what is a NPA qualification??

[PiperPublickOccurrences]

DS is currently doing Nat 5 computing. He is keen to carry on with it next year.

His school offers Higher Computing. (Self explanatory). There is also the option to do something called a NPA in cybersecurity and computer games design. DS thinks this sounds a lot more exciting than a boring old computer science higher. I think a standard Higher will probably cover a lot of the same stuff and is more acceptable to employers and UCAS.

Is the NPA like the old Scotvec Modules that were offered way back in the day?

It looks like it is a National Progression Award. Dd was steered away from the computer programming course in favour of nat5 computing as it was more of a vocational qualification

I remember doing Scotvec modules!

But what's a National Progression Award? No idea. Is it less rigourous than a Higher?

(Got my Scotvec Module in Basic Food Prep in S6, 1989ish).

It won't be the same level as a higher probably.
www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/46552.html

It's all far too complicated.

According to the UCAS website, a NPA pass at Band A is 14 UCAs Points, at Band B it's 21 points and 28 points at Band C. No grades - just a pass or fail.

A Higher pass at A is 33 points, a B is 27 points.

But everyone knows what a Higher is and i'd certainly never heard of an NPA.

He'll be doing the Higher I think!!

You nailed it. An NPA is closest in feel to SCOTVEC modules. Available at level 4/5/6 so pupils can progress through. Not an adequate replacement for a full Higher but a nice filler if you see what I mean.

Specifically for Computing Science - the Cyber Security/Games Design are different content.

Might be something that he wants to pick up in S6 purely for interest if he already has the highers that he needs for applying to uni. My DS did higher and advanced higher computing and enjoyed both courses. DS is now doing a degree apprenticeship and the AH is proving very useful at both work and uni.