniorphase@glowmail.org.uk