year 13 summer homework - the hazeley · pdf filerequired for you to make informed financial...

Year 13 Summer Homework

Deadline: Monday 12th

September 2016

Financial Studies

of 23

ifs University College is a registered charity, incorporated by Royal Charter.

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2015-16

Level 3 Certificate in Financial Studies

(CeFS) 600 / 8537 / X

ifs University College is a registered charity, incorporated by Royal Charter. Page 2 of 23

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

FOREWORD 3

1. INTRODUCTION 4

2. YOUR COURSE IN BRIEF 4

LEARNING RESOURCES 6 ASSESSMENT 7 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY – UNIT 1 AND UNIT 2 7 ELECTRONIC TESTING 8 EXAMINATION AVAILABILITY 8 ELECTRONIC ASSESSMENT (PART A) 10 WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS (PART A AND PART B) 11 EXAMINATION RESULTS 13 UCAS TARIFF RATING 14 REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS 14 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS 15

3. HOW TO SUCCEED IN YOUR COURSE 15

LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 15 STUDY MATERIALS AND RESOURCES 16 USEFUL WEBSITES 16 COURSE SITE 17

4. WHAT WILL YOU RECEIVE ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION? 17

CERTIFICATES 17 BROADENING YOUR KNOWLEDGE 18

5. POLICY DOCUMENTS 19

APPENDIX 1 - GRADING 21

TABLE OF FIGURES FIGURE 1 – STRUCTURE OF CEFS 5 FIGURE 2 - STRUCTURE OF DIPFS 18 FIGURE 3 - PROGRESSION DIAGRAM 19

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1 - SKILLS DEMONSTRATED BY CEFS COMPLETERS 6 TABLE 2 - CEFS EXAMINATION DATES 9 TABLE 3 - UCAS TARIFF RATING 14 TABLE 4 - GRADE STRUCTURE 21 TABLE 5 - GRADE DESCRIPTORS 22


Foreword

ifs University College is a not-for-profit professional body and registered charity incorporated by

Royal Charter and is the only specialist provider of professional financial education that is able

to award its own taught degrees. It has a remit to provide the financial services industry with a

skilled and competent workforce while also promoting a better understanding of finance

amongst consumers.

All of ifs University College's qualifications’ content and learning experience is directly informed

by the needs of those they exist to educate. They bridge the academic and vocational divide to

provide students with essential practical skills and the conceptual and analytical abilities of

academic study.

It is this unique and innovative approach that makes ifs University College the provider of choice

for organisations and individuals seeking to improve knowledge, skills and career prospects in

the area of finance and financial services

We wish you every success with your studies.


1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing to study the Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS) qualification.

The Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS) has been designed to provide you with a challenging

qualification covering the core disciplines of financial capability. Students are encouraged to

become responsible borrowers, sensible savers, and have an appreciation of the need for

financial planning throughout their life.

CeFS is a comprehensive introduction to personal finance. It develops the knowledge and skills

required for you to make informed financial decisions by introducing you to the risks and

challenges involved in personal finance and to tools for effective planning. Through developing

core skills of critical analysis and evaluation, synthesis and written communication, CeFS

provides a foundation for further study in business and finance-related disciplines, as well as a

wide range of other fields. The qualification is delivered under our Terms and Conditions (see

Section 5, Policy documents).

We wish you every success with your studies.

2. Your course in brief

The Level 3 Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS) has been designed to provide students with a

challenging qualification covering the core disciplines of financial capability. This will be

achieved by teaching you to apply appropriate solutions from the varied choices available within

the evolving and competitive financial services marketplace.

CeFS enables you to make informed decisions regarding your finances. It will also help you to

become responsible borrowers and sensible savers, and have an appreciation of the need for

financial planning throughout your life.

The structure of CeFS is two mandatory units (see Figure 1).


Figure 1 – Structure of CeFS

As you prepare and plan your studies, you need to be aware that the examination questions will

be designed to elicit answers that use knowledge, understanding and application conforming to

the Level 3 descriptors.


