Sector Panel meeting

The Sector Panel for Computing met on Tuesday. The purpose of the Panel is to provide strategic advice to SQA about external developments in the sector. Members are drawn from industry (including professional bodies), education (schools, colleges and universities) and the third sector. One of the most important functions of the Panel is to ensure that the qualification portfolio matches the needs of stakeholders. So a standing item at every meeting is to discuss my operational plan.

This week’s meeting included presentations from Skills Development Scotland (about their digital skills initiative) and The Tech Partnership (about their Apprenticeship work).

We also discussed the possibility of grading HNDs. It had been suggested by some lecturers, and supported by the Lead Person Network, that it would be good (to differentiate learner performance) if some sort of grading was introduced to HNDs (such as “Pass” and “Pass with Distinction”). This was supported by the Panel, so my next step is to take the suggestion to the Policy people in SQA.

The Panel is not a talk-shop. After every meeting we create a list of actions that me and my team try to carry out. I can’t guarantee that every suggestion will necessarily be done but I can guarantee that every suggestion is taken forward. The suggestion to grade HNDs is a case in point. That will be “taken up the line” but may, ultimately, prove not to be possible (since it conflicts with current policy whereby HNDs are not graded).

The Panel is one of several external groups that help me and my team to stay in touch with what’s happening externally. We’re always looking for new members so please contact Helen if you are interested in serving on the Panel.

Bobby Published 08/09/2016