I have previously posted about the E-Placement scheme, which is sponsored by the Scottish Funding Council and supported by E-Skills UK, Scotland IS, and Napier University.
I met with Colin Smith, of Napier University, this morning to discuss how SQA can support the academic side of the initiative. The placement lasts for (at least) three months and could be done between the first and second years of the HND Computing programme. Students are paid during the placement.
We looked at ways of accrediting the placement through SQA unit(s). Our options were to use existing units, of which there are several generic ones, or create a new specific unit for this placement, such as one entitled "E-Placement" or "Working in IT", which could be a two or three credit unit specifally designed around working in the IT industry. I have to consult internally about this but your views (via the comment facility) would be valued.
If we developed a new unit, it would be added to the existing HND Computing awards and, subject to QDT approval, included in the current HN Review.
Contact Mark Ratcliffe, of E-Skills, for more information about the E-Placement scheme.
Selasa, 21 April 2015
Graded Unit (Project) EV training
I attended a training event on Saturday along with the Computing External Verifier (EV) team. It covered new guidance on the Graded Unit that was recently sent to centres (I would link to the PDF but I can't find it on the SQA website - in spite of our "new, site wide search facility").
It was an interesting event that gave us the opportunity to discuss standards relating to Project-based Graded Units - of which there are many in my portfolio.
I would be interested to know how satisfied you are with the Project-based GUs and if you would like any additional guidance from SQA (please use the comment facility).
It was an interesting event that gave us the opportunity to discuss standards relating to Project-based Graded Units - of which there are many in my portfolio.
I would be interested to know how satisfied you are with the Project-based GUs and if you would like any additional guidance from SQA (please use the comment facility).
Monitoring of Standards - HN Computing
We are looking for an FE & HE representative to take part in a Monitoring of Standards exercise focussing on a selection of HN Computing Units sampled from candidates over a selection of centres.
This work will take place during the summer break and will be paid work lasting approximately 2-3 days.
If you are interested in taking part, please get in touch with me direct (caroline.douglas@sqa.org.uk).
This work will take place during the summer break and will be paid work lasting approximately 2-3 days.
If you are interested in taking part, please get in touch with me direct (caroline.douglas@sqa.org.uk).
Senin, 20 April 2015
HNC/D IT seminar
I attended a seminar today at Stirling Management Centre to discuss developments relating to the new HNC/D Information Technology. Robert Quinn (SQA) and George Johnson (Reid Kerr College) led the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was the update everyone about progress to date and also to seek feedback on certain key issues. It was a good meeting [ASF] and there was a lot of agreement. Around forty people attended. We're hoping to have the new awards (HNC IT and HND IT) available to centres by January 2006. Angela Orr is co-ordinating this development from the SQA end. And look out for a new public e-group relating to these awards in the near future.
Review of Internet Safety
SQA was the first awarding body in the UK to produce a national qualification in the field of Internet safety and we were delighted when E-Skills UK adopted our qualification as the basis of their own award in this area.
The National Unit [PDF] has been available since 2006. Since its introduction, it has proven to be very popular in schools and colleges; some schools offer it to every child in the early years of secondary school; many colleges include it in their adult education programmes. But technology has moved on in the last five years and it's time to look at the unit, with a view to updating it.
I began that process today when I had an internal discussion about our plans to update the unit. During the next few months we will be talking to various agencies and individuals to get their views on what we need to do to update the qualification. The revised unit will be available from August 2012 to centres in Scotland.
Contact Caroline for more information about the current qualification.
The National Unit [PDF] has been available since 2006. Since its introduction, it has proven to be very popular in schools and colleges; some schools offer it to every child in the early years of secondary school; many colleges include it in their adult education programmes. But technology has moved on in the last five years and it's time to look at the unit, with a view to updating it.
I began that process today when I had an internal discussion about our plans to update the unit. During the next few months we will be talking to various agencies and individuals to get their views on what we need to do to update the qualification. The revised unit will be available from August 2012 to centres in Scotland.
Contact Caroline for more information about the current qualification.