Table 1 - Skills demonstrated by CeFS completers

DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY Achievement at Level 3 reflects the ability to identify and use

relevant understanding, methods and skills to complete tasks and

address problems that, while well defined, have a measure of

complexity. It includes taking responsibility for initiating and

completing tasks and procedures as well as exercising autonomy and

judgement within limited parameters. It also reflects awareness of

different perspectives or approaches within an area of study or work.

KNOWLEDGE AND

UNDERSTANDING

Use factual, procedural and theoretical understanding to complete

tasks and address problems that, while well defined, may be complex

and non-routine.

Interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas.

Be aware of the nature of the area of study or work.

Have awareness of different perspectives or approaches within the

area of study or work.

APPLICATION AND

ACTION

Address problems that, while well defined, may be complex and non-

routine.

Identify, select and use appropriate skills, methods and procedures.

Use appropriate investigation to inform actions.

Review how effective methods and actions have been.

AUTONOMY AND

ACCOUNTABILITY

Take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks and

procedures, including, where relevant, responsibility for supervising

or guiding others.

Exercise autonomy and judgement within limited parameters.

Learning resources

You will be supported by printed core study materials and an online course site. The course site

contains the following resources:

online core study materials;

specification;

glossary of terms;

student handbook;


study tips; and,

Part B preparation video.

Assessment

The CeFS units are assessed using two different components:

a multiple-choice examination (Part A).

a written examination based on a pre-released case study (Part B).

A total of 200 marks are available from both units comprising 100 marks per unit.

A pass mark of 40% per unit will be required to achieve completion of CeFS. You will also need

to achieve 40% in Part A and 40% (of uniform marks) in Part B of the examination. Both units

must be passed in order to pass the qualification.

Units will be graded with a pass only.

The overall qualification will be graded A* – E (see Appendix 1 for further information).

Assessment methodology – Unit 1 and Unit 2

Part A consists of 35 multiple-choice questions. This component of the examination is to be

completed in 45 minutes. This component of the examination is worth 35 marks.

Part A is delivered electronically via ifs e-test™ or a paper-based written examination.

Part B consists of a paper-based written examination based on a pre-released case study. The

case study will include a scenario with data and information for you to consider. It will be

available to you six weeks prior to the examination at www.myifslearning.com. Please ensure

that you access a copy of this when it is available (see Table 2 for specific details).

The examination paper will provide additional data and information that relates to the pre-

released case study. You will then be asked questions specifically about the case study (covering

both pre-released and new data and information). There will also be additional questions,

which may not be related to the case study, to make sure all learning outcomes within the unit

are covered. This component of the examination is to be completed in 1 hour and 45 minutes

and is worth 60 marks.

http://www.myifslearning.com/


Part B will also assess spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPAG) which will contribute 5 marks

to the overall mark of 65. SPAG is assessed via your responses to the essay questions in Part B.

You will be told on the examination paper which questions will be assessed for SPAG.

Electronic testing

ifs e-test™ has been developed by ifs University College to provide electronic testing of our

qualifications. It is a flexible and secure platform designed to deliver examinations wherever

there is a networked group of computers and a connection to the internet.

Examination availability

Examinations for Unit 1 and Unit 2 are available in January 2016 and May 2016 respectively.

Resits for Unit 1 and Unit 2 are available in March 2016 and July 2016 (see Table 2 for specific

details). Students are allowed one resit attempt for each component of Unit 1 and Unit 2. The

highest mark gained from both sittings will count.


