Qualifications Scotland

We're working on a new website. You'll see references to both Qualifications Scotland and SQA while we complete this work. Learn more.
Categories

Stay up to date with Computing and Digital Blogs

Read our privacy statement.

Computing & Digital Blog

March 13, 2023

NPA Data Science

We’ve developed a wide range of data science qualifications over the last few years, spanning SCQF Levels 3-9. The latest addition was new National Units relating to data skills. The most popular qualification is the National Progression Award in Data Science, which was introduced in session 2020/21 and now has over 600 entries across three levels (National 4, National 5 and National 6). We recently carried out some informal consultation about the qualification and we would now like to formalise…

Categories: Computing

Bobby 0

March 10, 2023

NPA Digital Skills (GT5Y 43) – assessments now available on SOLAR

We are pleased to let you know that SOLAR assessments are now available for NPA Digital Skills SCQF level 3. The individual assessments, which cover all knowledge and practical outcomes of the award’s three units (Computer Applications J5V1 43, Computer Basics J5V2 43, and Digital Basics J5V3 43), are now live and can be accessed via the SOLAR platform. If you need to be set up to access SOLAR, please get in touch with the team via the SOLAR website.

Categories: Digital Skills

hilaryweir 0

March 6, 2023

Vocational Computing qualifications

The team has recently updated the diagram that summarises the portfolio of vocational Computing qualifications. You can download a PDF version: Vocational Computing portfolio As you can see, there’s been a lot of development work relating to CBQs, with more qualifications coming. The Next Gen project is modernising a number of Higher National Qualifications, including the introduction of a new qualification in data science. A new NPA in Esports has recently been developed and there are a couple of new National…

Categories: Computing

Bobby 0

February 20, 2023

Yammer network

This time last year, I posted a message about our planned use of Yammer during 2022. In that message, I explained that we had (successfully) used various (free) mailing lists to communicate with you but that these all, eventually, stop working and that we planned to move all support to Yammer since this is included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions and is part of Glow, the school network. Also, since it’s backed by Microsoft, it’s unlikely to go the way of…

Categories: Computing

Bobby 0

February 9, 2023

Grading in the new Higher Nationals

One of the big changes that are part of Next Gen is the introduction of grading to modernised Higher National Qualifications (HNQs). Currently, one unit (the Graded Unit) is awarded a grade (A, B or C), the other units are ungraded (pass/fail). Next Gen introduces whole-qualification grading. One of three grades will be awarded: Achieved. Achieved with Merit. Achieved with Distinction. Learners will be awarded HNC Computing: Achieved with Merit (for example). Different subjects are trialling different (but similar) models. Computing…

Categories: Computing

Bobby 0