When I recently asked how SQA can help you, there was a lot of support for a “best practice in assessment” workshop. So, I will arrange something on this theme sometime before the end of the year (probably December). Look out for more news on this blog. Please let us know (via this blog) if you have any ideas about what we should cover during this one day event.
Read moreRead more about Best practice in assessment workshopI received an e-mail this morning from a teacher who asked a question about PC Passport. He wanted to know if he could use the old PC Passport assessments with the new units. In my update letter of 9 August I referred to the use of old and new units and old and new assessments. Basically, for the current year only, centres can use any combination of new and old units and assessments that they like. This is because some…
Read moreRead more about PC Passport units and assessmentsI attended one of the quarterly Awarding Body Forum meetings, when the awarding bodies (such as SQA and City & Guilds) meet with the Sector Skills Council (E-Skills). Today’s meeting was held in Cardiff. Some of you will know the convenor of the meeting, Chris Morrow who has done a lot of curricular work in Scotland. These meetings cover a wide range of issues relating to the awarding bodies. The qualification sector outside of Scotland is very complex, with lots…
Read moreRead more about Meetings with E-SkillsI was in London yesterday at a meeting to discuss the links between the Skills Council, awarding bodies and vendors. All of the UK awarding bodies have links with vendors — and it was clear from the meeting that we also face the same issues. The main problem is keeping up to date with the regular changes to vendors’ courses. The situation is worse in England because it is a much larger and more complex qualification sector, with OfQual controlling…
Read moreRead more about Meeting with Sector Skills Council about vendorsI was reminded this afternoon, when I checked the SOLAR website, how many Computing qualifications are supported by online assessments. Computing is the most supported subject, by some margin, so it’s a great resource for centres to use. You can check out what’s available here.
Read moreRead more about Online assessments for ComputingI was sent a link this morning to an interesting new e-book, which explains what SQA does. It seems well presented and easy to follow. You can access it here. It states the SQA mission statement, which is: “Our vision is to be recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in qualifications and assessment.” We’re working hard to try to achieve that.
Read moreRead more about What we doThe revised PC Passport ASPs are now available on the secure site. I believe they were published last week although the e-mail from SQA mycentre did not go out until 31 August 2010. Please use the revised ASPs (August 2010 versions) as these match the updated Unit specifications. Where there were two ASPs (for school and FE use) there are still two ASPs available but titled ASP 1 and ASP 2 and not differentiated for either market. Centres can choose…
Read moreRead more about PC Passport ASPs SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6The first meeting of the Qualification Development Team for the review of HNC/D Computing and HNC/D Networking was held this morning. There was an excellent turnout, with representatives of 11 colleges attending, including Adam Smith College, Central College, Dundee College and James Watt College. The uniquely collaborative way that we develop qualifications, in partnership with stakeholders, is one of SQA’s greatest strengths. These new awards will be shaped by the people who will ultimately deliver them. The main aim of…
Read moreRead more about HNC/D Computing and Networking reviewOnce or twice per year, I get the opportunity to attend really interesting conferences, one of which is the annual computer games conference in Edinburgh, which I attended today. This year’s Edinburgh Interactive 2010 was very good and covered such things as games design, distribution, and business models. You also got the chance to see about-to-be-released games. The presentations were particularly good this year, especially the ones on digital distribution and business models. 62% of computer games are now downloaded…
Read moreRead more about Edinburgh Interactive 2010The annual HN update letter was sent to Distribution yesterday to be sent to centres. It should arrive later this week. The readers of this blog can download it now. Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io Save File: HN update letter – August 2010.doc It contains important information about vocational Computing qualifications at SCQF Levels 7 and higher so please check it carefully.
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