Table 2 - CeFS examination dates

Level 3 Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS)

Unit 1 Financial Capability for the

Immediate and Short Term (FCIS)

Unit 2 Financial Capability for the Medium and

Long Term (FCML)

ifs e-test™ Paper-based ifs e-test™ Paper-based

Pre-release Case Study for Part B

30 November 2015 21 March 2016

Part A 18–22 January 2016

20 January 2016 2 – 6 May 2016 4 May 2016

Part B 26 January 2016 (Paper-based exam only)

10 May 2016 (Paper-based exam only)

Unit result (Provisional)

12 February 2016 27 May 2016

ifs e-test™ Paper-based ifs e-test™ Paper-based

Pre-release Case Study for Part B

26 January 2016 10 May 2016

Part A resit 14-18 March 2016

16 March 2016 20 – 26 June 2016 22 June 2015

Part B resit 22 March 2016 (paper-based exam only)

28 June 2016 (paper-based exam only)

Unit resit results (Provisional)

19 April 2016 17 August 2016


Electronic Assessment (Part A)

Check-in process

ifs University College use a bespoke system for electronic assessment called ifs e-test™. You

should arrive at least 15 minutes before the examination start time to give the Examinations

Officer sufficient time to check you in. Please check with your school or college as procedures

may vary.

During check-in, the Examinations Officer will verify the following information with you:

i. personal details;

ii. appointment – correct time and category of examination; and,

iii. reasonable adjustments – any pre-booked reasonable adjustments, for example extra time

for students with dyslexia.

You must adhere to any identification processes required by your Examinations Officer. If you

do not take suitable identification with you to the examination centre, or you are late for your

appointment, you may not be allowed to sit your examination.

You will be checked in on an individual basis and seated at pre-assigned workstations.

Centre rules (Please note: these may vary at different centres)

Personal belongings, food and drink are not allowed into the examination room. If you need to

take additional items into the examination room for medical reasons, please speak to your

teacher or tutor. Mobile phones must be turned off. Anyone found with personal items in the

examination room may be removed and their examination terminated.

A calculator has been programmed into the software, but if you prefer to bring your own you

must ensure that it is not a programmable calculator.

Bilingual dictionaries are permitted if English is not your first language. This must be free of

annotation and must not contain any additional paper or information.

If you require assistance during the examination, you must raise your hand in silence and wait

for the Examinations Officer to come and assist you.


There is no break during the examination. No additional examination time will be given if you

need to take a break. If a toilet break is required, your examination will continue to run while

you are out of the examination room.

You must not communicate with other students during the examination. If you try to do so, the

Examinations Officer will formally caution you and a report will be submitted to ifs University

College, which may lead to your test being considered invalid.

All work must be your own. Any incident where it is felt that your work may not be your own

will be considered to be a breach of ifs University College regulations and will be dealt with

accordingly. Please refer to the Student Malpractice Policy (see Section 5, Policy documents).

You should be quiet not only during the examination but also as you enter and leave the

examination room to minimise disturbance to others.

Starting the examination

Practice session – the practice session on the computer will provide you with the opportunity to

familiarise yourself with the computerised examination, how to navigate through the

examination, and how to select and review answers. The practice questions are not scored.

You should attempt every question, but you will be able to flag and review previous questions

and change answers throughout the test via the [REVIEW] button. Please note that if you flag a

question, the flag remains active unless you press the flag button again, irrespective of whether

the question has been answered or not. Flagging questions does not affect the marking process.

Written examinations (Part A and Part B)

Check-in process

You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the examination start time to give the

Examinations Officer sufficient time to check you in. Please check with your school or college as

procedures may vary.

During check-in, the Examinations Officer will verify the following information with you:

i. personal details;

ii appointment – correct time and category of examination; and,


iii. reasonable adjustments – any pre-booked reasonable adjustments, for example extra time

for students with dyslexia.

You must adhere to any identification processes required by your Examinations Officer. If you

do not take suitable identification with you to the examination centre, or you are late for your

appointment, you will not be allowed to sit your examination.

Late arrivals

You will be allowed into the examination room during the first 30 minutes after the start of the

examination. Entry after this time will be at the invigilator’s discretion. You must not disturb any

other students when taking your seat. Extra time to complete the examination will not be

allowed, except by prearrangement under ifs University College Reasonable Adjustments Policy

and Procedures (see Section 5, Policy documents).

Temporary absence

In cases of emergency, you will be allowed to leave the examination room and return. During

temporary absence you will be supervised.

You may not have contact with anyone other than the person accompanying you.

You may not take any material from the examination room or have access to any material

during your absence.

