HNC Data Analytics and Computer Science update

We’re currently developing two new HNCs: one in Computer Science and one in Data Analytics. They were originally conceived as part of the University of Strathclyde’s Digital Academy initiative, which involves the University and three Glasgow colleges. At a meeting, held earlier this week in the SQA offices, it was agreed to add options to the existing HNC Computing for articulation, meaning that the HNC Computer Science can be developed without this requirement. We agreed to devise the new HNC Computer Science…

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PC Passport FAQ

We updated the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for the new PC Passport this morning. You can access it here. I’ve previously mentioned our use of FAQs. We create one for each new, or revised, qualification. You can see the list of available FAQs here. Please check the FAQ before contacting SQA since your query might already be answered. Not only that, but the FAQ contains hyperlinks to various useful resources, such as the Group Award Specification and unit specifications, so…

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Yammer

I noticed, recently, that the SQA Computing network on Yammer has reached 100 members. After a slow start, this network is really beginning to take off. It was originally intended as another support channel to centres (in addition to Groupspaces) but it’s been re-purposed as a dedicated platform for qualification development. It’s well suited to this purpose, given its excellent discussion, collaboration, polling and document sharing facilities. In the last few weeks there have been high quality discussions about Graded Units and grading…

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Qualification Support Team meeting

The Qualification Support Team (QST) for Computing met today. The QST is one of a number of external committees that advises SQA. The QST’s specific role is to advise how best to support qualifications. It also considers proposed changes to qualifications that are normally submitted by teachers and lecturers. The committee is made up of practising teachers and lecturers who are best placed to tell us what centres need from SQA. Today’s meeting was good. We discussed support materials, qualification changes,…

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External committees

I’ve been working on a diagram to show the various external and internal committees (and meetings) that the team use for advice and support. The main strategic influence is provided by the Sector Panel, which is made up of representatives of colleges, schools, universities, industry, national organisations and professional bodies. The Qualification Support Team (QST) advises us about the support that is needed by centres to help them deliver our awards. The Lead Person Network (LPN) consists of a representative of each college so…

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New report on digital skills

A new report, produced by the Edge Foundation, entitled The Digital Revolution [PDF], highlights the importance of digital skills to the UK economy. The report quotes Davos when it describes the current changes in society as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which I previously mentioned. It points out the significant changes in employment that are about to occur in most advanced economies – particularly the decline in administrative and manufacturing jobs, and the increase in technical positions. The report makes eight…

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HNC/D Interactive Media update

We’ve recently agreed the validation date for the revised HNC/D Interactive Media. The validation will take place on Tuesday, 7 June. We hope to have the revised awards available to centres from 1 August. We’re currently looking for members for the Validation Panel so please contact Helen if you’re interested (please note that anyone involved with the development is not eligible to serve on the Panel). This has been a big update. For one thing, the QDT is proposing title…

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Introduction – Aneta

Hello everyone As Bobby already advised in his previous post I recently joined the Computing team to cover Emma’s maternity leave. I joined SQA in April 2014 as part of the Logistic and Customer Engagement team and then moved to the NQ Biology and Human Biology team as a Qualifications Officer in May 2015. As I was solely dealing with National Qualifications and school sector I welcome the opportunity to work in and learn about vocational part of SQA qualifications.…

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Team changes

Regular readers of the blog will know that there have been team changes over the last few weeks. Emma replaced Caroline some time ago. Emma stopped for maternity leave on Friday and Aneta replaced her this morning. So the team comprises me, Helen and Aneta. Helen is the Lead Officer (LO) for advanced level awards (SCQF Level 7 and above) and Aneta replaces Emma to be the LO for non-advanced awards (SCQF Levels 6 and below). Or, to put it more simply,…

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Certify Scotland – Unlimited free MOS to SQA centres until 30 June 2016

Prodigy Learning and Microsoft are offering unlimited free MOS exams to SQA centres in Scotland this May and June to Certify Scotland! All SQA centres in Scotland are being offered the opportunity to register and deliver unlimited MOS exams for free (to registered students at their Centre) until June 30, 2016! As part of the campaign, Prodigy Learning is providing eligible SQA centres: • Free registration and setup as a Certiport Test Centre • Free unlimited GMetrix MOS Practice Tests…

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Old and new PC Passport

We’ve had a lot of enquiries about the new PC Passport. One of the most common questions is: can I still run the current award next year? The current award goes into lapsing in January next year (2017) and we will continue to accept entries for the “old” award until then. So if you have plans to offer the current version of PC Passport next year (session 2016/17) then there will be no problems — so long as you get your…

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Training opportunity for NQ Computing Science courses at Higher and Advanced Higher levels

As part of SQA’s Digital Media and IT Vendor Alliance (DIVA), our partner Oracle Academy is in a position to offer industry-relevant CPD online training courses to aid delivery of the new Computing Science qualifications. The courses cover Computing Science Information System Design and Development units at Higher and Advanced Higher (SCQF levels 6 and 7). This CPD activity is available from Oracle Academy free of charge but applicants will need to commit to: Java Fundamentals: 90 hours virtual study…

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Ta-ra the noo

The time has come for me to say a ‘temporary’ farewell. I am finishing up today to go on maternity leave…I am very excited about the new adventure I am about to embark on, although, to be honest, a little bit of nerves and anxiety are also creeping in. Since joining the team two months ago, I have been fortunate enough to be supported by an excellent team. I would like to thank both Bobby and Helen, who have been very…

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NPA PC Passport is now live

I have great news to share with you today…The revised NPA PC Passport is now live and available for centres to deliver. The qualification was validated a couple of weeks ago , but it has taken until now to get through the process of ‘operationalising’ the Award. The codes for the revised PC Passport are: PC Passport (SCQF level 4) – GL31 44 PC Passport (SCQF level 5) – GL32 45 PC Passport (SCQF level 6) – GL33 46 Moreover, you can find all the relevant information…

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