Following a recent query regarding errors in questions on a Data Citizenship SOLAR test, we have noticed that some centres are still using Flash versions of assessments on SOLAR. We are trying to move away from these and would therefore encourage you to use HTML versions of assessments where they are available. If you would like to know more, please contact the SOLAR team.
Read moreRead more about Moving to HTML assessmentsIt’s been a while since I updated you about this development. At that time, I told you about our plans to develop three new National Units: Data Skills (SCQF Level 3) Data Skills (SCQF Level 4) Data Skills (SCQF Level 5). We commenced development on these units in July. However, when we shared draft versions of the unit outlines, we got mixed feedback from people. As a result of that feedback, I consulted about the contents of the units with…
Read moreRead more about National Units in Data SkillsI’m pleased to tell you that we received a number of applications to pilot HNC Computing from August 2022. Regular readers will know that we didn’t get volunteers the first time of asking, so I was delighted to get several this time. As a result, two colleges (New College Lanarkshire and North East Scotland College) will deliver the new HNC from August 2022. The pilot will be evaluated in Spring 2023. No-one came forward to offer HND Data Science but…
Read moreRead more about Next Gen updateThe External Verifier (EV) team for Computing met on Saturday morning for their annual standardisation meeting. The meeting took place on Teams. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure that all EVs understand, and apply, the same standards when they visit centres. So, the Senior External Verifier (SEV) went over last year’s verification activity and the team discussed approaches to verification for the current session. I usually do a qualification update at the event, and this year I explained…
Read moreRead more about External Verifier meetingI’m pleased to let you know that Helen has been promoted to a role within the Next Gen HN project. It’s an internal secondment, lasting until mid-2023. Helen has been working as part of the Computing team since 2014. I’ve began the process of replacing Helen, who will take up her new position from 1 November. In the meantime, nothing will change. But, from 1 November, Megan will cover for Helen until a replacement is in post. I’m hoping that…
Read moreRead more about Team changesI received feedback on the quality of the assessments for NPA Cyber Security and NPA Data Science late last session, so the team undertook a review of the assessments to see what could be improved. We hired a couple of teachers to lead this work. The outcome of that is that we will not review the assessment for Cyber Security but we will review the assessments for Data Science. NPA Cyber Security was introduced in 2015 and will be reviewed…
Read moreRead more about Assessments for NPA Cyber Security and NPA Data ScienceWe need technology now more than ever – and it needs to be safe, secure and suitable for everyone to use. Which means identifying and nurturing talented young students to protect us from online threats. It’s why we’ve created the CyberFirst Girls Competition, designed to show more girls aged 12 and 13 what a career in cyber security looks like, why it matters and where it could take them. Through our four cyber security characters; Captain, Logic, Chatter and Vision;…
Read moreRead more about CyberFirst Girls CompetitionThe Sector Panel for Computing met recently for it’s annual face-to-face (now online) meeting. The Sector Panel provides strategic advice to me and my team about external developments to ensure that our qualifications are relevant and up-to-date. This year’s agenda included: Next Generation of Higher National Qualifications changes to workplace qualifications (SVQ/CBQ/Diploma) gender in Computing. There was a lot of discussion around gender, given the well-known under-representation of women in field of digital technology. Ketty Lawrence, of Skills Development Scotland,…
Read moreRead more about Sector Panel meetingThe team have discussed the centre request process and have decided that we are happy with the current process. Please see the previous blog post as a reminder on how to submit a request. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Read moreRead more about Centre request processAt SQA, we’re committed to supporting centre development. We’re hosting a Quality Network Week kicking off on October 4th. The virtual event will consist of subject specific and general session, so there’s something for everyone. Find out more here.
Read moreRead more about Quality Network Week