November 9, 2012 - Bobby -
The team have been using social media, such as this blog, for a long time. It’s been a great help to us for communicating and sharing information with you. We’ve tried to use social networks once or twice but this has never really worked. For example, we recently created an SQA Facebook account (using our SQA address) but this caused some confusion with our personal accounts, and hasn’t worked as I hoped. I would like to try Google Plus (G+).…
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November 5, 2012 - Bobby -
I’ve been on annual leave for the past week, but on the Saturday after I stopped I attended the first meeting of the Computing At School (CAS) group, held in the Microsoft offices in Edinburgh. This new group is designed to promote the subject of Computing within Scottish schools. There was a fantastic turn-out at the event, with a long waiting list of people who could not be given a place. The keynote was given by Muffy Calder, the Chief Scientific…
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October 26, 2012 - Bobby -
I’ve written previously about CoderDoJo, an initiative to get young people interested in computer programming. I attended another session last night, this time held in the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh. There was a fantastic turnout, with 27 kids in attendance, although only one girl. The classes are led by Craig Steele and are great fun. Last night Craig focused on HTML 5 programming. The kids seemed to enjoy it. The classes are a great way to get young people involved in…
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October 25, 2012 - Bobby -
We need writers of the following packs to support forthcoming Computer Games Development awards at SCQF level 6. The Units are:Computer Games: Creative Project (2 credit) Computer Games: Software Development Project (2 credit) H2CE 12 Computer Games: 2D Animation Skills H2CF 12 Computer Games: 3D Modelling and Animation Skills H1ND 12 Artificial Intelligence for Computer Games Computer Games: Character Creation Working in the Computer Games Industryalso FN91 11 3D Modelling and Animation: An Introduction at SCQF level 5 Only Units…
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October 23, 2012 - Bobby -
I recently sent an update letter to centres to inform them, among other things, of a forthcoming review of two non-advanced qualifications: (1) National Certificate in Digital Media Computing; and (2) PC Passport. The NC was first introduced in 2007, which was also the year that we last reviewed PC Passport. So both awards are now due their “quinquennial” reviews. SQA tries to review all of its awards every five years to ensure that they remain relevant and up-to-date. The…
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October 23, 2012 - Bobby -
Our annual Heads of Computing event takes place this year on Friday 23 November at Glasgow Caledonian University. Me and my team had a planning meeting this morning. The purpose of the event is to let you know about past, current and future developments relating to vocational Computing awards, and also to highlight specific developments. Although the event is intended for college-based Heads of Department, it is also relevant to other staff (including school teachers). This year’s event will include updates on…
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October 22, 2012 - Bobby -
The annual training event for External Verifiers was held on Saturday in SQA’s Glasgow offices. There are 12 EVs who take care of vocational Computing qualifications, led by David Drennan. EVs perform a vital role within SQA’s quality assurance system. This team visits centres to ensure that national standards are being applied in every SQA centre. The purpose of Saturday’s event was twofold: to tell EVs about SQA’s new approach to quality assurance, and to provide a subject-related update. The…
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October 17, 2012 - Bobby -
I attended an Inside Government conference in London yesterday. The title of the event was The New ICT Curriculum: Creating a 21st Century Skillset. Although the focus was England, much of the discussion was relevant to Scotland. Earlier this year the Education Secretary, Michael Gove, announced changes to ICT in England, and talked about the wiki curriculum. This conference was really a progress-to-date on these developments. Michael Gove announced that there would be new GCSEs in January. There are now…
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October 11, 2012 - Bobby -
I’ve been working on my annual update letters to centres for the last few days. There is one for non-advanced awards (such as NPAs) and one for advanced awards (such as HNCs). I arranged for them to be sent to centres this afternoon. They should arrive next week. The update letters contain important information about changes to qualifications that have taken place over the last year, and also give early notification of future changes. For example, the NC/NPA letter includes…
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October 9, 2012 - Bobby -
It’s that time again!! The Annual Heads of Computing Event 2012 will take place this year on Friday 23rd November 2012 at 1000 hours in Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow.We are busy organising this event and hope to have a range of items for presentation and discussion.To register, please click on the URL below:http://headsofcomputing2012.eventbrite.co.uk/ As places are limited, please ensure you book early to secure your registration.A maximum of two places can be reserved by each registered delegate.Look forward to seeing you then.
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