Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Process

Transcription

1 Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Process Introduction The process of Recognition of Prior Learning provides learners and Centres with an alternative method by which a learner can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements of a qualification component. The approach taken to Recognition of Prior Learning requires the same level of quality assurance as applied to any other approach to assessment. The policy and process provides all Gateway Qualifications stakeholders information and guidance on implementing a fair and consistent approach to the Recognition of Prior Learning. In developing and publishing this policy and process, Gateway Qualifications is providing evidence in meeting compliance against the Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition condition E10 Recognition of Prior Learning. This policy and process must be read in conjunction with the specific Qualification Specification document which may contain additional criteria which will override the approach provided in this document. Purpose The purpose of this policy and process is to provide support, clarification and guidance to Gateway Qualifications stakeholders on implementing the policy and approach regarding the recognition of a learner s previous achievements and / or qualifications. The intended audience for this document is: Gateway Qualifications staff and wider workforce Centre staff responsible for quality assurance Centre Assessors and Internal Quality Assurers Key stakeholders involved in qualification development Qualifications Regulators. Scope This policy applies to Gateway Qualifications offer, including those on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, and other national frameworks in Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, not all qualifications allow the use of Recognition of Prior Learning. Where the use of Recognition of Prior Learning is permitted, this will be stated within the Qualification Specification. Version -1.0 May 2016 Page 1 of 6

2 The use of Recognition of Prior Learning is not mandatory. However, if centres choose to implement it, they must have an internal policy on Recognition of Prior Learning and the appropriate resources to do so. Definition of Recognition of Prior Learning Ofqual provides the following definition of Recognition of Prior Learning, which is applied by Gateway Qualifications: A method of assessment that considers whether a learner can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and do not need to develop through a course of learning 1. In addition, Ofqual s, General Conditions of Recognition, Condition E10 sets out the following requirements with which awarding organisations need to comply: E10.2 For the purposes of this Condition, recognition of prior learning is the (a) identification by an awarding organisation of any learning undertaken, and/or attainment, by a Learner (i) prior to that Learner taking a qualification which the awarding organisation makes available or proposes to make available, and (ii) which is relevant to the knowledge, skills and understanding which will be assessed as part of that qualification, and (b) recognition by an awarding organisation of that learning and/or attainment through amendment to the requirements which a Learner must have satisfied before the Learner will be assessed or that qualification will be awarded. Recognition of Prior Learning principles It is important to note that Recognition of Prior Learning is an alternative route to achievement. Evidence must be produced for Recognition of Prior Learning which is subject to the same assessment and quality assurance requirements as applied to evidence produced as part of a course (see assessment below). Prior learning and achievement must be current to be used by the learner, which will normally be within the last two years. The individual Qualification Specification 1 Ofqual regulatory arrangements for the Qualifications and Credit Framework- Glossary, Ofqual, August 2008 Version 1.0 May 2016 Page 2 of 6

3 document will state particular requirements in respect of Recognition of Prior Learning. Recognition of Prior Learning can be used to claim full units and qualifications. However, Gateway Qualifications excludes the use of Recognition of Prior Learning in the following situations: Licence to practice Health and safety requirements Regulated professions Work placements Units and qualifications which are subject to external assessment. Recognition of Prior Learning is the recognition of non-certificated learning towards a full (not partial) unit or qualification. The process must be negotiated by the learner with the centre and must be claimed as part of a course. The centre is responsible for assessment and claiming achievement. There is no difference between achievement of the required standards by Recognition of Prior Learning and achievement through a formal programme of study. All assessment should follow the principles of: Validity Authenticity Sufficiency Reliability Currency Fairness. Further amplification on the assessment principles is provided in the Gateway Qualifications guidance document Assessment Practice. Recognition of Prior Learning Process There are three ways of recognising prior learning which may be open to the learner: Route 1 Submit a portfolio of evidence based on previous relevant knowledge, skills and competences which must be assessed against the assessment criteria of the unit(s) for which Recognition of Prior Learning is being sought to ensure that all learning outcomes have been achieved. Version 1.0 May 2016 Page 3 of 6

4 Route 2 Undertake the same assessments 2 as learners following a formal course of learning and assessment that lead to award of the unit or qualification. The assessments may be undertaken without attending teaching sessions. Route 3 Assessment through a summative assessment against a unit or full qualification. Gateway Qualifications Recognition of Prior Learning process is a six-stage procedure as set out below 3. The process supports; learners considering a claim and support through to the result of the assessment. Centres are required to notify Gateway Qualifications about claims for achievement through Recognition of Prior Learning and are required to keep records of Recognition of Prior Learning for three years. Stage 1: General awareness about claiming recognition information, advice and guidance Once individuals have made a decision to reflect on their learning they will need to know about: The process of claiming through Recognition of Prior Learning. The sources of professional support and guidance available to individuals and employers. The administrative processes for Recognition of Prior Learning applications. Timelines, appeals processes and any fees and subsidies. Stage 2: Pre-assessment gathering evidence and giving information An individual may decide to make their learning visible and to claim achievement. This stage is vital to ensure that the learner is fully informed of the Recognition of Prior Learning process and has sufficient support to make a viable claim and to make decisions about evidence collection and presentation for assessment. During this stage the learner will carry out the evidence collection and develop an assessment plan. The evidence required for the award of credit will depend on the purpose, learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the relevant unit(s) within the RQF. 2 Assessment taken from other awarding organisations 3 Claiming credit: Guidance on the recognition of prior learning within the Qualifications and Credit Framework, QCDA, London, 2008 Version 1.0 May 2016 Page 4 of 6

5 Stage 3: Assessment/documentation of evidence Assessment as part of Recognition of Prior Learning and within the RQF is a structured process for gathering and reviewing evidence and making judgments about a learner s prior learning and experience in relation to unit standards. Assessment must be valid and reliable to ensure the integrity of units and qualifications and the Recognition of Prior Learning system as a whole. The assessment process for Recognition of Prior Learning will be subject to the same quality assurance processes of Gateway Qualifications as any other part of the assessment process (see section on principles). Stage 4: Awarding achievement Gateway Qualifications is responsible for awarding achievement and issuing certificates. The procedure is the same as for other forms of assessment. Stage 5: Feedback After the assessment the Assessor will need to give feedback to the learner, discussing the results and giving support and guidance on the options available to the learner, which may include, for example, further learning and development. Stage 6: Appeal If learners wish to appeal against a decision made about their claim for achievement they would need to follow the Centre s Appeals process. Note: The Centre s processes and procedures in respect of Recognition of Prior Learning will be reviewed during the quality monitoring visit by the Centre s External Quality Assurer, to ensure that the processes are applied consistently and fairly. The outcome of the review and agreed actions (where appropriate) will be recorded in the external quality assurance report. Monitoring Gateway Qualifications Quality and Standards Committee will be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and process. Summary reports will be submitted to each meeting to enable the Committee to review the effectiveness of the process and, where appropriate, monitor changes to the policy and procedures, which will be submitted annually to the Board of Trustees for monitoring and appropriate action. Version 1.0 May 2016 Page 5 of 6

6 Contact us If you have any queries about the contents of the policy, please contact our support team by: Telephone: Post: Gateway Qualifications, Gateway House, 3 Tollgate Business Park, COLCHESTER, CO3 8AB Version: 1.0 May 2016 Policy author: Director of Quality Latest Review: New Policy May 2016 Board approval date: 6 July 2016 Review Date: July 2017 Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition Condition E10: Recognition of Prior Learning QAA licensing criteria n/a Version 1.0 May 2016 Page 6 of 6