February 15, 2024 - Bobby -
Regular readers will know that Computing is one of the subjects being modernised as part of SQA’s Next Gen project. Part of that programme involves learner evaluation of their experiences when undertaking these new qualifications. Emma Campos, who many of you will know as a previous member of the Computing team, carried out this evaluation. I thought you might be interested in her findings. So, I’ll let Emma tell you in her own words. “Learners taking HNC Computing: Find the NextGen…
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February 9, 2024 - Megan -
Do you need a Secure English Language Test as part of your UK visa application process? Then Skills for English is the test for you! Find more details of the test at the following link: https://skillsforenglish.com/test/ For further information please contact the SELT team
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February 8, 2024 - Bobby -
Since my last update, I’m pleased to let you know that the QDT has agreed frameworks for NPA Computing at each of the three levels. The qualification will have the same framework at each level: Computing Fundamentals (mandatory) Computing Project (mandatory) Artificial Intelligence (option) Computer Games: Development (option) Computer Hardware & Systems (option) Computer Network Fundamentals (option) Computer Programming (option) Data Science (option) Data Security (option) Emerging Digital Technologies (option) Esports: Game Performance (option). The qualification will comprise two mandatory units…
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January 18, 2024 - Bobby -
Regular readers will know that Higher National Qualifications (HNQs) are being revised as part of the “Next Generation” programme. Computing was one of the first subjects to be selected and we’ve now developed five new qualifications: HNC Computing HND Computer Science HND Data Science HND Networking & Cloud Infrastructure HND Software Development. HNC Computing was piloted in 2022/23 and 2023/24 in two colleges and, this year, we’re piloting HND Networking and HND Software Development (also in two colleges). I’m pleased…
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January 11, 2024 - Bobby -
Me and the team wish you all a Happy New Year and a successful 2024. I posted a review of 2023 just before Christmas and I want to outline what we hope to achieve this year in this message. There are three on-going developments right now. We’re in the middle of developing NPA Computing, which will be ready for session 2024/25, refreshing NPA Data Science, also ready for next session, and continuing to pilot new Higher National Qualifications (HNQs), specifically…
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December 21, 2023 - Bobby -
Twenty twenty-three has been a busy year for the team. The first part of the year was taken up with the Diploma in Digital Technology, a new Competence Based Qualification (CBQ) that replaced a number of existing awards, and the development of units within NPA Esports. We were also busy at that time with finalising the grading models for Next Gen Computing awards. NPA Esports was made available to centres in April. The new CBQ diplomas were made available in…
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December 15, 2023 - Bobby -
The second meeting of the Qualification Development Team (QDT) for NPA Computing took place yesterday. Sixteen people attended, representing schools, colleges, universities, employers and national organisations. The lead developer and me reported on the consultation that has taken place since the first meeting. There was a huge response (195 respondents) to the survey and the lead carried out a large number of one-to-one interviews. We proposed a number of options to members. There was broad agreement about the following. We’ll…
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November 14, 2023 - Bobby -
Following on from my post about Amy moving to another team within SQA, I’m pleased to let you know that Gayle Rennie has join the team to replace Amy. Gayle has responsibility for non-advanced qualifications (SCQF Levels 3-6) and CBQs (SCQF Levels 5-8). Megan has moved to advanced qualifications (SCQF Levels 7-9). In other words, contact Gayle for NPAs, NCs and CBQs; contact Megan for HNQs and PDAs. If you’re not sure who to contact, you can write to computing@sqa.org.uk. Gayle…
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October 31, 2023 - Bobby -
I’m pleased to let you know that a lead developer has been appointed to lead the development of NPA Computing. The developer is an experienced teacher from a Scottish school. One of the lead’s roles is to carry out consultation prior to designing the qualification. This involves qualitative and quantitative research. The lead will be speaking with a range of stakeholders to get their ideas about what should be included in the qualification, while me and my team carry out…
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September 26, 2023 - Bobby -
There was an excellent response for volunteers for the Qualification Development Team (QDT) for NPA Computing. We selected 15 people representing schools, colleges, employers and national bodies. The first meeting of the QDT took place last Thursday. It was a good meeting. The first meeting of any QDT is scene-setting but we took the opportunity to use break-out rooms for some brain-storming around the aims of the qualification and its key competencies. We’re in the process of reviewing the feedback.…
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