I recently mentioned some team changes. I’m pleased to let you you know that Natalie Mann is joining the team until January, when Emma returns from maternity leave. So, the team now consists of four people: me (Qualifications Manager for Computing), Helen (Qualifications Officer for Computing), Hilary (Qualifications Officer for Maths and Computing) and Natalie (temporary Qualifications Officer for Computing). I will ask Hilary and Natalie to introduce themselves via this blog. Natalie officially joins the team tomorrow. My first task is…
As you may know. Emma is currently on maternity leave and was temporarily replaced by Aneta. I’m delighted to let you know that Aneta was successful in applying for a permanent position in the Business Education team. Aneta began work with her new team last week. I’m interviewing on Monday to replace Aneta until Emma returns in January. There will also be a more permanent addition to the team. Hilary Cuthbertson will job share between my team and the Maths team. I…
During our recent team day, we decided to rationalise the online support that we provide to schools, colleges and training providers. We normally create dedicated groups for specific subjects (for example, there is one for the new NPAs in Cyber Security) but this created a proliferation of groups, which proved hard to support. So, we decided to create three new groups: one for school teachers, one for college lecturers and one for training providers. These will replace all of the…
SQA works with a wide range of stakeholders when we develop, maintain and revise qualifications. This diagram illustrates the various committees and teams. The Sector Panel provides strategic advice to the SQA team. This committee consists of representatives of business, industry, education, public sector and third sector. The Qualifications Support Team (QST) considers how best SQA can support its qualifications and help centres to deliver them. It mostly consists of practising teachers, lecturers and trainers. The Lead Person Network (LPN) consists of a…
Welcome back to Scottish teachers and lecturers. I know many of you return to work today. I hope that you had a good holiday. A lot has went on over the Summer. A new NPA in Software Development is now available. The new HNC/D Digital Design & Web Development (aka HNC/D Interactive Media) is almost ready. We’ve been working with Police Scotland on a refreshed Internet Safety Award. The ASPs for PC Passport are almost complete (update to follow). A Quality Network…
Today is exam results day across Scotland. From my own perspective, I was delighted to see a huge rise (27%) in the number of pupils doing vocational qualifications. Vocational qualifications are the best route for many pupils and, in areas such as computing, can lead to secure, well paid jobs. Vocational qualifications can also motivate pupils who have lost interest in traditional academic subjects. The portfolio of vocational Computing qualifications includes Computer Games Development, Cyber Security, Digital Literacy, Digital Passport, Web Design and…
One of the unique characteristics of SQA is the way that we work with practitioners to develop qualifications. Although it’s mostly teachers and lecturers who develop the awards, we also like to work with people with no teaching experience but who have experience of other aspects of life (such as business or industry or the third sector). My team try to be transparent and fair about appointing people by involving as many people, from different backgrounds, as possible. We like to…
Once a year, the team take a day out to review the past year and look forward to the next one. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what works and try to improve what doesn’t. We had our day out yesterday. It’s not a day of naval-gazing. We focus on actions. So, over the next few months, we plan to do the following. Create a consultant register to capture the details of people who want to work with us. Formally evaluate your…
The team wish those of you who have just commenced their Summer holidays a nice break. I still miss my long Summer holidays – but I don’t miss the pressure points throughout term time. We’re here over the Summer. Although each of us will take time here and there, we will be working for most of the Summer. It’s a good time for us since we can use it to catch up with the backlog of work. There’s plenty going…
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,…
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…
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,…
I’m delighted to let you know that Emma is having a baby. She stops on Friday (29th) for maternity leave. Her baby is due in early May. Humanity’s gain is my loss. Emma has been a great help to me (and Helen) since she joined the team. The good news is that Aneta Morrison is joining the team. In fact, she has already joined the team. This week I’ve had the luxury of having both Emma and Aneta working with me.…
