Association of Colleges
Curriculum developments
Curriculum developments - October 2008
Curriculum developments - September 2008
Curriculum developments - August 2008
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KIT with Andrew Harland from Exam Offices Association
22 October 2008AoC met with the Examination Officers Association all our respective roles and AoC explained that our client base embraces all college Examinations Officers via their college’s membership of AoC. Our role is strategic, working in the context of curriculum reform and MoG changes. We set out the Examination Officers role in the context of these initiatives via our Examinations Officers’ Conference. The EOA acts as an awarding body delivering an Edexcel Exam Officers’ qualification which has the support of other awarding bodies. The EOA is charity and any surplus funds are directed back to support Examinations Officers. AH is keen to develop the Examination Officers’ workforce and AoC suggested he liaise with TDA and LLUK re: the EO role.
KIT with John Harvey, Action on Access
22 October 2008AoC and Action on Access met this week for a regular ‘keep in touch’ meeting. Action on Access updated AoC on its work including the recent new of its new 3 year contract with HEFCE commencing January 2009. The balance of Action on Acess’ work is shifting from Aimhigher to supporting HEIs and colleges delivering HE, in developing and embedding widening participation strategies. AoC update Action on Access on its recent work including work for the Secretary of State with UUK on progression from FE to selective HE; the AoC response to the Draft Apprenticeships Bill; work on 14 – 19 qualification reform and Diploma Implementation; AoC work as part of the Delivery Partnership implementing changes to the HE Application and Admissions.
Children, Skills & Families Select Committee learning evidence re Draft Apprenticeships Bill
22 October 2008
The Parliamentary Select Committee for the Children, Skills and Families heard evidence from Jim Knight and Lord Young re: the Draft Apprenticeships Bill.They answered a range of questions re: provisions to the Bill. Both were very much in favour of the Bill and said it was necessary to legislate to achieve an increase in Apprenticeships. JK keen to stress the importance of the Apprenticeships guarantee as a way of “exerting leverage” over the LSC and its successor to provide the places needed to meet the targets. JK also keen to emphasise that there is involvement between the routes of the 14 – 19 strategy. JK indicated that he was willing to see proposals to encourage impartial IAG in schools strengthened in the Bill.
Framework for Excellence Inspection and Regulation Group
13 October 2008
LSC used this opportunity to explore proposals to develop the Framework for Excellence, in the light of the welcome extension of its use in schools (proposed pilot 09, roll out 2010).
The new indicators that are proposed are that in Version 2 (planned 2008) of the Framework
• An indicator should be added to measure the proportion of young people embarking on a full level 2 programme (definition under discussion) and a full level 3 programme (2 AL equivalent) that achieve that programme
• A means of recognising non-accredited provision where outcomes are not currently recognised
In addition, LSC sought views as to how two further measures could be introduced at stage three
• A responsiveness to communities measure
• An indicator of the current quality of provision in the situation where an Ofsted inspection judgement is now deemed to be not current or incorrect (note Ofsted will be moving to a six-year inspection cycle due to funding constraints)
AoC will be taking the debate to find equitable ways in which these might be added to the AoC Strategic Principals’ Group on Tuesday, but is clear that these additional measures need to be balanced with reductions elsewhere. AoC is strongly pressing for the removal of the Finance dimension as being inappropriate and not capable of being equally applied. It is also strongly supporting the disbandment of an Overall performance rating.
WAMG Communications Group
9 October 2008
The communications team at DCSF are beginning to collect feedback on Diploma delivery, with AoC’s expert group providing the feedback that formed a significant part of the presentation. AoC raised concerns that funding was insufficient to cover the hours of tuition required. Employer engagement is seen as a particular issue, and AoC suggested that a pragmatic approach might be needed, that replaces some experience with simulated environments unless something significant to incentivise employers was introduced. AoC also suggested a co-ordinated approach with a lead school/college funded to work on behalf of the Diploma group. Schools unions were sceptical. IAG and the steps the department was taking to improve the service were aired, for example through a new qualification for advisers, but the group was not particularly sure that this would deliver the significant improvement needed. AoC raised the loss of universal entitlement with Connexions’ focus on NEETs and those at risk. Concerns over the negative effects of competition could be overcome, AoC argued, with a new set of performance indicators directed at partnerships rather than at individual institutional performance.
Children Schools & Families Select Committee hearing evidence re: Draft Apprenticeships Bill
8 October 2008
The parliamentary Select Committee for Children, Schools and Families heard evidence from Simon Bartley (CEO, UK Skills), Andy Powell (CEO, Edge) and Nick Edwards (Lewisham College) re: the Draft Apprenticeships Bill.They answered a range of questions re: provisions in the Bill and about Apprenticeship programmes in general. The panel were in favour of the Bill as a means of raising awareness of Apprenticeships; expressed concerns re: lack of employers reporting much greater demand for apprentices than there is supply of employed places; supported the idea of Group Training Associations.
