December 6, 2022 - Megan -
As you will have seen from our previous post, SDS is currently updating NOS for the IT sector and we wanted to update you on the current NOS project developments. SDS have now completed the draft NOS suites for User Centred Design and Digital Learning Development. The consultations are live at the links below: The online User Centred Design NOS consultation hosting is here – https://odag.co.uk/user-centred-design-nos/ The online Digital Learning Development NOS consultation hosting is here – https://odag.co.uk/digital-learning-development-nos/ Please…
Read moreRead more about Digital Technology NOS Updates
November 28, 2022 - Megan -
We have developed a new Cyber Security unit at SCQF Level 3. Cyber Security at SCQF Level 3 – J6WN 43 This unit is to give learners a basic introduction to cyber security, and the skills and knowledge they will need to undertake NPA Cyber Security at Levels 4,5 & 6. Education Scotland will also be providing learning and teaching resources for this unit. For further information on this please refer to the digilearn site. Education Scotland will be hosting…
Read moreRead more about Cyber Security unit at SCQF L3
November 23, 2022 - Bobby -
Many of you will be familiar with National Occupational Standards (NOS), which were produced and maintained by Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) for many years. NOS were used to develop occupational standards that under-pinned SVQs. The demise of most SSCs (including E-Skills and Tech Partnership, which were responsible for NOS in the IT sector) resulted in Skills Development Scotland taking up the role of developing and maintaining NOS (for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). The most recent developments in the vocational…
Read moreRead more about National Occupational Standards
October 31, 2022 - Bobby -
The annual standardisation meeting for External Verifiers (EVs) took place on Saturday. It was well attended, with 11 EVs in attendance. The meeting is led by the Senior External Verifier (SEV). The purpose of the meeting is to review the previous year’s activities and ensure everyone applies the same standards in the coming year. Me and my team provided an update on recent qualification developments, which included new vocational diplomas, a new qualification in esports, and Next Gen developments. The…
Read moreRead more about External Verifier annual meeting
October 18, 2022 - Megan -
Following the success of our inaugural Quality Network Week last year, SQA are running a refreshed event – SQA Connections Week – for schools, colleges and employers/trainer providers from Monday 7 to Thursday 10 November 2022. SQA Computing will be running the following sessions on Monday 7th November: 2pm – 3:45pm: Diplomas – New Developments and update on current options 4pm – 5pm: Introduction to the new qualification, NPA Esports The online event will offer centres the opportunity to learn…
Read moreRead more about SQA Connections Week
October 13, 2022 - Bobby -
One of the big changes introduced with Next Generation (Next Gen) Higher National Qualifications (HNQs) is the introduction of grading. Current HNQs aren’t graded (one unit is graded). Next Gen qualifications will be graded as follows: Achieved Achieved with Merit Achieved with Distinction A key difference is that this grading is for the whole qualification. HNC Computing (the first modernised Computing qualification) is currently being piloted in two Scottish colleges. We met with the subjects teams in both centres yesterday to…
Read moreRead more about Next Gen Higher Nationals and grading
October 12, 2022 - Megan -
As you know from previous posts, we have been developing a new Diploma in Digital Technology at Level 8. I’m pleased to let you know that the three new qualification pathways at SCQF Level 8 are now operational. These are: – Diploma Digital Technology: Cyber Security SCQF Level 8 (GT8Y 48)– Diploma Digital Technology: Data Analytics SCQF Level 8 (GT90 48)– Diploma Digital Technology: Software Development SCQF Level 8 (GT91 48) These new qualifications replace two existing qualifications: Diploma in Data…
Read moreRead more about Diploma in Digital Technology at SCQF Level 8
October 11, 2022 - Megan -
We are carrying out a review of the qualification and assessment materials for NPA Digital Media Animation. We would value your opinion of the current award and its surround and if you think it is fit for purpose. By completing this survey your help will be invaluable in making sure potential improvements are identified. Please submit survey responses by 28 October. Thank you in advance.
Read moreRead more about National Progression Award G9FC 45 Digital Media Animation (SCQF level 5)
September 23, 2022 - Bobby -
The Sector Panel for Computing met yesterday afternoon. The Panel meets once per year for a face-to-face (online) meeting. We use a private group between meetings. Sixteen people attended, representing education, employers and special interest groups. The purpose of the Panel is to provide external expertise to guide the work of the SQA team so that we’re aware of external developments and future trends. Yesterday’s meeting was more information-giving than advice-receiving because I wanted to update members about two significant…
Read moreRead more about Sector Panel meeting
September 21, 2022 - Bobby -
The Qualification Development Team (QDT) for this development met for the third time recently. Once again, there was an excellent turn-out by members. The QDT consists of representatives of colleges, universities and employers. I provided an update on the work carried out over the summer, but the main item of business was agreeing the final form of the qualification frameworks. We agreed the frameworks for three Higher National Qualifications. HND Computer Science HND Networking & Cloud Infrastructure HND Software Development…
Read moreRead more about Qualification Development Team meeting for Next Gen HN