The Sector Panel for Computing met recently for it’s annual face-to-face (now online) meeting. The Sector Panel provides strategic advice to me and my team about external developments to ensure that our qualifications are relevant and up-to-date. This year’s agenda included: Next Generation of Higher National Qualifications changes to workplace qualifications (SVQ/CBQ/Diploma) gender in Computing. There was a lot of discussion around gender, given the well-known under-representation of women in field of digital technology. Ketty Lawrence, of Skills Development Scotland,…
The team have discussed the centre request process and have decided that we are happy with the current process. Please see the previous blog post as a reminder on how to submit a request. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
At SQA, we’re committed to supporting centre development. We’re hosting a Quality Network Week kicking off on October 4th. The virtual event will consist of subject specific and general session, so there’s something for everyone. Find out more here.
The Qualification Development Team (QDT) for Computing met last week (Thursday) to discuss progress and update members about changes. It was well attended with 22 members logging into the Teams meeting. I informed members about the changes made since we last met. These are: removal of “legacy” (current) units from qualifications removal of PDAs from the awards revision of the grading model. The updated frameworks for HNC Computing and HND Data Science can be found here. I also discussed the…
As mentioned in a previous post, we were seeking extensions to the below diplomas. I am pleased to confirm that the extension request for these has now been approved. Please see the new lapse dates for the diplomas below: Diploma in Digital Application Support at SCQF Level 5 (GL2J 45) – 31/12/2023 (previously 30/09/2021) Diploma in Digital Application Support at SCQF Level 6 (GL2K 46) – 31/12/2023 (previously 30/09/2021) Diploma for Information Technology and Telecommunications Professionals at SCQF Level 5 (GL2L 45)…
As advised in a previous post, assessments for the three component units of the revised NPA Computer Networks at SCQF level 5 award, along with a combined assessment were in production, and were due to be available in Spring 2021. Unfortunately these have been slightly delayed, however the knowledge assessments will be available in the first week of September and the practical assessments will be available by mid September. Should you have any queries or wish any updates on these assessments,…
Regular readers will know that SQA has been working on the next generation of Higher National Qualifications in three subject areas – Computing, Engineering and TV. My team has spent the last 18 months developing two “next gen” qualifications in Computing — HNC Computing and HND Data Science. We had hoped to pilot these prototype qualifications this month (August) but the exceptional circumstances in colleges last year prevented that. We’re hoping that things are better this year and there are…
SQA offers a range of diplomas as part of the Apprenticeship programme, ran by Skills Development Scotland (SDS). The qualifications are: Diploma in Digital Application Support (SCQF Levels 5, 6) Diploma in IT & Telecom Professionals (SCQF Levels 5, 6, 8) Diploma in Information Security Professionals (SCQF Levels 6, 8) Diploma in Data Analytics (SCQF Level 8). Work is on-going by SDS and SQA to redevelop the qualification frameworks. We’re currently working on a new diploma at SCQF Level 8…
Three committees assist me and my team to carry out our work. These are: Sector Panel, Qualification Support Team and Lead Person Network. These are permanent, standing committees. We also form ad-hoc committees, such as Qualification Development Teams, when the need arises. The Sector Panel provides strategic advice about external developments to ensure that qualifications remain current and relevant. Membership includes employers, universities, colleges, schools, training providers, representatives of national organisations and educational experts. A vital role for the Panel is…
We are looking for volunteers to write and vet new SOLAR assessments for the following units within the PDA Data Science: It is paid work. If you are interested or have any queries, please get in touch with me.
A number of teachers recently contacted the team about the assessments for NPA Cyber Security and NPA Data Science. Although most of the queries related to special circumstances arising from Covid, some also related to the quality of the assessments. As a result of that, we’re going to review the assessments over the Summer. Two experienced teachers will carry out this work. At this time, it’s simply a scoping exercise to check the quality of what’s there and to advise…
Hilary’s team have recently carried out a survey to gather feedback on the changes proposed to the units and assessments under review and will be starting work on these revisions shortly. They are looking for practitioners to work with them to write, vet and provide additional support to their qualifications. If you are interested in getting involved in this review please complete and return the attached Expression of Interest form to Hilary, or get in touch with her if you…
I’m pleased to let you know that we’re about to commence the development of three new National Units relating to data science. The units, which will be called “Data Skills”, will be available at SCQF Levels 3, 4 and 5. These new National Units will focus on foundation data skills, covering essential knowledge and skills in statistics, data analysis and data visualisation. We hope that they will be useful to every learner. The units will be different from the National…
We have been contacted a representative from Scot Gov and have been asked to share the following post regarding one of CyberFirst’s summer courses. Know a S6 girl with the potential to be a digital hero? The last few places on the free CyberFirst Advanced Virtual Course are available for Scotland-based S6 girls. Students need an interest and aptitude for computers, but don’t need to be studying computer science or have previously been on a CyberFirst course. Inspired and led…
Regular readers will know that we’re in the process of modernising Higher National Qualifications (HNQs). This is being done in two phases. Phase 1 commenced last year and is nearing completion. Two Computing qualifications were involved in this phase: HNC Computing and HND Data Science. We’re currently finalising the component units for these awards. The second phase of developments is about to commence. Three additional Computing qualifications will be developed: HND Computer Science HND Networking & Infrastructure HND Software Development.…
We have recently developed alternative assessments for Outcome 3 in Data Citizenship units at SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6 and also combined assessment for Outcome 3 in Data Citizenship and Data Science L4 units. Please see the table below for more details. Those alternative assessments will not replace the ones currently available on SOLAR. Please get in touch with us if you have any query.
As you may know from a previous blog post, Hilary’s team are currently reviewing the following awards and units in their digital portfolio: NPA Digital Literacy (SCQF level 3) NPA Digital Passport (SCQF levels 4-6) NPA Social Software (SCQF level 4) NUs Computer Basics (SCQF levels 3-4) Following consultation with a focus group including teachers, lecturers and training providers several recommendations have been proposed. You can help to ensure these proposals are the right steps to take by completing and…
The Qualification Support Team (QST) met last Wednesday for its annual meeting. The QST is responsible for supporting existing qualifications. Members are drawn from practicing teachers, lecturers and trainers. There are a number of standing items at every meeting such as a qualification update from me and my team and a report from the Senior External Verifier. An important role for the committee is to recommend support materials for qualifications, and we provided an update on recently developed materials such…
The Qualification Development Team (QDT), responsible for developing new Computing qualifications as part of SQA’s Next Generation of Higher National Qualifications, met on Wednesday. Sixteen members attended, representing colleges, schools, universities, employers and national organisations. We’re developing two qualifications as part of the first phase of the project: HNC Computing HND Data Science. The purpose of the meeting was to update members on progress and also to consider our approach to grading these new qualifications. The most important piece of…
NPA Computer Games Development was introduced in 2010 and is one of our most popular NPAs. I am writing this post to let you know that the original courses (G9RP 44, G9RR 45 & G9RT 46) will be finishing this summer, after already being extended an additional year because of the Corona Virus pandemic. These have been replaced with the new NPA courses (GP02 44, GP03 45 & GP04 46) which started in 2017. These will now be the only…
