February 19, 2025 - Emma -
The framework of the HND Computing: Software Development (GG7E 16) has been amended following a change request submitted by a delivering centre. The change request related to the addition of Machine Learning (J1BB 35) to the framework as an optional unit. Upon consideration by the Qualification Support Team (QST), the change request was approved on 24 January 2025. Consequently, the unit Machine Learning (J1BB 35) has been added to Group 2 of the optional units of the HND Computing: Software…
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December 18, 2020 - sqablogs -
As advised in a previous post, the revised NPA Computer Networks at SCQF level 5 was in the final stage of operationalisation. I am pleased to advise that the subject page for this award is now live. You will find all relevant information regarding this award on the subject page, such as the Group Award code (GR7X 45) and a link to the Group Award Specification. The qualification structure has remained the same in the revised NPA Computer Networks. You…
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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 /…
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January 5, 2018 - sqablogs -
As announced in a post before the Christmas break, the subject page for the revised NPA Web Design (GN57 45), at SCQF Level 5, was being set up. I can now confirm that the subject page is live and can be accessed via the SQA website. The subject page for the revised NPA Digital Media at SCQF Levels 4 and 5 will follow shortly. The NPA Web Design is a revision of the NPA Web Design Fundamentals (G8HD 45). The ‘old’ award will…
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December 9, 2016 - Bobby -
I attended an employer engagement event, at Glasgow Clyde College, yesterday entitled Shaping Computing Science for Scotland. The event was organised by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and SQA. Its aim was to discuss how best to get employers involved with the development of Computing qualifications. The event was well attended with representatives of large and small employers across Scotland. My presentation covered the current range of qualifications available, how we develop qualifications, and how we currently work with employers. I’ve previously posted…
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October 12, 2016 - Bobby -
I received an enquiry this morning about changing a qualification. Qualifications are reviewed every five years but during that period we can “tweak” qualifications in response to suggestions from centres. The process is straight-forward: you suggest a change we check the suggestion with the Qualifications Support Team (QST) we implement the change. There are three ways for you to suggest a change to a qualification. You can use our Ideas Capture Form or submit a DAVAL 2 form or complete a…
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August 19, 2016 - sqablogs -
As some of you are already aware, the revised NPA in PC Passport was validated in April, and is now available to centres. You can find all relevant information for this qualification on a subject page on our website and in the FAQ. The FAQ contains useful links to the Group Award Specification and unit specifications. This qualification is supported with the Assessment Support Packs (ASPs). The following packs have been developed and are available on SQA Secure website: SCQF level 4:…
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The Qualification Support Team (QST) for Computing met today. The QST is one of a number of external committees that advises SQA. The QST’s specific role is to advise how best to support qualifications. It also considers proposed changes to qualifications that are normally submitted by teachers and lecturers. The committee is made up of practising teachers and lecturers who are best placed to tell us what centres need from SQA. Today’s meeting was good. We discussed support materials, qualification changes,…
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I got good news this morning. PC Passport has been validated. A number of conditions were placed on the award at the recent validation event, and it has taken time to address these conditions but I’m delighted to let you know that the revised award is now validated. Emma is now busy “operationalising” the new award. That means adding codes, publishing the Group Award Specification, and creating a subject page. This will all be done in the next week or two. In the…
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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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