February 23, 2016 - Bobby -
I’ve received a few enquiries about the review of PC Passport so I thought that it would be a good time to provide an update. PC Passport was originally introduced in 2004 and first reviewed in 2007. We commenced the second review in 2013. This second review was “parked” for a while since it was decided to split the development into two: one to develop a new suite of qualifications entitled “Digital Passport” and one to update PC Passport. Digital…
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February 15, 2016 - Helen -
The core Units within the revised NPAs in PC Passport SCQF Levels 4, 5 and 6 have now been published on the SQA website. There are nine new Units in total. These are: HA6J 44 Web Apps: Presentations (SCQF Level 4) HA6J 45 Web Apps: Presentations (SCQF Level 5) HA6J 46 Web Apps: Presentations (SCQF Level 6) HA6L 44 Web Apps: Spreadsheets (SCQF Level 4) HA6L 45 Web Apps: Spreadsheets (SCQF Level 5) HA6L 46 Web Apps: Spreadsheets (SCQF Level 6) HA6M 44 Web Apps: Word Processing (SCQF Level 4) HA6M 45 Web Apps: Word Processing (SCQF Level 5) HA6M 46 Web…
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February 9, 2016 - Bobby -
Today is Safer Internet Day. The Safer Internet Centre is launching a number of initiatives in support of the day. SQA is supporting the day too with a webpage explaining the qualifications that are available to protect learners from online threats. SQA was the first awarding body in the UK to offer a national qualification in online safety (in 2007) and we’re the first qualification authority in Europe to offer cyber security qualifications to school-age learners. The Award in Internet…
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February 3, 2016 - Bobby -
One of the conditions from the recent validation event for PC Passport was to consider different structures for the qualification. The QDT presented their preferred structure but the Validation Panel suggested possible alternatives, and asked the QDT to get feedback on a number of possible options. So, to that end, I have created a short survey, suggesting three possible options. I would appreciate if you would take a few minutes (it should take no more than five) to complete the questionnaire…
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December 4, 2015 - Bobby -
The web page for this new qualification is now live. The qualification was validated some time ago, but you can now access a dedicated web page about this revised award. You’ll find the Group Award Specification (GAS) and other information on that page. The GAS defines the structure of the award and contains information about how to deliver and assess the qualification. This new qualification is an ideal introduction to digital skills. It is at SCQF Level 3 and contains three (mandatory)…
Read moreRead more about NPA in Digital Literacy web page is live
November 20, 2015 - Bobby -
The validation of PC Passport took place today in the SQA offices in Glasgow. The Validation Panel was made up of representatives of colleges, employers and SQA. The purpose of a validation event is for fresh eyes to review the proposed changes to a qualification. The Qualification Development Team (QDT) presented a new Group Award Specification and explained the reasons behind the choices that we have made. It was a good meeting, held in a constructive spirit, with both sides trying to…
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November 9, 2015 - Bobby -
This year’s CAS Scotland Conference was held on Saturday at the University of Dundee. It’s invariably a good event, with a good attendance, and this year was no different. The event is designed for school teachers, although some college and university lecturers also attend. The event is a mix of keynotes, seminars and presentations. There were sessions on National 5 and Higher Computing Science, widening access to university, Google Classroom, games based learning, and object oriented concepts, to name just…
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November 6, 2015 - Bobby -
Education Scotland is organising a workshop for school teachers to help them deliver courses in Cyber Security. The workshop will cover the Cyber Badge and national qualifications in this field. I will be there to present the part about national qualifications. I will talk about the Award in Cyber Security and the National Progression Awards. Education Scotland offered similar workshops last year, which were well received. So much so that they decided to run them again this year. The events…
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November 4, 2015 - Bobby -
We’ve had a great deal of interest in the new Cyber Security qualifications. Not only the NPAs but also the National Unit. The most common comment is: “My school is interested in offering these awards but I’m not sure how I go about it.” So, here is an update on the current position. Both the National Unit and the National Progression Awards are available now. These qualifications are auto-approved for all Scottish schools and colleges. The NPAs have a Group Award…
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I attended this conference today, along with Helen, which was held in the beautiful grounds of the Scottish Police College in Alloa. The event featured in today’s Herald newspaper since it involved cyber crime experts from around the world including the FBI and Interpol. Steven Wilson, of the Specialist Crime Division of Police Scotland, gave the opening address and made specific mention of the importance of education, which he described as the “key” to tackling cyber crime. He, kindly, made…
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