Qualifications Credit Framework Progression Pathways and Employability What

Qualifications & Credit Framework, Progression Pathways and Employability

What is the Qualifications and Credit Framework? • Aims to develop a regulated credit and qualifications framework for England, Wales and NI • Simple and rational organising structure for units and qualifications • Reforms the National Qualifications Framework • Capable of supporting the accumulation of credit over time

Aims of QCF • Recognise a wider range of achievements within a more inclusive National Qualifications Framework • Establish a framework more responsive to learner and employer needs • Simpler qualifications framework that is easier for all users to understand • Reduce burden of bureaucracy in the accreditation and assessment of qualifications

Purpose of QCF – to provide a flexible and simple structure within which: • Unit based qualifications can be located • Achievements are recognised and recorded through the award of credits and qualifications • Level and size of achievements can be easily identified • Accumulation and transfer of credits supported • Learners have the maximum flexibility and range of opportunities to progress • Learners receive recognition for their achievements

Scope of QCF • Has capacity to recognise all types of quality assured assessment by all types of learner • Can support systems to recognise achievement at all levels, in all sectors and subjects and at all ages • Has the capacity to include learner achievements across England, Wales and NI • Regulated qualifications and learning achievements valued and needed by employers that currently lie both inside and outside the QCF

Levels in the QCF • Nine levels from Entry level to Level 8 • Level descriptors produced for the QCF to promote shared understanding of each level and consistency for units • All units and qualifications have a level • Level of qualifications in the QCF determined by the levels and credit values of the units required to achieve the qualification

Qualifications • Each has a unique title that includes the level, an indication of the content and size. • Each has a set of rules of combination that specifies credits to be achieved for qualification to be awarded • Each is submitted to relevant SSC for approval based on vocational content, special rules or additional requirements for award of qualification

Qualification sizes Title Credit Value Award From 1 – 12 Certificate From 13 – 36 Diploma 37 and above

What is the Foundation Learning Tier? • A programme of work to develop a more focussed and strategic approach to Entry Level and Level 1 for learners aged 14 and over in order to raise participation, achievement and progression • Development of programmes of learning that deliver progression pathways, supported by units and qualifications from QCF • FLT is not a title used for programmes or qualifications

Progression Pathways There are four Pathways which will lead to: • First Full Level Two Qualification • Apprenticeships • Independent living or supported employment • Foundation (Level One) Diploma or GCSEs

ITQ Units in the QCF • • All awarding bodies use the same ITQ units at Levels 1, 2 and 3 Units developed and managed by E-Skills UK ICT units relate directly to the National Occupational Standards All ICT content within qualifications will be delivered through ITQ units • QCF ICT units contribute towards the ITQ at Levels 1, 2 and 3 • Units can be gained across a range of qualifications to contribute towards the e-skills Passport • NOCN have ICT units at Entry 3 in the QCF

ITQ for Life • An E-Skills UK initiative to develop innovative ways of using ICT to deliver Skills for Life • A unit based combination of Literacy, Numeracy, Personal and Social Development delivered using ICT as a curriculum topic • Mapped to emerging functional skills units • Achieved using existing qualifications at Entry Level and Level 1 • Supported by an accredited OCN CPD programme for tutors

NOCN - ITQ for Life • • Identified and supported by e-skills UK NOCN Entry Level Certificate in Adult Numeracy NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Adult Literacy NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Progression (including prescribed ITQ units at Level 1 mapped to functional skills) Delivered as a coherent course using ICT as the curriculum content

Introduction to Selecting Information Using the Internet Demonstrating Speaking And Listening Skills 3 Credits 3 Entry Level Credits Personal Budgeting And Money Management Personal Career Planning 3 Credits Using Reading for Meaning 3 Credits Understanding a Work Experience Placement Preparation for Work 3 Credits 3 Entry Level Credits Qualification Title: Level 1 Certificate in Skills Towards Enabling Progression (Step-Up) QCF Course Title: Developing Skills for Employment

Introduction to Selecting Information Using Internet 3 Credits Entry Using Reading for Meaning 3 credit Developing own Interpersonal Skills 3 Credit Introduction to Understanding Self and Others 3 Credit Personal Budgeting and Money Management 3 Credit Personal Career Planning 3 Credit 351 GLH 39 Credits Qualification Title: Level 1 Diploma in Skills Towards Enabling Progression (Step-Up) QCF Course Title: Employability Skills Spiky profile

Database Software 4 Credits Level 1 Core Skills Internet and Intranets 2 credits Level 1 Optional Spreadsheet Software 4 credits Level 1 Core Skills Understanding a Work Experience Placement 3 Credits Entry Level Use IT to Exchange Information 3 Credits Level 1 Core Skills Operate a computer 4 Credits Level 1 Core Skills Health and Safety Awareness 1 Credit Entry Level 189 GLH 21 Credits Qualification Title: NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Progression QCF Course Title: ICT Skills for the Workplace Spiky profile

Introduction Teamwork Skills 3 Credits Speaking and Listening: Engage in Discussion 3 credits Introduction to Garden Horticulture 3 credits Introduction to Using ICT Systems 3 credits Introduction to Planting a Container 3 credits 150 GLH Qualification Title: Entry Level Certificate in Skills Towards Enabling Progression (Step-Up) QCF 15 Credits Course Title: Introduction to Planting Containers

Contact Details Linda Wyatt - linda. wyatt@ocnemr. org. uk Tel: 01332 861994 Mobile: 07958 337078 Suzanne Jones – suzanne. jones@nocn. org. uk Tel: 0114 227 0500 Tel: 07917862019 www. nocn. org. uk