The document summarizes the development process for new HNC/D Computing and Networking qualifications. It explains that consultations have been conducted with industry, universities, and colleges. A key finding is overwhelming support for the proposals based on a survey of 133 responses. New qualifications will be created in areas like Computing, Technical Support, Software Development, and Networking. Vendor qualifications may be directly accredited and capped at 25% of an award. The next steps include writing new units, validating them in December 2011, and launching the new awards between February and May 2012.

1. HN Review Review of HNC/D Computing & Networking 23 June, 2011 Bobby Elliott Scottish Qualifications Authority bobby.elliott@sqa.org.uk

2. Aim of the presentation Explain the development process Update you on progress Explain how you can get involved

3. Vocational Computing team

4. Evolution of HNC/D Computing

5. Issues with current awards New knowledge and skills Virtualisation Web 2.0 Mobile technology Social media Over assessment Low achievement Maintaining links with vendors

6. Development process

7. Consultations to date Industry Universities Sector Skills Council Schools Colleges Other specialist interest groups

8. Key findings from survey Survey 133 responses Overwhelming support for proposals Lowest rating was 83% (HND Computing) New qualifications HNC Computing HND Computing HND Computing: Technical Support HND Computing: Software Development HND Computing: Networking

9. Vendor qualifications Current system Map SQA units to vendor units Provide credit transfer between vendor and SQA Issues with maintaining links New system (pilot) Direct accreditation of vendor units SCQF levelled and credited Optional only Capped (25%)

10. Next steps July-October 2011 Write units Validate units September-November Write Validation Proposal Document Organise validation event December 2011 Validation event January-March 2012 Write Arrangements Feburary-May 2012 Launch new awards Write support materials

11. http://hnreview.blogspot.com/

12. Getting involved See early versions of the units Join the validation panel Write support materials Follow the blog!

13. What is Project DIVA? Digital Media and ICT Vendor Alliance

14. Achieved this year Agreements with all vendors refreshed Linux now part of programme Forth Valley College appointed as Lead Centre 20 staff from across sector getting free weeks training Apple – with Scotland’s Colleges offered App development course Moving work ahead with VMWare and Google Computing updates through Computing Blog