SQA was the first awarding body in the UK to introduce a qualification in online safety when we produced a National Unit entitled Internet Safety in 2007. The Unit quickly became popular in Scottish schools and colleges. Some schools required every pupil to undertake it early in their secondary education (typically S2). The original Unit was updated in 2012 and the current version is used within the Award in Internet Safety, which became available at the same time. Such is the…
The core Units within the revised NPAs in PC Passport SCQF Levels 4, 5 and 6 have now been published on the SQA website. There are nine new Units in total. These are: HA6J 44 Web Apps: Presentations (SCQF Level 4) HA6J 45 Web Apps: Presentations (SCQF Level 5) HA6J 46 Web Apps: Presentations (SCQF Level 6) HA6L 44 Web Apps: Spreadsheets (SCQF Level 4) HA6L 45 Web Apps: Spreadsheets (SCQF Level 5) HA6L 46 Web Apps: Spreadsheets (SCQF Level 6) HA6M 44 Web Apps: Word Processing (SCQF Level 4) HA6M 45 Web Apps: Word Processing (SCQF Level 5) HA6M 46 Web…
I recently posted about the forthcoming validation of this new suite of awards. It will take place on Tuesday, 15 December in the SQA offices in Glasgow. A strong panel has been selected to scrutinise the awards. The development was announced in June but, due to the academic calendar, didn’t commence until late August. So, it’s been a speedy development. But, I think, it’s been thorough. Almost 100 representatives participated in the research (including 28 employers) and the results are…
Since Helen announced last week that the new National Unit entitled Cyber Security Fundamentals (SCQF Level 4) was now available, we’ve had a lot of interest from centres interested in offering the new Unit. There are lots of reasons for doing so. In a sense, cyber security has replaced online safety as an essential online skill since it encompasses personal safety but also explores the need for groups, businesses and nations to protect themselves. Recent media reports about cyber attacks…
I got back from holiday this morning to discover that all of the Units within the NPAs in Cyber Security have now been published. There are nine units in total (three at each SCQF Level) [PDFs]. Data Security (Level 4) Data Security (Level 5) Data Security (Level 6) Digital Forensics (Level 4) Digital Forensics (Level 5) Digital Forensics (Level 6) Ethical Hacking (Level 4) Ethical Hacking (Level 5) Ethical Hacking (Level 6) We’re pretty pleased with these new National Units. The…
The new Higher National Unit entitled Digital Skills is now available [PDF] on the SQA website. This Level 7 Unit is designed for non-specialists who want to gain essential knowledge and skills in digital technologies. Its contents are up-to-date including a range of digital devices (such as PCs, tablets and smartphones) and digital services (including social media). The Unit also covers online safety, cyber security, information skills, and rights and responsibilities. It should be appropriate to a wide range of learners including, perhaps,…
A few months ago, I mentioned that we were developing a new HN Unit entitled Digital Skills at SCQF Level 7. The aim of the Unit is to deliver basic digital skills to learners undertaking HN awards. The Unit is just about finished now. It will be finalised and coded in the next few weeks. You can see the current version of the Unit here. It will be available to centres from 1 August. Caroline will consult with the QST…
The web log of the qualification team for Computing within SQA. Look out for news about Computing qualifications and related information.
