1. Unit Award Scheme (UAS)
Using UAS simply and effectively

2. What does UAS offer?
Units are available in a wide range of activities and/or topics
Over units available online to choose from
Can be used with any age and ability
Links to some AQA unit-based qualifications
Recognises achievement – but is not a qualification
Point 4 relates to the current ELC specifications in English, maths and science and the PSE qualifications
Point 5 should be stressed and that even though comparable levels are given for each unit it is not a qualification
UNIT AWARD SCHEME

3. How can UAS help us? Helps plan course delivery
Flexibility in assessment and evidence
Can be used over a short timescale
Can be used to accredit what we are already doing with our learners, ie curriculum-led assessment
Point 2 – can use actual physical evidence provided by learner or can observe or discuss the outcomes and evidence by placing a completed date on the required pro-forma known as a Summary sheet
UNIT AWARD SCHEME

4. How can UAS help our learners?
Sets clear targets
Gives prompt feedback
Increases engagement, motivation, performance and self-esteem
Can provide a stepping stone to employment, further education, training and independent living
UNIT AWARD SCHEME

5. What will the learner receive?
A Unit Award Certificate
This is issued promptly each time a
learner completes a unit – usually within
5-10 working days
Lists all the outcomes the learner has
achieved
It might be worth copying a certificate and laminating it so you can show one around for a unit that you use frequently.
Point 1 the 5-10 working days starts from when UAS team receive all the required items to process the claim
Unit award scheme

6. What units are available?
Search under key words, curriculum areas and/or levels
If you can’t find what you are looking for, you can
amend an existing unit or write your own
for free
Point 1 – useful to point out that like any other search database if you just put one word you might get a lot of ‘hits’ and this can be a bit disheartening.
Unit award scheme

7. Assessment – role of the Teacher
You decide which unit(s) to use
You prepare a Summary sheet for each unit
You teach the unit
You complete the Summary sheet with dates as outcomes are achieved and sign off
You ensure evidence is correct and has been annotated/marked
You give all the evidence, a copy of the unit and the Summary sheet to me, the Coordinator
Point 2 – it might be worth having a copy of one of the Summary Sheets from the training support booklet or download one from the website
UNIT AWARD SCHEME

8. Assessment – role of the Coordinator
I check all the evidence you present is correct and has been annotated/marked
I check the Summary sheets you have completed and counter-sign
I complete a UAS Claim form to register learners and their completed units
I liaise with the UAS team regarding assessment monitoring and to submit the Claim forms via Gateway
I receive and check UAS Certificates and arrange for their distribution
I am your main point of contact for any issues relating to UAS
UNIT AWARD SCHEME

9. Writing or amending units
We can amend any unit we find on the UAS database which don’t quite meet our needs or we can write a new unit from scratch – free of charge
We should always check to make sure that a unit doesn’t exist before we write one from scratch
We must follow the guidance set out in the ‘Guide to writing and submitting units’ booklet or the Unit Writing Webinar found on the UAS website
Units can only be submitted by a coordinator using the UAS database, Gateway
Units can take up to about 4 weeks to be validated at busy times
UNIT AWARD SCHEME

10. Thank You Unit Award Scheme Contact AQA on 01423 534 235
Thank You
Unit award scheme

11. Thank You Unit Award Scheme (alternate final slide) Contact me:
(insert name/phone/ here)
For help or advice
Thank You
Unit award scheme