Keeping up-to-date with SQA

I am sometimes told that teachers are too busy to check this blog or follow us on Twitter, and I appreciate the pressures on teachers and lecturers during term-time (I was one myself for 22 years).

But these tools are designed to save time. The blog is a great way of knowing what has happened, or what is about to happen, without waiting for your SQA Co-ordinator to pass on a letter. Twitter provides real-time information about the team so, for example, I can let you know if a member of the team is absent, which might explain why your e-mail has went unanswered. They are also democratic media. It doesn't matter if you are Head of Department or a part-time lecturer, anyone can access them.

You can access the blog and Twitter via your mobile phone, which is a great way of reading them. The blog has an RSS feed that can be used on your phone (I use Newsrob on my Andoid handset) and most modern phones come with Twitter software (simply follow sqacomputing). So, in the space of two minutes on the daily commute you can keep up-to-date with developments.

I should emphasise that neither the blog nor Twitter replace anything. They are additional services that the team take the time to maintain on top of the standard communication channels (letters, website, etc.).

Software Development: Relational Database Systems

Following QST agreement, there have been significant changes made to the HN Unit DH3D 35 Software Development: Relational Database Systems.

Due to this, we have had to assign a new unit number to the revised version.  This means that within each of the group awards that this unit appears, you will have the choice to deliver either the older version DH3D 35 or the revised version FE77 35.

These changes have no implications on the current Oracle mapping arrangements.  Full credit transfer will be given for those who have delivered the older version of the unit and wish to enter candidates for the revised version.  A end date has been placed on DH3D 35 of 31st July 2013.

An exemplar pack is currently being processed and should be available by the end of February (at the latest)from the SQA secure website.

Click here to download the revised version.

DEeLTA Steering Group

DEeLTA Steering Group

Originally uploaded by bobbyelliott.

I attended the first meeting of the DEeLTA Steering Group today. DEeLTA is a project, funded by ESF, to enhance e-learning within the UK. The project is managed by Clive Young of Caledonian University.



The main purpose of the project is to produce two modules at Masters degree level (SCQF level 11). My interest is to ensure that this new curriculum fits in with E-Qualifications. I'm hoping that the new modules build on the Advanced Diploma in E-Learning and provide an opportunity for students to progress directly from the Advanced Dip. to a Masters degree.

HNC/D IT validation event

The validation event for HNC/D Information Technology was held this morning in the Marriot Hotel in Glasgow. The validation panel was convened by Bob McGonigle and the Qualification Design Team was led by June McCamlie.

The panel members gave the proposed arrangements a thorough scrutiny. The HNC proposals were broadly accepted but we've a bit of work to do on the HND. So we're going to finalise the HNC as soon as possible and take our time with the HND. We did something similar with Computing when we separated the HNC from the HND.

This means that the HNC award will be available to centres in a couple of months and the HND later this year. Contact Angela for the latest information on this development. And don't forget to join the Smartgroup is you want to keep up to date with developments.

Spreadsheet Safe

Since February 2009 SQA has worked closely with Q-Validus, a Dublin based organisation who are leaders in creating and supporting global assessment and certification programmes.

At that time SQA signed a formal endorsement agreement with Q-Validus and this partnership has seen SQA's full endorsement of Q-Validus' suite of IT certification programmes that are designed to improve productivity in the workplace through more efficient and effective use of modern day office IT applications. The certification programmes focus on improving functional and collaborative skills between knowledge workers within today's technology-centric workplace. This programme is now being rolled out globally by our partners.

One of these innovative Units is Spreadsheet Safe.

Spreadsheet Safe is a recognised computer skills training and certification standard for those who work with important spreadsheets. Endorsed by SQA, now Spreadsheet Safe can become a valuable new programme addition for your training centre and your clients.

The Spreadsheet Safe qualification is mapped to the UK National Occupational Standards (NOS) ITQ 2009 and is endorsed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). The programme is designated at Level 7 and with 7 Credits on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). Spreadsheet Safe is also approved CPD by ACCA.

With a published course book, e-learning, automated testing and a recognised certificate, Spreadsheet Safe complements existing spreadsheet training and offers a valued additional training perspective.

For Syllabus, click here: Syllabus

For Practice test items, click here: Practice

For a ‘Snapshot’, click here: Snapshot

For our website, click here: Home

For information about how to become a Spreadsheet Safe Authorised Centre please contact Q-Valdus directly 00 353 1 716 3740 or by email: garry.cleere@q-validus.com

SQA Contact: liam.priest@sqa.org.uk