Departures

To avoid disturbance to other students, if you wish to leave the examination early you will only

be allowed to do so within 15 minutes of the start.

Conduct in the examination room

You must not enter the examination room until instructed to do so.

You will be instructed when to begin the examination, and when to stop. To allow time for

revision the invigilator will advise you when 15 minutes of the examination remains.

During the examination, you must remain in your seat until you are told you may leave. If, for

exceptional reasons, you wish to speak to the invigilator during the examination you must raise

your hand in silence and wait for the invigilator to come to you.


Eating and / or drinking (except water, where permitted) during the assessment is not allowed –

except where medically appropriate and agreed by ifs University College in advance under

the Reasonable Adjustments Policy and Procedures (see Section 5, Policy documents).

All mobile phones must be switched off and placed in the invigilator’s care before the

examination commences.

All programmable watches must be switched off and placed in the invigilator’s care.

The use of programmable calculators is prohibited. You may use silent, non- programmable

calculators.

Bilingual dictionaries are permitted if English is not your first language. This must be free of

annotation and must not contain any additional paper or information.

No paper or other materials are allowed into the examination. Only the question paper and

answer book(s) available from the invigilator may be used for notes or rough workings. Rough

workings or notes made during the examination can be ruled through to indicate they do not

form part of the answer.

For Part B, a copy of the pre-released case study will be provided with the question paper. You

must not enter the examination room with the pre-released version of the case study.

You must not communicate with other students during the examination.

All work must be your own. Any incident where it is felt that work may not be your own will be

considered to be a breach of our policies and procedures and dealt with accordingly. Please

refer to the Student Malpractice Policy and Procedures (see Section 5, Policy documents).

At the end of the examination you must hand your answer book(s) and question paper to the

invigilator.

Examination results

Results for Part A ifs e-test™ will be available immediately after the examination, and then on

www.myifslearning.com once the results have been uploaded using the ifs e-test™

administration console.

Results for the Part A paper-based written examination will be available 10 days after the

examination and will be published on www.myifslearning.com.




Results for the Part B paper-based written examination will be available within four weeks and

will be published on www.myifslearning.com (see Table 5 for specific details of when results

will be available). Final results are confirmed in late July or early August. All results prior to this

are provisional.

Results will not be given by telephone, fax or email.

UCAS tariff rating

CeFS provides up to 70 UCAS tariff points that contribute to university entry.

The UCAS website shows the following tariff ratings for CeFS for 2016 HE entry (Table 3):

Table 3 - UCAS tariff rating

Grade A* A B C D E

UCAS tariff

points 70 60 50 40 30 20

For information on the 2017 UCAS tariff points, please refer to UCAS Tariff and formal

acceptance / UCAS points section on the CeFS webpage.

For further information on the UCAS tariff rating, please refer to the UCAS website:

www.ucas.com.

Reasonable adjustments

ifs University College is committed to the fair treatment of students and recognises that in some

cases students might not be able to demonstrate their true level of ability during the

examination, or be able to attempt the examinations, as a result of circumstances beyond their

control.

If such potential disadvantage can be identified prior to the examination, but you can still

attempt the examination, it can be addressed through the Reasonable Adjustments Policy and

Procedures (see Section 5, Policy documents).


http://www.ifslearning.ac.uk/financial-capability/Qualifications/ucastariffexplained.aspx

http://www.ifslearning.ac.uk/financial-capability/Qualifications/ucastariffexplained.aspx

http://www.ucas.com/


Special considerations

ifs University College will also consider applications for special consideration (see Section 5,

Policy documents) in cases such as death or serious illness of close relatives, personal illness or

issues that can be evidenced by a medical certificate, interference by another student at the

examination centre or unacceptable levels of noise during the examination.

If the special consideration relates to the environment at the centre then you should ask the

examinations officer to note your concerns and report these to ifs University College.

