In this bulletin;
- NQ Verification: round 1 key messages
- NQ Verification: support for ‘not accepted’ decisions
- Advanced Higher support events — update
- MySQA
- Higher Accounting — International Accounting Standards
- National 5 Physical Education
- Advanced Higher Computing Science
- NC Computer Games Development (GC8R 45)
- NPA Professional Computer Fundamentals (GG0F46)
- Statistics across the curriculum event
- Internal verifier course
- Workplace assessor course
- Upcoming NQ key dates
SQA Centre News
- NQ Verification: round 1 key messages
After each round of verification activity, we publish common key messages that have been identified by the verification teams. The NQ Verification 2014–15 Round 1 Common Key Messages report is now available on our website.
In mid-March, we published a selection of subject-specific key messages from round 1. Key messages for all remaining subjects that have had verification activity are now available on oursubject pages.
We hope that teachers and lecturers will find this information helpful when assessing their candidates and when preparing for future rounds of verification.
- NQ Verification: support for ‘not accepted’ decisions
We are continuing to work with centres to provide additional support and guidance wherever necessary. The NQ Verification team has contacted centres that received a ‘not accepted’ decision to offer support from our subject experts, and to encourage prompt re-submission of materials.
If further support is required, we strongly advise centres to contact the NQ Verification team as soon as possible via nqverification@sqa.org.uk or 0345 213 6766.
- Advanced Higher support events — update
We are publishing the materials and presentations from the subject-specific support events for the new National Courses at Advanced Higher.
The following subjects have now been added:
- Art and Design
- Biology
- Drama
- English
- Geography
- Graphic Communication
- History
- Latin
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies
The materials can be accessed at www.sqa.org.uk/cfeevents2015, using the following login details: Login — events2015 Password — cfe2015
Please share these materials with colleagues. Additional materials will be published. Please check Centre News for updates.
- MySQA
MySQA is SQA’s online system designed to allow candidates to view their qualifications records. Candidates can also sign up to receive their results by text or e-mail, in addition to their paper certificate.
To register for MySQA, candidates need to provide their 9-digit Scottish Candidate Number (SCN) and an e-mail address to receive their activation code. Since Tuesday 31 March activation codes are being e-mailed to candidates instead of being posted to home addresses.
This change will mean a faster activation process for SQA candidates in Scotland and around the world.
- Higher Accounting — International Accounting Standards
To facilitate the introduction of International Accounting Standards and changes to terminology, a Higher resource bank is now available to download from the Related Information section of the Accounting subject page.
- National 5 Physical Education
Centres are advised that we will accept National 5 PE portfolios that have been submitted using last year’s template. There is no requirement for candidates to transcribe their work on to the new template as the questions are unchanged. Please note, however, that we do require page 1 (fly-leaf) and page 13 (marks sheet) to be printed and attached to candidates’ work.
- Advanced Higher Computing Science
The reference language specification is now available for Advanced Higher. It can be found alongside the Specimen Question Paper and Marking Instructions on our Advanced Higher Computing Science web page.
- NC Computer Games Development (GC8R 45)
Two Units have been added to the NC Computer Games Development framework as optional Units: F3GB11 Communication and F3GF 11 Numeracy.
- NPA Professional Computer Fundamentals (GG0F46)
Wording has been added to section 6.2 of theArrangements document in order to clarify credit transfer between the Units and the Microsoft Technology Associate qualification.
· Statistics across the curriculum event
We are hosting a launch event for the new Statistics Unit at SCQF level 6, which is being introduced in session 2015–16 as part of Curriculum for Excellence. The event will take place at the University of Strathclyde on 4 June 2015.
The Statistics Unit focuses on statistical interpretation and therefore contains minimal mathematical content. Potential assessors may come from a variety of backgrounds, including social sciences, business and life sciences.
The event will provide guidance on delivery and assessment and will give delegates the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops and discussions. It is targeted at principal teachers, faculty heads, and course/subject leaders, whose centres intend to deliver the new Statistics Unit in August 2015.
Places are limited to one per centre and so early booking is advisable. Local authority professional support staff will also be offered one place each.
- Internal verifier course
Meeting the Requirements of the Workplace Internal Verifier L&D11 Unit/PDA is running on the following dates and is now available to book:
- 23 June 2015
- 6 August 2015
- 6 October 2015
- 4 December 2015
More information and booking form
· Workplace assessor course
Meeting the Requirements of the Workplace Assessor L&D9DI Units/PDAs is running on the following dates and is now available to book:
- 15 May 2015
- 13 July 2015
- 16 September 2015
- 3 November 2015
- 11 December 2015
More information and booking form
· Upcoming NQ key dates
Mid-April 2015
Submit outstanding Added Value or Literacy/Numeracy (where applicable) Unit entries/results by mid-April 2015 to qualify for a National 4 Course award for session 2013–14
