We’re going to undertake a review of NPA Data Science over the next few months. This will be a relatively minor review to address some of the feedback we’ve received about the qualification since it was first introduced in 2019. For example, teachers have told us that the units require too much evidence; we’ve also been told that the assessments could be improved. SQA will work with Data Education in Schools to make the changes. But we’d be delighted to…
I’m pleased to let you know that the new National Progression Award (NPA) in Esports at SCQF Levels 4,5 and 6 is now operational. These are: NPA Esports at SCQF Level 4 (GV1H 44) NPA Esports at SCQF Level 5 (GV1H 45) NPA Esports at SCQF Level 6 (GV1H 46) We have also now published the Group Award Specification for this new NPA. As you will know from previous posts, the units for these qualifications went live in January this…
As you know from previous posts, the new Diploma in Digital Technology at SCQF Level 8 has replaced the existing level 8 diplomas in Data Analytics (GL30 48) and Information Security Professionals (GJ74 48). We are currently developing 3 new pathways for the Diploma in Digital Technology at SCQF Level 8, these are: Diploma in Digital Technology: Cloud Infrastructure Diploma in Digital Technology: IT Support Diploma in Digital Technology: Network Infrastructure The above pathways will replace our current level 8…
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…
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…
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…
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…
At SQA, we’re committed to supporting centre development and we are hosting a Quality Network Event on 15th February from 1pm – 3pm for schools, colleges, employers, and trainer providers. The virtual event will focus on diplomas. There will be updates on our current options and information on our new developments, such as our new Diploma in Digital Technology at Level 8. We will also help centres prepare for the new awards coming this year. If you would like to…
Regular readers will know that Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has commenced a review of the existing Competence Based Qualifications (CBQs) in Computing. SDS is working closely with employers to ensure that the new qualifications are relevant in the workplace. This work commenced last year, when SQA developed three new CBQs at SCQF Level 8. Diploma Digital Technology: Cyber Security SCQF Level 8 (GT8Y 48) Diploma Digital Technology: Data Analytics SCQF Level 8 (GT90 48) Diploma Digital Technology: Software Development SCQF…
As you know from previous posts, we have been developing a new National Progression Award in Esports at Levels 4,5&6. I’m pleased to let you know that we have now published the 9 new units for this NPA, please see them linked below: 1. Esports: The Esports Industry at SCQF Level 4 (J73V 44) https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/files/nq/J73V44.pdf 2. Esports: The Esports Industry at SCQF Level 5 (J73Y 45) https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/files/nq/J73Y45.pdf 3. Esports: The Esports Industry at SCQF Level 6 (J743…
As previously mentioned, we were in the process of developing a Guide to Assessment for the new Diploma in Digital Technology pathways. We are pleased to announce that this new guidance document has now been published, please find the link to this below: Assessment Guidance – https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/files_ccc/assessment-guidance-digital-technology-gt8y48-gt9048-gt9148.pdf Please contact me if you have any questions.
I received an enquiry this morning about Next Gen so I thought that this is a good time to update you about developments. The Next Gen initiative will bring big changes to Higher National Qualifications (HNQs). Computing was one of the first subjects to get involved. The work has been completed in two phases. In phase 1 we developed two new qualifications: HNC Computing HND Data Science. These developments were completed in mid-2021 and available to pilot in August of…
Me and my team would like to welcome you back after the Christmas and New Year holiday. If you’ve not already, I encourage you to read the review of 2022 that I posted just before Christmas. In that post, I alluded to some challenges that the team faced last year, particularly the time we took to finalise some developments. That’s something that we’re determined to improve on this year (2023). Last year was exceptionally busy and I’m hoping for a…
It’s become something of a custom for me to end the year with a review of the year so I’ll do that today since SQA closes tomorrow for Christmas. I kicked-off the year with a post about Next Gen when I announced the start of the second phase of developments that involved HND Computer Science, HND Networking & Cloud Infrastructure, and HND Software Development. This work has undoubtedly been the team’s biggest project this year. Amy joined the team (to…
As you will have seen from our previous post, SDS is currently updating NOS for the IT sector and we wanted to update you on the current NOS project developments. SDS have now completed the draft NOS suites for User Centred Design and Digital Learning Development. The consultations are live at the links below: The online User Centred Design NOS consultation hosting is here – https://odag.co.uk/user-centred-design-nos/ The online Digital Learning Development NOS consultation hosting is here – https://odag.co.uk/digital-learning-development-nos/ Please…
We have developed a new Cyber Security unit at SCQF Level 3. Cyber Security at SCQF Level 3 – J6WN 43 This unit is to give learners a basic introduction to cyber security, and the skills and knowledge they will need to undertake NPA Cyber Security at Levels 4,5 & 6. Education Scotland will also be providing learning and teaching resources for this unit. For further information on this please refer to the digilearn site. Education Scotland will be hosting…
Many of you will be familiar with National Occupational Standards (NOS), which were produced and maintained by Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) for many years. NOS were used to develop occupational standards that under-pinned SVQs. The demise of most SSCs (including E-Skills and Tech Partnership, which were responsible for NOS in the IT sector) resulted in Skills Development Scotland taking up the role of developing and maintaining NOS (for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). The most recent developments in the vocational…
The annual standardisation meeting for External Verifiers (EVs) took place on Saturday. It was well attended, with 11 EVs in attendance. The meeting is led by the Senior External Verifier (SEV). The purpose of the meeting is to review the previous year’s activities and ensure everyone applies the same standards in the coming year. Me and my team provided an update on recent qualification developments, which included new vocational diplomas, a new qualification in esports, and Next Gen developments. The…
Following the success of our inaugural Quality Network Week last year, SQA are running a refreshed event – SQA Connections Week – for schools, colleges and employers/trainer providers from Monday 7 to Thursday 10 November 2022. SQA Computing will be running the following sessions on Monday 7th November: 2pm – 3:45pm: Diplomas – New Developments and update on current options 4pm – 5pm: Introduction to the new qualification, NPA Esports The online event will offer centres the opportunity to learn…
One of the big changes introduced with Next Generation (Next Gen) Higher National Qualifications (HNQs) is the introduction of grading. Current HNQs aren’t graded (one unit is graded). Next Gen qualifications will be graded as follows: Achieved Achieved with Merit Achieved with Distinction A key difference is that this grading is for the whole qualification. HNC Computing (the first modernised Computing qualification) is currently being piloted in two Scottish colleges. We met with the subjects teams in both centres yesterday to…
The web log of the qualification team for Computing within SQA. Look out for news about Computing qualifications and related information.
