SCHOLAR programme recognised with top education award

Heriot-Watt University's SCHOLAR programme has been recognised for improving students online assessment in Higher Maths with the help of its innovative PassIT system.

This award recognises the considerable level of our achievement in bringing online learning and eAssessment into the mainstream of Scottish education

Professor Phillip John, Dean of Science & Engineering and Executive Chair of the SCHOLAR Forum

SCHOLAR, in conjunction with the SQA, was awarded the Summative Assessment Award for actively increasing the involvement of Scottish schools in eNABs, over the past five years. The award was presented at the Scottish eAssessment Conference 2010, hosted by the University of Dundee.

eNABs (National Assessment Bank examinations) give students the opportunity to take their examinations online at the end of each academic unit. SCHOLAR's innovative system allows pupils to receive instant feedback and offers maximum flexibility while studying for exams. 

Over 11% of the secondary schools in Scotland have taken part in these 'high-stakes' on-line examinations which encourage students to practice and gain confidence with randomised maths questions before sitting the exam.

From left to right: Martyn Ware, SQA; Dr Helen Ashton, Head of eAssessment, SCHOLAR; Professor Cliff Beevers, Chair, eAssessment Association; Oormi Khaled, Educational Developer (Assessment), SCHOLAR; Professor Phillip John, Executive Chair, SCHOLAR Forum Professor Phillip John, Dean of Science & Engineering at Heriot-Watt University and Executive Chair of the SCHOLAR Forum, said: "The SCHOLAR team is delighted to receive this award, particularly as we were competing against a number of excellent submissions. This award recognises the considerable level of our achievement in bringing online learning and eAssessment into the mainstream of Scottish education."

The Scottish eAssessment Conference 2010 was attended by over 260 delegates from Scotland and the rest of the UK.