Computing – Page 33 – Computing & Digital Blog

HN Review and HN Next Gen

February 8, 2019 - Bobby - 4

Martin Boyle gave one of the keynotes at last week’s Computing Conference. Martin spoke about the next generation of HN qualifications — or HN Next Gen as the project is called. You can see his presentation here. The current “direction of travel” (see slide 13 in his presentation) involves: HNCs consisting of 120 SCQF points (15 SQA credits) and HND’s 240 (30 SQA credits) common core in all HN awards of “21st Century skills” (see slide 8) “bigger” units – perhaps…

Lead Person Network refresh

February 6, 2019 - Bobby - 0

I mentioned my intention to review the Lead Person Network (LPN) at the recent Computing Conference. The LPN was established in 2014, with the intention of having a point of contact in each of the new, merged colleges. The idea was to have a single point of contact, through which we could communicate with colleges and get feedback on qualifications and support materials. The Lead Person in each college was meant to cascade information to colleagues and act as a…

Computing Conference 2019

February 5, 2019 - Bobby - 3

The annual Computing Conference was held on Friday at Jury’s Inn in Glasgow. It was well attended, with over 40 people in attendance, representing schools, colleges, universities and training centres. The two keynotes were particularly well received. Martin Boyle introduced “HN Next Gen”, a major review of Higher National Qualifications, and Natalie Coull, of Abertay University, explained what universities are doing in cyber security. There were also presentations from the Lead Developers for two important developments currently taking place —…

Online support for Cyber Security teachers

January 31, 2019 - Bobby - 5

As part of the Enhancement project, we plan to provide improved support to teachers of NPA Cyber Security so that new (and existing) teachers feel that there is somewhere to turn for help. Although this additional support will mostly be provided from next session (August), we hope to provide help right now via our existing Yammer group. I’ve asked some experienced practitioners to try to help anyone who requests assistance via this group. So, if you currently teach the NPA,…

Computing Conference agenda finalised

January 23, 2019 - Bobby - 4

We recently finalised the agenda for the forthcoming Computing Conference for colleges, schools and training centres, which will take place on Friday, 1 February at Jury’s Inn in Glasgow. This annual event has taken place for the last 25 years. This year’s event will include two keynote presentations: one about HN Next Gen, which is a major review of Higher National awards, and one about university qualifications in cyber security. We will also provide updates on specific developments – including…

Welcome back

January 23, 2019 - Bobby - 5

I’d like to offer a belated welcome back. I’ve recently returned to work after taking a post-Christmas holiday. The team has a busy year coming up. We’re in the middle of developing a new National Progression Award in Data Science, which is progressing well. This will be available to schools, colleges and training centres from August. We’re also producing more support materials for NPA Cyber Security, which is popular in Scottish schools. Please contact Lorraine about these projects. The HN…

Digital literacy – Collaborators wanted

January 17, 2019 - sqablogs - 0

We are looking for collaborators to work with us on this exciting development. To make these qualifications the best they can be and relevant to all across the educational community, Please click here for information If you would like to work with us by contributing ideas, writing, vetting, validating or all of the above then please contact the Digital Team qualsdigital@sqa.org.uk

HN Review

January 14, 2019 - sqablogs - 5

As previously mentioned in Bobby’s last update, the revision of qualifications involves creating a Business Case before we can proceed. The process will be undertaken by another team within SQA, we will have an outcome by early February. We are confident that we will be given the green light to proceed with this development. I’d like to continue to add members to the Qualification Development Team (QDT) so that we can make an immediate start when the funding is confirmed. If…

Computing Conference 2019

January 8, 2019 - sqablogs - 7

Just a reminder for those who haven’t registered and wish to attend the Vocational Computing Conference. Please register online here. This years event will take place Friday, 1 February at Jury’s Inn in Glasgow. Please contact Caitlin if you want to know anymore information about the event.

NPA Data Science update

December 20, 2018 - Bobby - 10

Since my last post about this development, we’ve made a lot of progress. Unit writers (and vetters) have been selected and training has taken place. The Qualification Development Team (QDT) had its third meeting yesterday and made a lot of important decisions. The framework is now finalised. The qualification will have a 2-3-3 structure — two units at National 4 (SCQF Level 4) and three units at National 5 and Higher (SCQF Levels 5 and 6). Data Science and Data…