September 20, 2022 - amyblain -
Following our last Qualifications Support Team for Computing post, all qualification proposals have now been considered by the QST and changes to qualifications have been implemented. The following changes have been made: Inclusion of H17X 34 Software Development: Programming Foundations in GP10 15 HNC Cyber Security and GP83 16 HND Cyber Security framework (optional section). Inclusion of J27N 35 Network Security Monitoring in GP10 15 HNC Cyber Security framework (optional section). Inclusion of J0HB 34 Penetration Testing in GG7E…
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August 23, 2022 - Bobby -
I’m pleased to let you know that SQA Accreditation has approved three new qualifications at SCQF Level 8. These are: Diploma in Digital Technology: Cyber Security Diploma in Digital Technology: Data Analytics Diploma in Digital Technology: Software Development. These new qualifications replace two existing qualifications: Diploma in Data Analytics and Diploma in Information Security Professionals (both Level 8). Megan has previously posted about the lapsing dates for the existing qualifications (31 December, 2022). The new qualifications are more up-to-date than…
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August 18, 2022 - Bobby -
Apologies for the length of this post but it’s been a while since I last updated you about Computing developments that are part of the Next Gen project. Computing has been involved in both phases of Next Gen. During phase 1 we developed HNC Computing and HND Data Science and during phase 2, which is the current phase, we’re developing three more HNDs: HND Computer Science, HND Networking & Infrastructure and HND Software Development. At the end of these phases,…
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As you know from previous posts, the new Diploma in Digital Technology at SCQF Level 8 will replace the existing level 8 diplomas in Data Analytics and for Information Security Professionals. We had previously extended the current level 8 diplomas until 30/06/2022. However, we have now extended both diplomas again meaning that they will now go into lapsing on 31/12/2022 and finish on 31/12/2026. The new Level 8 Diploma in Digital Technology is currently awaiting approval from our accreditation team,…
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I recently wrote about new National Units relating to data skills. The units (entitled “Data Skills”) are available at SCQF Levels 3, 4 and 5, and are available now. I’d like to encourage you to consider adding these units to your curriculum. Part of the motivation for producing them was the pandemic. During the last couple of years people have been bombarded with graphs and charts, and statistical jargon such as “linear” and “exponential”. These units seek to improve data…
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Since posting my update about NPA Esports, a couple of people contacted us to ask about offering the qualification next session (session 2022/23). Firstly, I’d like to apologise for the delay. I had hoped to have the qualification up-and-running for the start of term. I knew the timescales were tight (six months instead of the usual 12) and the outcome of validation is never certain (that’s the purpose of having independent people scrutinise new qualifications). I’m confident that the qualification…
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The validation event for NPA Esports was held last Wednesday afternoon. The purpose of validation is for people, who are independent of the development, to review the proposed qualification and ensure that it’s fit for purpose. It was a high quality panel, comprising representatives of industry (Esports Scotland), university (University of Glasgow), colleges (Dundee & Angus), schools and national organisations (Education Scotland) among others. The outcome was that we’ve been asked to change a few things and say more about…
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We’re looking for experienced teachers, lecturers and trainers to join the External Verification team. External Verifiers (EVs) are responsible for maintaining national standards across SQA centres (in Scotland, the wider UK and internationally). It’s a paid role and a fantastic form of professional development since you get to experience how different centres deliver SQA qualifications. We’re particularly looking for people with school or university experience but college and training centre staff are welcome to apply too. You can find our…
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Since I announced this development in January, a lot of progress has been made. We’ve decided on a qualification structure and identified the new units that need to be developed, which we’re in the process of writing. The validation event for the qualification will take place on 6 July. We’ve compressed the development process to ensure that the qualification is available to centres for the start of the new term (August). Several centres have expressed an interest in offering it…
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The second meeting of the Qualification Development Team (QDT) for the second phase of Next Gen HN took place yesterday afternoon. There was another excellent turnout, with over 20 members attending, representing colleges, universities and employers. The first phase of Next Gen developed two qualifications: HNC Computing and HND Data Science. This work is now complete. The second phase will develop three qualifications: HND Computer Science, HND Networking & Infrastructure and HND Software Development. This QDT is responsible for these…
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