Delivery Partnership Steering Group (DPSG) – Vocational Qualifications Working Group (VQWG)
7 October 2008
This sub-group of the Delivery Partnership Steering Group (DPSG), which was set up to implement Government recommendations to improve the HE applications and admissions process, has been established to look specifically at the needs of those with non-A level qualifications applying to HE. This meeting examined the impact of the different grading structures on non-A level qualifications; the feasibility of a standardised data structure for obtaining results of non-A level qualifications; the impact on part-time students; examination of the cohort of non-placed applicants through the UCAS system; the Action on Access report “University Admission & Vocational Qualifications: 2 years on”. The HEPI report on “The Higher Education Experience & Outcomes of students with vocational Level 3 qualifications” was tabled. It was noted that this was strictly embargoed until 2nd October. The Chair agreed to prepare a report for discussion at the DPGS meeting on 7th October.
Delivery Partnership Steering Group (DPSG)
7 October 2008
This was the 9th meeting of the DPSG established to implement the Government’s recommendations to improve the HE Applications and Admissions process. The Chair updated the group on the impact of the reduction of choice from 6 to 5; 14 – 19 developments; the work of SPA in Entry Profiles; the change in Minister from Bill Rammell to David Lammy. The UCAS communication re: the Adjustment Period was reviewed; the work of the Vocational Qualifications Working Group was reported and the recommendations agreed (see below); case studies to illustrate how the process of ‘equal consideration’ works were reviewed; the Art & Design Working Group presented their report and the DPSG agreed dates for Art & Design applications; the Action Plan was reviewed and the DPSG Conference Programme was discussed.
LSC 16 – 18 Transition Project Board
October 2008
This new Board, comprising DCSF and LSC officials includes three college representatives- AoC, Keith Elliot 157 and David Igoe (SfCF). With MOG changes now swiftly being translated into practice, the group considered the proposed Planning, Commissioning and Funding cycle, and considered communication needs and risks. Two main themes emerged, anxieties about LSC capacity to manage transitional arrangements and the tensions within the proposed Cycle, with colleges strongly recommending greater involvement of colleges. There appears an inherent tension between the emphasis apparently placed on learner choice, and the reality of a process which seems to be heavily influenced by a variety of national targets, priorities and PSAs, each of which may conflict or limit actual learner choice. Whilst a bottom up approach appears to be advocated through 14 – 19 partnerships, colleges were concerned about their representation and influence, and the question of where the big decisions would actually be made (local LAs, Sub-regional groupings) and the “hierarchy of influences” as AoC put it, was unclear. AoC and 157 have invited SfCF to join them in a consequent meeting they hope to hold with LSC. There is a further invitation for feedback from David McVean the Director responsible.
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JCQ Teacher Association Liaison Group
30 September 2008
The JCQ Teachers Association meeting begins with 2 pre-meetings, one for the teachers associations of which AoC is a part and one for the Awarding Bodies, at which each discuss issues relevant to their audiences. The main JCQ meeting included updates and discussion about Functional Skills, Foundation Learning Tier and Diplomas – in particular around assessment issues. AoC informed the Group of its research into colleges’ IT readiness and of it proposed research into Diploma implementation and will report on both in more detail and the next meeting in January.
Edexcel Qualifications Committee
24 September 2008
AoC is pleased to be invited to be part of Edexcel’s Qualifications Committee where senior managers at Edexcel discuss with other stakeholders the current curriculum and qualifications landscape and the likely effect on Edexcel’s offer. This meeting looked at working with Ofqual; the role and responsibilities of JACQA; the implications of the 14 – 19 Qualifications Strategy and its impact, particularly on BTEC Firsts and Nationals; and the QCF including the likely impact of the removal of the NVQ Code of Practice.
DCSF Drug & Alcohol Education Review Advisory Group
22 September 2008
This was the final meeting of the Drug & Alcohol Education Review Advisory Group. The Chair summarised the reason for, and progress of, the Advisory Group; its key findings and main recommendations and discussion followed to suggest some minor changes. The Chair went on to outline the headlines from the draft Government response (confidential); and outlined the process for publication which is planned for mid-end October to coincide with the Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) Review findings and recommendations.