All claims must be made on the special considerations application form within 5 working days of

the examination date with any supporting evidence to follow no later than 10 working days

after the examination date. Claims received after this time will not be accepted.

ifs University College will not recognise claims for special consideration based on circumstances

which, in its opinion, are reasonably within the control of the student, for example late arrival at

the examination venue due to poor planning by the student, poor preparation for the

examination by the student, or environmental issues that were not reported to the invigilator at

the time of the examination.

3. How to succeed in your course

The examination questions will be designed to test you knowledge and understanding, and your

ability to apply that knowledge and understanding, across the learning outcomes and

assessment criteria.

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

CeFS comprises two mandatory units of 15 credits each.

Unit 1 introduces you to the financial services industry by focusing on the interaction between

money, personal finance and the financial services market place. You will also gain an

understanding of cash flow to meet immediate and short-term financial needs through

balancing income against expenditure.

Unit 2 introduces you to the features of risks and rewards in managing personal finances. You

will also understand the features of different types of financial services product, how to make

informed choices about these financial services products, and when, where and how you can

get financial help and advice.


The learning outcomes and assessment criteria, which will form the basis of your study, can be

found in the specification on the course site.

Study materials and resources

ifs University College has produced study materials and resources specifically to help you in your

studies for the CeFS qualification.

You will have online access to the CeFS study materials and resources through

www.myifslearning.com. You will also be sent a hard copy of your study materials.

Upon registration, you will be issued with unique usernames to enable you to activate your

secure my ifslearning accounts. This provides you with access to the learning materials and your

individual records.

ifs University College provides a variety of different resources and materials to support you

during your studies, including learning materials and specimen assessment papers.

Useful websites

The main website offers the most up-to-date information about ifs University College. There is

all the latest student news and details about the various qualifications and educational services

that ifs University College offers, including all qualification syllabuses. You can find out about ifs

University College events and obtain information about career development. The website

address is: www.ifslearning.ac.uk

my ifslearning is your personal online gateway to student services. It provides access to the

following:

i. your qualification records;

ii. assessment details; and,

iii. your study history.

my ifslearning is our secure website where you will find study resources for your course. When

you access it for the first time you will be asked to enter your ifs number to activate your

account. Please ensure you do not lose your password as your account will need to be reset if

so. Please ask your school or college for assistance if this happens.


http://www.ifslearning.ac.uk/

https://my.ifslearning.ac.uk/


Course site

The CeFS course site contains study materials and resources that you will need to help you in

your studies for the qualification. There will be a course website for each CeFS unit.

You should make sure that you familiarise yourself with the study materials and resources

available on the course site as they will help you prepare for your examination.

4. What will you receive on successful completion?

On successful completion, you will attain the qualification Certificate in Financial Studies, which

shows that you have been able to:

i. understand the concept of money in all its forms, and how its value is subject to time and

circumstance;

ii. appreciate the benefits that can be derived from financial services products, and how these

can contribute to achieving your personal aspirations;

iii. develop an awareness of risk and reward, and the obligations associated with different

financial solutions;

iv. understand the scope of the financial services industry and the bodies that regulate it;

v. explain your understanding of the monetary and financial system;

vi. appreciate how different external factors impact upon the individual directly and indirectly;

vii. compare and contrast a range of financial solutions and draw reasoned, informed and

sound financial judgements in particular contexts;

viii. develop key financial capability skills that are relevant to everyday life / situations;

ix. become a more confident, informed and responsible financial services consumer;

x. take ownership of the planning of your own personal finances; and

xi. understand how external factors and the financial services industry impact on individuals’

personal financial management.

Certificates

You will receive an overall certificate for the achievement of the qualification at the end of the

academic year. Certificates will be sent for collection from your school or college.


Broadening your knowledge

Upon completion of CeFS, you can progress to the Level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS)

qualification (see Figure 2). DipFS enables you to develop and further the knowledge and skills

gained in achieving CeFS by applying them to the wider financial environment, including the

impact of government regulation.

The DipFS will enable you to gain an appreciation of the complex interrelationships that impact

upon personal financial situations as a result of the ebb and flow of the financial services sector

and government interventions and will enable you to make confident, informed and balanced

judgements in response to changes from these stakeholders.

