Computing & Digital Blog

March 28, 2017

New subject pages

I’ve recently received notification that the subject page for the new HNC Data Analytics is now available and the subject page for the updated HNC/D Computer Games Development has now been revised. Subject pages are “one-stop-shops” for everything that you need to know about a particular qualification. You can see a list of Computing subject pages here.

Categories: Computing

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March 20, 2017

The Gathering 2017

SQA had a presence at a recent event called The Gathering 2017, held at the SECC, where organisations from the third sector had the opportunity to network, showcase what they do and learn from each other. As one of the exhibitors, we took the opportunity to showcase our free Digital Learning Guides as a resource for third sector digital learners. The event kicked off with a special address from the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon MSP. There were over 100…

Categories: Digital Skills

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March 20, 2017

Maths in Computing

I’ve previously mentioned issues surrounding maths within Computing qualifications. There are some long-term issues, such as the absence of maths as a mandatory component in HND Computer Science, but matters were brought to a head when the Maths team in SQA revised some units, generally lowering their level. I’ve now formed a short-life working group (SLWG) to look into these issues. There are representatives of SQA, colleges and universities on the group. The group met last week. It was a productive meeting. We agreed…

Categories: Computing

Bobby 1

March 16, 2017

NC and NPA Computer Games Development

We’ve had a busy week, kicking off a number of developments. In addition to the NPAs that I recently mentioned, me and Emma also met with the consultants responsible for scoping NC Computer Games Development and NPA Computer Games Development. This means that, at this time, we have commenced the review of the following non-advanced awards: NPA Computer Games Development (SCQF Levels 4, 5 and 6) NC Computer Games Development (SCQF Levels 5 and 6) NPA Software Development (SCQF Level…

Categories: Development, NC, NPA

Bobby 2

March 13, 2017

Review of NPAs

We have commenced the reviews of some NPAs. These are: NPA Software Development (SCQF Level 4) NPA Digital Media Basics (SCQF Level 4) NPA Digital Media Editing (SCQF Level 5) NPA Web Design Fundamentals (SCQF Level 5) Two school teachers are leading these reviews. These awards are particularly popular in Scottish schools. At this time, we are scoping the changes required for each award. We hope to have the scoping completed by the end of April. Scoping doesn’t actually involve…

Categories: Development