Access to HE National and Regional 2008-10

1. Access to HE National and Regional 2008-10

2. How did we get to this point? • 2003: request to QAA to make proposals for developing • Access to HE in The future of Higher Education • 2004:QAA researchwith stakeholders.Report published with • 7recommendations including: • Description of student achievement • - common system of credit to be adopted • - common credit specification for the qualification • - national system of grading • These recommendations were endorsed by the DfES • QAA asked to take forward activity in this area.

3. Access to HE Diploma unitised, credit-based, national qualification DIPLOMA CREDIT TARIFF 60 credits: at least 45 @ level three; remainder at level two Title: Access to HE Diploma (subject/vocational area) Access course likely to be Diploma + GCSE/Equiv.

4. OCNEMR AVA • Vocation–specific Regional Programme • Health and Social Care Framework • Nursing (progression to Nursing Diploma) • Midwifery (and Degree in Nursing) • Dietetics and Nutrition • Pharmacy • Physiotherapy • Social Work • Counselling

5. OCNEMR AVA • Diploma Programme • An overarching, genericprogramme • Centres import own progression-specific • pathways. • Generic Achievement Specification provides • standard shape, yet allows flexibility.

6. Art and Design Biological Science Business Combined Studies Computing English Studies Engineering Environmental Science Health Sciences Humanities Law & Criminology Media Performing Arts Science Social Science Teacher Training Travel and Tourism Diploma Programme Pathways

7. OCNEMR Diploma Programme • Generic Achievement Specification • 60 credits: at least 45 at level three and remainder atlevel two • Main Subject:30 credits @ level three • Study Skills:9 credits @ level three • Additional Units:(MS or SS)6 credits @ level three • GCSE/Equivalence: 12 credits @ level two • IT:3 credits @ level two

8. Units • Main Subjects • -OCNEMR AVAnew subject unit banks • GCSE Equivalence: English, Maths, Science • - 4 units/12 credits, agreed by region’s HE ITT. • Study Skills • set of single credit units at levels three. • flexible delivery and assessment • integrate into main subjects

9. Boston College Brooksby Melton College Burton College Castle College CG Partnership Chesterfield College Derby College Dukeries College Grantham College Leicester College Lincoln College Loughborough College New College Nottingham New College Stamford Northampton College Stephenson College S E Derbyshire College South Leicestershire College South Nottingham College Tresham Institute University of Derby OCNEMR Access Providers

10. Grading – why? • Outcome of research in 2004 indicated action • needed because: • Students’ views • recognition of achievement; fuller feedback • Progression data • barriers in some areas and some institutions • Fair admissions developments in HE • need for transparency, equity and fairness • Credibility of the qualification • erratic offers; credit inflation; ‘informal’ grades; • unreliable information; questions about standards

11. Preparation for Grading: • 2006-07 National Consultation • 2007- 08 Phases 1 & 2: Tests and Trials • 2008-09 Phase 3: Pilot • 2009-10Grading begins

12. 2008-09 Developments • Phase 3 - pilot using grade descriptors to • resolve implementation questions • Confirmation of regulations by committee • Meetings with AVAs for regular updates • Development of good practice documentation • Publication of Implementation Handbook • (phased Dec 2008 to July 2009) • Publication of guides for HE admissions staff

13. Key Features of Grading • unit grading - all level 3 units • no aggregate or single final grade • Pass/Merit/Distinction model, where: • - Pass = achievement of the learning outcomes, • as assessed by assessment criteria of the unit • - Merit and Distinction = higher level of performance • application of generic grading descriptors • no numerical grades • grades subject to moderation and standardisation • grade profiles awarded with Diplomas

14. Generic grade descriptors: 7 key areas 1Understanding of the subject 2.Application ofknowledge 3.Application of skills 4.Using Information 5.Communication and presentation 6.Autonomy/ independence 7.Quality

15. Implications for HE: • Students Completing in 2009 with: • Access Certificate • Access to HE Diploma • Students Completing in 2010 with: • Access Certificate • Access to HE Diploma • Access to HE Diploma Graded

16. Implications for HE:Offers for 2010 • Unit / Grade Profile for all level three units on credit transcript accompanying the Access to HE Diploma: • Title • Code • Credit value • Grade

17. Implications for HE:Offers for 2010 • N.B. A Diploma of Pass grades equates to the achievement of Access qualifications to date. • Offers could indicate where grades are required in addition to a Pass in specific subject areas or even specific units e.g.: • Merit in 50% Main Subject “X” • Distinction in 50% Study Skills • Merit in unit “Y” • Differentiation of achievement via grading removes the need for credits in addition to the Diploma.

18. WebsitesandContact Details • Open College Network East Midland Region • www.ocnemr.org.uk • QAA – dedicated Access site www.accesstohe.ac.uk • Access to HE Manager • marj.hammon@ocnemr.org.uk