SQA Centre Update

Computing Science update

We have updated the Unit assessment support packs for National 3, National 4 and National 5 Computing Science. This follows verification activities and feedback gathered from practitioners throughout 2013-14. The packs now include more detailed guidance on assessment activities, gathering candidate evidence, making assessment decisions and completing the candidate assessment record.

For the new Higher Computing Science Course, a bank of three coursework assessment tasks is now available on SQA’s secure site for session 2014-15. We have also renamed the Pseudocode document for Higher Computing Science; it is now titled the Reference Language document.

Accounting event

The Introduction of International Accounting Standards, which relates to the presentation of accounts, has introduced new accounting terminology. SQA is holding a one day training event on the new layouts for National 5 and Higher, on 30 September. Find out more information

Continue reading CPD Bulletin 28th August →

SQA CENTRE NEWS

SQA.org.uk improvements

Following customer feedback, we are pleased to announce that a number of improvements to SQA.org.uk will be going live this weekend.

Home page/navigation

The new home page has clear user selection panels as the main focus and a more streamlined layout for key content and information. Some customers thought the old home page design was too busy and that it was not clear how to get to pages specifically aimed at them.

Qualifications

We have merged Subjects and Qualifications into a single area so that it’s more straightforward to access all qualification information from one place.

Page layout and content

We have changed the site layout on all pages from a three-column to a two-column layout and increased the font size used. These changes improve clarity and will help you get to what you are looking for more quickly.

Continue reading CPD Bulletin 22nd August →

SQA

30 June 2014 – deadline for resolution of NQ Verification certification ‘Holds’

This is the deadline by when ‘Not Accepted’ decisions must be resolved to allow full August certification to proceed for candidates who are affected. Please re-submit materials as soon as possible – and no later than 18 June. If you have any queries or questions about this, or require any additional support or guidance, please do not hesitate to contact the NQ Verification team on 0345 213 6766.

NC in Computing with Digital Media Event 24 June 2014

We’re holding an event for centres delivering or considering the National Certificate in Digital Media Computing at SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6. You will be able to see the new frameworks, find out what resources will be available, and speak to members of the Qualification Design Team.

If you would like to attend, please register and book using our Events Booking System by Tuesday 17 June 2014.

Delivering National Qualifications: Guide for SQA Co-ordinators 2014-15

We have now published the 2014-15 edition of ‘Delivering National Qualifications’, our practical guide for SQA Co-ordinators. The guide is a valuable resource and provides all the information you need to run National Qualifications in your centre.

You can view or download it now in the Document section on SQA Connect

Continue reading CPD Bulletin 16th June →

SQA Updates

http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/68833.html/

30 June 2014 – deadline for resolution of NQ Verification certification ‘Holds’

This is the deadline by when ‘Not Accepted’ decisions must be resolved to allow full August certification to proceed for candidates who are affected.

Please re-submit materials as soon as possible – and no later than 18 June.

If you have any queries or questions about this, or require any additional support or guidance, please do not hesitate to contact the NQ Verification team on 0345 213 6766.

Internal assessment support materials

The following new and revised internal assessment support materials were published in May 2014:

• HN: Administration and IT and Business (Integrated); Business
• ASPs: Biology (Revised); Computing; Wellness Therapies
• SVQs: Procurement

Please visit our internal assessment support materials web page to see the complete list: http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/46233.html

Continue reading CPD Bulletin 9th June →

Reminder of CPD Opportunities

WL Introduction to Leadership Course

The Programme aims to:

• increase leadership capacity
• create contexts and increase support for distributed leadership
• establish a coaching culture in West Lothian
• offer opportunities to develop coaching practice
• offer an enhanced professional development opportunity to both participants and coaches

The programme has been developed specifically for classroom teachers who wish to continue their careers in school leadership and who have the potential to become PTs or PTCs. The programme is intended to support participants develop “project ” and “team” leadership.

The Programme will be facilitated and supported by:

Lesley Henderson, DHT, Balbardie PS & Abi Adam, DHT, Broxburn Academy

Please note that the closing date for applications is Friday 13 June 2014. Applications should be endorsed and signed by HT.

The application form is available at: www.gtcs.org.uk/Application_for_Professional_Recognition

Continue reading CPD Bulletin 30th May →