Welcome back

Me and the team would like to wish you a Happy New Year.  It goes without saying that we hope 2021 is better than 2020. I posted a review of 2020 at the end of last year. The highlights were the development of two new Professional Development Awards – one relating to cyber security and one relating to data science.

We’re expecting 2021 to be busy. Computing is part of the “HN Next Gen” project, which aims to create new types of Higher National qualifications. We’re developing two new qualifications as part of that initiative — HNC Computing and HND Data Science, which will be piloted in August of this year. We’re also hoping to help centres deliver NPA Data Science next year. The current health emergency has highlighted the importance of data science, and we’re hoping that lots of schools and colleges choose to offer this qualification next session. We worked with the Data Education in Schools team to produce teaching and learning materials for this qualification, which will be a great help to centres that are considering this qualification.

Computing never sleeps. There’s always something new around the corner. Disciplines such as AI, machine learning, data science, cyber security, software development and computer games are growing in importance. We’re currently considering the development of a new qualification (a National Progression Award) in E-Sports.

Me and the team will be working from home for the foreseeable future. Given the nature of our work, that’s not really a problem and shouldn’t prevent us getting on with things. In fact, we’re exploring how to make more use of digital communications to keep you informed and collaborate better with you. In the meantime, don’t forget to bookmark this blog and follow us on Twitter.

As always, you can contact us by e-mailing computing@sqa.org.uk if there’s anything we can help with during these difficult times.

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