Exceptional arrangements for National Vocational qualifications

(NVQ) in 2020Elaine Rudduck and Sonia Robinson

Published 19/06/2020

Aims

• Journey to so far• Qualifications in scope• Qualifications out of scope• Mitigation • Process• Data collection• Evidence• Next steps

Journey to NVQ adaptation

Collaboration between VTCT and other AOs

Technical expert

reviewed all units

Framework developed by both parties

Covid-19 Mandatory

data completion for learner cohorts

Proposed NVQ framework for

assessment shared with the

Sector Skills Council and Sector Skills

Body

VTCT’s NVQ webinar Certification

Qualifications in scope

Source adapted from: Ofqual Consultation - Exceptional arrangements for assessment and grading in 2020

Progression to FE/HE

Occupational Competence

Range of qualifications in scope of the consultation

GCSEs, AS, A Levels

Apprenticeship EPAs

Vocational and Technical QualificationsOther general qualifications

Primary purpose is clearly stated as progression into FE/HE

Qualification with a mixed purpose (progression to FE/HE and/or employment)

Progression into employment/licence to practise

Ofqual’s approach to qualifications

1

2

3

Mitigation approaches

Delay

Adaptation

Estimation

Qualifications approved for adaptation

VRQ NVQ

Mandatory data collection, Covid-19

Webinar

EQA

Centres to ensure they have an audit trail in place to support NVQ

adaptation

Uploading of centre evidence

External quality assurance activity

Certification claims –learners

Process

https://forms.vtct.org.uk/Adaptations/

Enter your personal Linx2 centre portal credentials, centre number and select <Login>

How to upload Adaptation documents

Select the site which you are uploading

Select the External Quality Assurer (EQA). Where multiple EQAs are supporting adaptations you will need to do this for each EQA

Select <Choose file> (the wording ‘Choose file’ may vary depending on the Internet browser you are using)

Multiple Files can be uploaded

The file you have selected for upload will be displayed

Select <Submit File>

Adaptations

Principles• To ensure safety of the learners progressing into industry• Neither advantage and or disadvantage the learners• Recognise those learners who are competent and support

progression for next year so that they are not disadvantaged by the current situation

• 100% of assessment criteria must be covered• Each unit would be observed a minimum of once, but certain units

require additional observations (due to increased skill or safety considerations with the unit)

• All remaining areas of the range not covered by the practical observations would need to be covered by an adaptation

• All theoretical evidence would need to be covered

Adaptation Framework

• Technical experts have reviewed each unit and developed a proportional approach where safety is not compromised

• The framework outlines the units • Learners must prove that they have the necessary knowledge and

understanding to support competence • Simulation is not permitted • Ranges and skills must be cross-referenced to evidence within the

portfolio • The number of observations is proportional to the number of skills.

They range from one upwards. This depends on the complexity and on health and safety implications, i.e. cutting, colouring, lightening and electrical equipment

Practical Observations

• Your Assessor will observe these aspects of your performance on at least 1 occasion.

• Certain units require additional observations (due to increased skill or safety considerations with the unit)

Skills or knowledge of the outstanding range can be demonstrated through any form of adaptation

• Projects• Observed work• Witness statements• Audio-visual media• RPL• Written questions• Oral questions• Assignments• Case studies• Professional discussion

Holistic Assessment

A holistic approach and, where possible, to use evidence for learning outcomes and assessment criteria for other elements, e.g. range. There must be valid, authentic and sufficient evidence for all the assessment criteria.

Quality Assurance Requirements and Accountability

Centre adaptations - Assessor

Internal Quality Assurance

External Quality Assurance

Collaboration

• Mandatory completion of the Covid-19 Quality Assurance Form• Aggressive timescale, we will be working with you throughout June and

August however we anticipate this activity may continue into September.

• Adaptations will depend on qualification type and centre risk rating• Quality Assurance Department and EQAs will be working with centres• Reliant on trust between the VTCT and Centres

Next step and Timeframes

Summary

• Webinar available on website (centre log-in required)

• Mandatory data collection on cohort of learners – COVID-19 Quality Assurance Form

• Centre guidance packs to be disseminated

Deadlines

• VTCT is committed to releasing learner results for the academic year 2019/2020

• Collaboration is essential during this intense period of activity and the team of EQAs will be working with you throughout June, July and into August

• It may be necessary for us to contact you during this process, please be alert and responsive

• We will be working to support you through each stage of the process

Questions