It’s been a while since we updated you about the new cyber security qualifications. As many of you will know, we’re developing a suite of new qualifications over the next three years: HNC Cyber Security, HND Cyber Security and PDA Cyber Security. We’re currently working on the HNC qualification. It’s coming along well. The Qualification Development Team (and some others) is busy with writing the units that will make up the award. We’re developing a large number of new units…
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February 13, 2018 - Bobby -
I recently posted an update about the revision of HND Computer Science. Since then the QDT has finalised the framework. The main change to the qualification is that Managing a Web Server has been replaced by Computer Architecture in the mandatory section of the award. We’ve also tidied the optional units to make them more relevant to the field of computer science. We’re currently working on the group award specification (GAS) and hope to have this ready in the next…
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February 9, 2018 - sqablogs -
The review of the NPA Computer Games Development is progressing well. The units have all been written and validated. The next stage is house styling and operationalising the units. This should be done within the next few weeks. All revised units should be available for delivery by end March. No changes have been made to the titles of the units. However, given the significant changes, the units will require recoding. Once the units have been published, the group award will…
Read moreRead more about NPA/NC Computer Games Development review – Update
February 8, 2018 - Helen -
The HNC/D Information Technology (2006) review is now completed. The HN IT will be replaced by GN5N 15 HNC Technologies in Business and GN5P 16 HND Technologies in Business and finish in 2021 (HNC)/2022 (HND). The following units have been developed and are now available on the SQA website: HT9F 35 Database Server Administration / HT9G 34 Network Security Concepts / HT9H 34 Agile Development: Introduction / HT9J 35 Business Process Management / HT9K 34 Business Process Management: Introduction / HT9L 34 Computer Networking: Introduction for Business /…
Read moreRead more about HNC/D Technologies in Business is now live
February 7, 2018 - Bobby -
I’ve previously mentioned the Digital Skills Partnership (DSP), which provides free CPD to college and university lecturers in areas of emerging technology. The DSP is offering more (free) training this Spring. It will cover two topics: user experience (UX) and secure software. The events will take place throughout March in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee. I attended one of the previous events (on data science) and enjoyed it a great deal, so I can highly recommend the events. Please contact Lesley…
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January 29, 2018 - Bobby -
The annual Computing Conference took place on Friday at the Radisson Hotel in Glasgow. There was a good turnout, with over 50 people in attendance. I was pleased to see so many teachers find time to attend, perhaps reflecting the growing importance of vocational Computing awards in Scottish schools. The event was a mix of information, updates and keynotes. They keynotes were particularly well received. This year they covered the future of assessment and the importance of coding in schools.…
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January 22, 2018 - Bobby -
The development team for this project met on Saturday. It’s been a while since I updated you on how things are going, so this seems like a good time to do that. We’re developing a range of teaching and learning material including: Teacher’s Guide Learners’ Notes practical activities (linked to Learners’ Notes) Formative assessments YouTube channel List of resources. The Teachers’ Guide will help new (and existing) teachers prepare for, and deliver, the NPAs — including advice about what you…
Read moreRead more about Support materials for NPA Cyber Security
January 18, 2018 - sqablogs -
CyberFirst is a key part of the UK government’s National Cyber Security Programme. It covers a broad range of activities, which includes a girls only competition. Young girls and women don’t often consider a career in cyber security, which means that industry is missing out on a lot of young talented people. This competition is a great start to get young girls motivated and interested in this sector. The competition is aimed at school girls in S2. Teams are made up…
Read moreRead more about CyberFirst Girls Competition is back for 2018
January 15, 2018 - Bobby -
The Qualification Development Team for HND Computer Science had its third meeting on Saturday. The aim of the meeting was to decide how to take things forward.The first QDT meeting was held last June and since then we have made considerable progress with the revised framework. But more recently there was some disagreement about the precise nature of the revised award. More specifically, about how much computer science should be included.That resulted in a delay to the development. We’re planning…
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January 11, 2018 - sqablogs -
The subject page for the revised NPAs in Digital Media at SCQF Level 4 (GN59 44) and SCQF Level 5 (GN58 45) is now live and can be accessed via the SQA website. These awards have a hierarchical structure across the two levels, allowing learners to mix-and-match units and facilitating bi-level teaching. The NPAs in Digital Media are a revision of the NPA Digital Media Basics (G9FD 44) and Digital Media Editing (G9FF 45). The ‘old’ awards will enter into their lapsing period…
Read moreRead more about NPAs Digital Media – Subject page LIVE