Introduction to the

Qualifications and Credit Framework

(QCF)

Terri McComiskey (CCEA Regulation)

Vocational Qualifications (VQs)

2006 – a UK Vocational Qualification Reform Programme established to

reform and rationalise vocational qualifications so that they reflect

employer and learner needs

Originally developed for adults but now encompassing qualifications for

14 – 19 year olds more and more

Outcomes

A new framework in N Ireland, England, and Wales - Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

Unit and credit based qualifications which meet the needs of learners and employers

Informed by Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) expressing their sectors needs in the development of appropriate VQs.

QCF Qualification StructureC

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Size

1 – 12 credits 13 – 36 credits 37 plus credits

What is the QCF?

Qualifications are made up of units with a credit value

2 A

3 B

2 C

3 D

10 credit value qualification

1 credit = 10 hours

Unit Based Qualifications

Mandatory Units

Optional Units

Employers’ Own Units

Unit Bank Qualification ‘A’

Credits and Levels

Every unit and qualification in the framework will have a credit value and a level

Three sizes of qualifications• Award / Certificate / Diploma

Nine levels • The level of a unit/qualification shows you how demanding it is• To help understand the levels it is useful to know:

GCSEs (A*-C) are level 2, A levels are level 3, PhD is level 8

Credits• 1 credit = 10 hours of learning time (the amount of time and effort it

takes the average learner to complete)

QCF Qualifications Pathways

QCF process for the learner

Benefits for Learners

Offers more freedom, choice and flexibility

Gives easy access to information about the commitment needed for different routes to achievement

Allows them to build up credits at their own pace and combine them in a way that will help them get where they want to be

Enables them to transfer credits between qualifications to avoid having to repeat their learning

Foundation Learning in England

Increasing choice and flexibility for learners

working at Entry level and level 1

Lisa McMahon CCEA (Regulation)

What is Foundation learning?

One of the 4 national suites of qualifications Targets learners working at entry level and level

1 Supported by credit based qualifications in the

new QCF Expectation is that all areas will deliver some FL

provision on a 14-19 basis by 2010/11

Provision at entry level and level 1

Personalised learning programmes helping learners gain credit at entry level and level 1

Supports progression to clearly defined destinations

Progression wherever possible will be to level 2 or can be to independent living or supported employment

Progression routes

GCSEs Full level 2

EmploymentSupported

employment

Living more independentl

y

QCF qualifications

Foundation Learning Programme

Who is it for? Students in mainstream schools, colleges and

WBL Students with SEN Students in pupil referral Units Students with LLDD Young offenders

applies to both 14-19 learners and to adults aged 19 and above

What is a programme made up of?

FL programmes must include: subject or vocational knowledge, skills and

understanding functional skills personal and social development learning

Learning in these areas should not be delivered discretely

No specified weighting for each component

An FL programme will also comprise a ‘wrap-around’ of: Initial engagement and assessment Information, advice and guidance Ongoing learner support

Initial assessment vital in order to determine intended destination

Programmes should identify qualifications which accurately reflect relevant providers’ entry criteria for the chosen destination

Encourage a collaborative approach so that schools and colleges can together provide a seamless offer with minimal disruption at transition points

Qualification and Credit framework (QCF)

Providers design programmes for their learners using units and qualifications at Entry level and Level 1 of the QCF.

Programmes do not have a prescribed size, but average programme is around 45 credits – app 450 guided learning hours

No overall FL ‘certificate’ or pass/fail threshold – learner achievements are recognised using the QCF

Example of an FL programme

Tim is 17 years old and is a residential learner at an independent specialist college. He has acquired brain injuries and associated learning, sensory and emotional difficulties.

Initial assessment identified that in order to develop the skills to progress to supported employment the learning programme should focus on PSD and building basic literacy. It was not considered to be relevant or appropriate for Tim to undertake Functional Skills in maths or ICT.

Qualifications and credits:Edexcel Entry Level 1 Award in Personal Progress - 8 credits; 80-90 GLH Edexcel Entry Level 1 Award in Communication Skills (includes optional units on developing writing skills and developing reading skills) - 6 credits; 60 GLH

Overall attainment:14 credits 140–150 GLH

Tim is 17 years old and is a residential learner at an independent specialist college. He has acquired brain injuries and associated learning, sensory and emotional difficulties.

Initial assessment identified that in order to develop the skills to progress to supported employment the learning programme should focus on PSD and building basic literacy. It was not considered to be relevant or appropriate for Tim to undertake Functional Skills in maths or ICT.

Qualifications and credits:Edexcel Entry Level 1 Award in Personal Progress - 8 credits; 80-90 GLH Edexcel Entry Level 1 Award in Communication Skills (includes optional units on developing writing skills and developing reading skills) - 6 credits; 60 GLH

Overall attainment:14 credits 140–150 GLH

Example of an FL programme

Michaela is 19. She has moderate learning difficulties and attends a special unit at her local college. She lives at home with her parents and would like to learn how to be more independent. She likes more practical learning and enjoys spending time at her local stables.

Michaela’s FL programme:

Functional skills in English Entry 3 5 creditsCertificate in personal and social development 13 creditsEntry level cert. in skills for working life – land based Entry 3 22 creditsFunctional skills in maths Entry 1 5 creditsFunctional skills in ICT Entry 2 5 credits

Overall attainment:50 credits500 GLHs

Michaela is 19. She has moderate learning difficulties and attends a special unit at her local college. She lives at home with her parents and would like to learn how to be more independent. She likes more practical learning and enjoys spending time at her local stables.

Michaela’s FL programme:

Functional skills in English Entry 3 5 creditsCertificate in personal and social development 13 creditsEntry level cert. in skills for working life – land based Entry 3 22 creditsFunctional skills in maths Entry 1 5 creditsFunctional skills in ICT Entry 2 5 credits

Overall attainment:50 credits500 GLHs

The Foundation Learning catalogue available at www.qcda.gov.uk/flqcatalogue more than 450 new quals on the QCF developed

specifically for FL programmes ongoing discussions around developing units for

subject qualifications Entry level subject quals are being redeveloped

in: Maths Science and technology Creative English and humanities

Benefits to the learner Rewards programmes focused on progression Accredits achievement through credit based

qualifications More flexible opportunities for learners to

achieve and progress; this includes ‘bite-sized’ progression options within qualifications

Learners and practitioners jointly agree destination and personalised programme