Figure 2 - Structure of DipFS


For further information on the DipFS qualification, please speak to your teacher or tutor.

The CeFS and DipFS qualifications are recognised by UCAS and success in these will help you to

progress to higher education (see Figure 3). They also develop skills and knowledge that support

progress within a variety of careers and good financial decision-making that will support you no

matter what career or study choices you make. ifs University College wishes you the greatest of

success for your future.

Figure 3 - Progression diagram

5. Policy documents

ifs University College has created policies to ensure consistent service for students. These

include:

Appeals policy and procedures

Assessment Result Enquiry policy and procedures

Complaints policy and procedures

Student Malpractice policy and procedures

Centre Malpractice and Maladministration policy and procedures

Reasonable Adjustments policy and procedures

Special Considerations policy and procedures


Student Charter

Terms and conditions

All policies can be found on ifs University College website.

http://www.ifslearning.ac.uk/about-ifs-university-college/policiesregulationsandcop/fepoliciesandprocedures.aspx


Appendix 1 - Grading

The overall qualification will be graded A* – E. To achieve a pass, you must achieve a mark of

40% of the UMS in both units. The final qualification grade boundaries in UMS are as follows:

Table 4 - Grade structure

CeFS Qualification grade boundaries

Grade Uniform mark

A* 342

A 304

B 266

C 228

D 190

E 152

Whilst units themselves are not graded, component-related grade boundaries are set in order

to calculate the UMS. The process for this is explained in more detail in grading guidance

available on the CeFS course site. The component related grade boundaries are set by the grade

award panel in line with the qualification grade descriptors.

The grade descriptors that examiners will use in setting the marking approach and grade

boundaries for the Part B assessment papers of CeFS are described in the table below. The

grade descriptors are also descriptive of the level of achievement at which the fixed grade

boundaries are set for the Part A multiple choice question assessment papers. All grades above

E/Pass indicate that you have met the learning outcomes and, in addition to that, have reached

a further level of achievement based on the quality and consistency of their performance in

relation to the assessment criteria.


Table 5 - Grade descriptors

GRADE DESCRIPTION

A*

The student has a thorough and accurate command of the entirety of the

syllabus and is able, in all contexts, to demonstrate consistently excellent

achievement across the full range of learning outcomes.

A

The student has a comprehensive command of the entirety of the syllabus and

is able, in a variety of contexts, to demonstrate consistently high achievement

across the full range of learning outcomes.

B

The student has a good understanding of the majority of the syllabus and is

able, in different contexts, to demonstrate achievement across the range of

learning outcomes.

C

The student has a broad understanding of the main features of the syllabus

and is able to demonstrate achievement across the learning outcomes but to a

limited degree in some areas.

D

The student has a basic understanding of many of the features of the syllabus

but is able to demonstrate achievement across the learning outcomes but to a

limited degree in several areas.

E

The student has met the learning outcomes but has a limited knowledge of

some individual areas within the syllabus and consequently is able to

demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes but often only partially

and/or inconsistently.

F

The student is unable to demonstrate enough knowledge to demonstrably

achieve the learning outcomes.


About ifs University College

ifs University College is a not-for-profit professional body and registered charity incorporated by

Royal Charter and is the only specialist provider of professional financial education that is able

to award its own taught degrees. It has a remit to provide the financial services industry with a

skilled and competent workforce while also promoting a better understanding of finance

amongst consumers.

All of ifs University College's qualifications content and learning experience is directly informed

by the needs of those they exist to educate. They bridge the academic and vocational divide to

provide students with essential practical skills and the conceptual and analytical abilities of

academic study.

It is this unique and innovative approach that makes ifs University College the provider of choice

for organisations and individuals seeking to improve knowledge, skills and career prospects in

the area of finance and financial services

ifs University College

ifs House

4–9 Burgate Lane

Canterbury

Kent CT1 2XJ

T: 01227 818609 (option 3)

E: [email protected]

W: www.ifslearning.ac.uk

http://www.i/

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