AoC/UUK/DIUS & Sutton Trust re: AoC/UUK research into progression to HE
18 September 2008
This meeting was set up to discuss with DIUS and Sutton Trust the findings of the Sutton Trust research; the data sets used in the Sutton Trust research; and where there is overlap with the AoC/UUK research including what additional data AoC/UUK needs to obtain and review in order to answer the question being asked by John Denham.
DCSF Qualification & Progression Project Board
11 September 2008
The purpose of this group is to consider key Diploma qualification and curriculum developments; to quality assure the progression frameworks; and to oversee work on Diploma curriculum, policy, modelling and guidance; and will provide recommendations to the Diploma Sub-Programme Board. Following updates from DCSF; QCA and UKCES, the meeting considered progression between Diplomas and Apprenticeships; the development of contextualised language qualifications for inclusion on ASL catalogue; and the dissemination of QCA’s Diploma Guidance products. AoC offered links from its website to QCA Diploma Curriculum Guidance materials.
QCA: Employer Recognition Project Steering Group
8 September 2008
This meeting of the Employers Recognition Project (ERP) Steering Group received a general update on the project outlining the 3 approaches to recognition and progress towards the achievement of the target of 100 employers to be involved by March 2009. The Communication & Stakeholder Strategy was discussed. The LSC National Employer Services was explained – in particular the work it is doing with large employers to ‘scale up’ their delivery of accredited training.
Phase 3 Diploma Principal Learning Launch
2 September 2008
Foundation Learning Tier Advisory Group
2 September 2008
The Foundation Learning Tier programme is about to start its pilot year. The group commented on the prospectus for progression pathways, a draft document that defines the programme, explains the progression pathways, and the expectations of the programme. This programme is designed to supersede E2E and is part of the 14 – 19 curriculum reform programme. An excellent website catalogue provides details of pathways and all the qualifications that have been approved via SSCs. It provides details of age applicability, levels, awarding bodies and a link through to the QCA National Database of Accredited Qualifications, which provides all content. AoC pressed for more overt mapping of personnel learning and thinking skills and functional skills, given that these may be delivered through other units – it will be challenging for providers to demonstrate that the individual programme satisfies criteria. A conference is being planned, London venue and a brochure. The group pressed for a title, an image, a logo which learners could identify.
Fdf Seminar: Securing Progression from Apprenticeships to HE
26 August 2008
Fdf commissioned research into the features of apprenticeship programmes that facilitate progression to higher education, including identification of a range of progression models and highlighting issues impeding apprenticeship progression. The purpose of this meeting was to share the findings of this research, examine the implications for practice and for policy. Messages from the seminar will be fed back to DIUS and the LSC.
LSC & AoC to discuss Draft Apprenticeship Bill
19 August 2008
AoC met with LSC to discuss the Draft Apprenticeships Bill. LSC outlined their main concerncs with the Bill which relate to the definition of an apprentice and the Apprenticeship Agreement; the duty on the LSC to provide apprenticeship places for the apprentice to have a choice of sectors; the requirement regarding prior qualifications; the nature of the duty on schools to provide information on apprenticeships; and the role of the NAS. In general, they think that compulsion should be minimised and that the Government should not over-legislate the Apprenticeship programme. AoC outlined their commitment to finding examples and models of Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship delivery.
Joint (DCSF/DIUS) Apprenticeship Unit (JAU) & AoC to discuss the draft Apprenticeship Bill
18 August 2008
AoC meet with DIUS officials from the Joint Apprenticeship Unit to discuss the Draft Apprenticeship Bill and consider the impact of the legislation and any unforeseen consequences arising from it, before it goes to two select committees (IUS & CSF) in October. DIUS considered the main likely tensions in the Bill are in relation to the Framework itself - what constitutes an apprentice - and linked to this the Apprenticeship Agreement. AoC stress the need for there to be sufficient flexibility in the Bill for targets to be met and agree to find examples of innovative and successful apprenticeship delivery in colleges and to arrange for DIUS officials to visit these.
Student Finance - Coalition of Partners Meeting with Bill Rammell
6 August 2008
Bill Rammell continues to take a personal interest in student finance for HE. He met the Coalition of Partners, including AoC, each affirming their support for the new campaign. He asked AoC to draft a letter which would be addressed jointly with AoC to colleges, encouraging this year's package to be communicated to staff and posted on college intranets. AoC continued to encourage the department to consider the wider context and multiple routes into HE and indicated that further attention needs to be paid to those on vocational pathways. These alternative pathways need strengthening, if HE is to expand its base of young people aspiring to go to university. DIUS will share interesting statistics on HE application.
For further information on any of the above developments, please e-mail Deborah Ribchester, Curriculum and HE Manager or Maggie Scott, Director of Learning and Quality or telephone 020 7034 9900.