Using the CQFW to promote student success and lifelong learning 12 th May 2010

1. Using the CQFW to promote student success and lifelong learning 12th May 2010 Trevor Clark, Head of Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales Development, Welsh Assembly Government

2. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales • Qualifications Driver from a Welsh Assembly Government Perspective • Context of CQFW • Using the CQFW to promote: • Student Success • Lifelong Learning • Any Questions

3. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales • Long and historic linkage with England • However we also have unique issues facing Wales – very low GNP compared with rest of UK • Important to focus on the learners and benefits to Wales • Important policy drivers: Reaching Higher; The Learning Country: Vision into Action, Skills that Work for Wales, Recognising Wider Learning 14-19 CQFW - Commonality of Transferability and Progression

4. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales • In Wales average pay at £14,396 - 77% of UK average of £18,631 • 1 in 4 jobs in the public sector same as 1999 • 450,000 adults (25% of working age) are at entry level or below in literacy • I million (53% of working age) have entry level numeracy skills • 16% of working age population have no qualifications CQFW - Commonality of Transferability and Progression

5. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales • HE development from 1992 • Formal adoption of CQFW by WAG in 2002 • Partnership with HEFCW support from QAA and WHECC • Formal adoption by all HEI’s within one week • European Qualifications Framework, Bologna Agreement and EQARF CQFW - Commonality of Transferability and Progression

7. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales Key Features • All programmes developed with Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria • Level Entry Level 1 to 8 • One credit = 10 hours learning time • Units and Qualifications • All units and qualifications in the framework have a credit value

9. Recognising Student SuccessVocational Routes to HE? • Large number of vocational HE courses, including Foundation Degrees and HE in FE • Partnerships between HE and FE • Recognised successful progression from VET to HE • BTEC to HE • Apprenticeships • Access • Customised training by FE and HE for employers

10. Recognising Student Success Barriers to HE Progression • Pathways unclear • Learners failure to understand entry routes into HE • Lack of a ‘joined up’ approach among providers to work together to bridge the divide, prepare learners and support progression

11. Recognising Student SuccessBarriers to HE Progression • Failure to formally recognise skills, knowledge and understanding effectively through RPL and APEL • The jargon, mystique and bureaucracy and the language barrier to learners

12. Recognising Student Success Inclusive and responsive to learners and employment requirements in a demand-lead system Flexible routes to gaining full qualifications Enables progression in smaller steps Allows learners to study at a pace, place and time that suits them Transparent naming system, bringing consistency for all vocational qualifications Clearer progression to Higher Education

13. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales Valuing and Recognising Lifelong Learning Formal Learning Lifelong Learning Lifelong Learning The Iceberg of Learning

14. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales The Iceberg of Learning The vision in Wales is that a system which only recognises formal learning seems to be totally inappropriate and is seriously undervaluing the worth of that society. We feel that unrecognised assets will not be used - and can and does shut out an important part of society and actually discourage too many too enter into active learning. CQFW - Commonality of Transferability and Progression

15. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales Valuing and Recognising Lifelong Learning • Quality Assured Lifelong Learning Important pillar within the CQFW • Greater flexibility credit based system based on credit accumulation, transfer and APL • Rationalisation of the qualification and units with greater industry representation through the SSC • More inclusive framework employers – MacDonald's MOD and other Awarding Organisations

16. Recognising Lifelong LearningRecognition of Prior Learning Learners are entitled to have previous qualifications, skills, experience and understanding formally recognised Easier to do this at unit level Can minimise duplication of training Opportunity to fast track some learners Models are being developed to fit the different circumstances

17. Recognising Lifelong LearningEuropean Qualifications Framework Greater transparency of learning across UK and Europe 20% of European Union citizens do not have a qualification CQFW Reference against UK Frameworks CQFW Referenced against EQF UK Referencing submitted to EU December 2009

18. CQFW Referencing Outcome

19. The UK Frameworks and the EQF

20. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales Thank you for your attention Any questions?