NC review

The review of some of the National Certificates (NCs) in this area commenced yesterday, when we held the first full-day meeting of the Qualification Development Team (QDT). We are specifically looking at the NCs in Digital Media Computing, which were first introduced in 2007.

The QDT is responsible for reviewing the existing awards and suggesting how the awards need to change. Once this is agreed, the QDT leads the development. Part of the job of the QDT is to consult with external stakeholders so that we don't make decisions in a vaccuum. The final output is an updated qualification.

Twelve peope attended yesterday's meeting, representing colleges (such as Inverness), schools (such as Cathkin HS) and businesses (an IT company based in Dunfermline).

It was a busy day and there was a lot of agreement about what is right and wrong with the current awards. For example, there was a consensus that the current awards are "too repetitive", that there is too much assessment, and that the contents need to be modernised. On the other hand, people liked the simple structure (6 mandatory and 6 optional units), liked the three levels (SCQF 4, 5 and 6). The large number of options was also liked. The business representative reminded us of the importance of core skills and this is likely to have a greater profile in the new awards. We also wanted to increase group work and a large project-type unit (in all awards) was liked.

So there were lots of agreement and lots of good ideas, which we now need to turn into something concrete.

It's not too late to get involved in this development so contact Hilary if you want know how. The updated awards will be available to centres from August 2014.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter to keep up-to-date with all developments in this area.