November 23, 2015 - Bobby -
The FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for Digital Passport was updated today and can be read. This update contains the latest information about the award. Please note that that link will always take you to the latest version of the FAQ. Don’t forget that there is a launch event for Digital (and PC) Passport on Friday. You can still register here. Contact Helen if you want to talk to someone about this award.
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November 11, 2015 - Bobby -
The validation event for PC Passport will take place on Friday, 20 November. The purpose of a validation event is for new or revised qualifications to be scrutinised by independent experts. The panel will consist of representatives of colleges, schools, industry and special interest groups who will question members of the Qualification Development Team about their proposed changes. The basis of the validation event is the Group Award Specification, which details exactly what’s in the new award and explains why the…
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November 10, 2015 - Helen -
This launch event will take place on Friday, 27 November in central Glasgow. The keynote will be given by Steve Beswick (Director of Education, Microsoft UK) who will be announcing important news regarding a Microsoft initiative in Scotland. Bobby will provide information on the role of PC Passport within Modern Apprenticeships within Scotland. Places are limited so please register as soon as possible via the link below: http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/75362.html Please contact me if you have any query.
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November 10, 2015 - Bobby -
This development is progressing well. The lead developer is currently writing the Group Award Specification (GAS) and QDT members are writing the component Units. We’re producing nine new units in total: Software Development: Analysis & Design (SCQF 7/8/9) Software Development: Implementation & Testing (SCQF 7/8/9) Software Development: Project (SCQF 7/8/9) We’re currently consulting on the development so please complete the online survey. It will only take five minutes of your time and will provide invaluable feedback to the QDT. The validation event…
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November 4, 2015 - Bobby -
Now and again, SQA creates a group award out of a single Unit. We did it with Internet Safety and we’ve now done it with Cyber Security Fundamentals. Any learner who successfully completes the National Unit in Cyber Security Fundamentals (SCQF Level 4) is eligible to receive the Award in Cyber Security Fundamentals. This will be provided free of charge if a centre requests it for learners. We’ve taken this unusual step because we believe that learners may want specific recognition…
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November 3, 2015 - Bobby -
The interviews for the replacement for Caroline took place last week. I’m delighted to let you know that Helen was successful in getting the job. Helen was previously standing-in for Hilary, who is currently working a secondment as Digital Literacy Manager. So Helen is now my permanent Qualification Officer. Of course, that means that I now have to replace Helen and I hope to have some news on that front in the next week or two. Until the team is…
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October 19, 2015 - Bobby -
I recently announced a new development, which involves the creation of two new HNCs: 1. HNC Computer Science 2. HNC Data Analytics Since then, a Qualification Development Team (QDT) has been created and the first meeting was held this afternoon. The Team consists of representatives of colleges, universities and industry. The University of Strathclyde is represented on the QDT since the new HNCs will be designed to articulate with a number of their B.Sc. courses, through their Digital Academy programme,…
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October 13, 2015 - Bobby -
Since Helen announced last week that the new National Unit entitled Cyber Security Fundamentals (SCQF Level 4) was now available, we’ve had a lot of interest from centres interested in offering the new Unit. There are lots of reasons for doing so. In a sense, cyber security has replaced online safety as an essential online skill since it encompasses personal safety but also explores the need for groups, businesses and nations to protect themselves. Recent media reports about cyber attacks…
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October 12, 2015 - Bobby -
I came into good news this morning — the NPA Digital Literacy at SCQF Level 3 has now been validated. A number of conditions and recommendations were placed on it at the recent validation event, but these have now been addressed. This (almost) brings to a conclusion a development that commenced last February. The final stage is to “operationalise” the qualification (code it, put it on the website, add it to our database, etc.) so that centres can register candidates for…
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October 7, 2015 - Helen -
Cyber Security Fundamentals (SCQF level 4) is now available on the SQA website. More information about this National Unit can be found here. This Unit will be packaged as an Award and learners will received a commemorative certificate after achieving it. It will be added into the framework of NC Computing with Digital Media SCQF level 4 as an optional unit. The SOLAR assessment and Assessment Support Pack (ASP) are under development and will be available around December this year. Please…
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