1 Access to HE National and Regional

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 research with stakeholders. Report published with 7 recommendations 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 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, generic programme Centres import own progression-specific pathways. Generic Achievement Specification provides standard shape, yet allows flexibility.

6 Diploma Programme Pathways 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

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

8 Units Main Subjects - OCNEMR AVA new 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 OCNEMR Access Providers 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

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: National Consultation Phases 1 & 2: Tests and Trials Phase 3: Pilot Grading begins

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 of knowledge 3.Application of skills 5.Communication and presentation 4.Using Information 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.: a)Merit in 50% Main Subject “X” b)Distinction in 50% Study Skills c)Merit in unit “Y” Differentiation of achievement via grading removes the need for credits in addition to the Diploma.

18 Websites and Contact Details Open College Network East Midland Region QAA – dedicated Access site Access to HE Manager