OCNLR GCSE Equivalence Scheme

Transcription

1 OCNLR GCSE Equivalence Scheme This document outlines the OCNLR GCSE equivalence scheme, from how it was written, to the units themselves. What is GCSE equivalence and who is it for? The OCNLR GCSE equivalence scheme is only for learners on an OCNLR Access to HE Diploma programme, and who wish to, or who are required to, achieve GCSE level attainment in Maths, English or Science. The GCSE equivalence can be claimed if a learner has achieved four units from a specified bank of units which have been mapped against the standard route GCSE curriculum. Each unit carries 3 credits, therefore the achievement of OCNLR GCSE equivalence indicates 12 credits and 120 notional learning hours. The standard GCSE award indicates learning hours of between 90 and 110. The GCSE equivalence scheme has been written for adult learners, and as such is delivered and assessed differently to the standard GCSE route. Learners achieve the equivalent level of competency in the subject areas, but within a learning and assessment environment consistent with the rest of their study and qualification. How was the OCNLR GCSE equivalence scheme put together? The OCNLR GCSE equivalence units were written in reference to the curriculum of several awarding organisations for standard GCSE awards. Currently, the schemes have a bank of six units. Details of units for Maths, English and Science are attached to this document as appendices 1, 2 and 3, respectively. What does the GCSE equivalence mean in relation to level and grades? The OCNLR GCSE equivalence scheme has been developed to equate to an A-C grade in the standard GCSE as a Level 2 qualification. Access to HE units are assessed against Assessment Criteria, and all of these criteria must be achieved to pass a unit. Therefore, a learner who has completed a GCSE equivalence unit has passed 100% of criteria for that unit. A learner who has completed four GCSE equivalence units has achieved all criteria written in reference to two thirds of the standard GCSE route curriculum. A standard route learner would have to pass with a mark of 40% in order to gain a grade C. Standard route GCSE curriculum Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4 Unit 5 Unit 6 Learner achieves all criteria for FOUR units OCNLR GCSE Equivalence Page 1 of 5

2 How is the scheme monitored? Each set of OCNLR Access to HE units are periodically revalidated, as are the individual Diploma programmes themselves. In addition, the QAA is considering the re-examining of GCSE equivalence schemes across all Access Validating Agencies (AVAs) with the view of considering a national equivalence scheme. GCSE equivalence units are validated with input from colleagues in higher education, with attendance of ITT HE providers a compulsory requirement. Therefore, all OCNLR GCSE equivalence units have been approved in agreement with receiving institutions, including institutions for which GCSE attainment is a professional body requirement. OCNLR also requires our Access to HE centres to take part in centrally run standardisation events, part of which concentrates on the GCSE equivalence units. How are GCSE equivalence units assessed? The OCNLR GCSE equivalence units are assessed using multiple methods, rather than one final exam, as is more common with the standard GCSE route. Adult learners studying for an Access to HE Diploma may be returning to education after a significant period out of education, therefore the assessment methods concentrate on raising their attainment and making sure that learners have the required competency in English, Maths or Science that map against the grades A-C within the standard GCSE route. OCNLR, during validation of units and individual Diplomas, requires that exams, marked tests, tutor observations and coursework are built into the GCSE equivalence units. How is GCSE equivalence certificated? OCNLR does not provide a separate certificate for GCSE equivalence attainment. Learners who have achieved four different units that are listed under a module with the prefix GCSE equivalence within Maths, English and Science have achieved GCSE equivalence. Access to HE Learners can receive two certificates from OCNLR. The first is their Diploma grade transcript, which will outline all achievement within the 60 credit Diploma. The learner can also receive an additional transcript which outlines all achievement above and beyond the 60 credit Diploma. The GCSE equivalence units can therefore be grouped together on one certificate, or separated between both the Diploma grade transcript, and additional transcript. The OCNLR GCSE equivalence units are intended to show competency at an A-C standard route grade. The OCNLR GCSE equivalence is not a free standing qualification. Page 2 of 5

3 APPENDIX 1: OCNLR GCSE Equivalence Maths unit no. Unit Title Description 1 Algebra and Graphs This unit introduces the use of algebraic expressions to describe a situation i.e. like and unlike terms, simplifying linear expressions, linear equations, change of subject, linear graphs, simultaneous equations. 2 Basic Arithmetic Skills and Probability This unit helps to develop the students confidence in using and understanding of negative numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratio approximations, appropriate use of calculators. 3 Mathematical Investigation This unit focuses on area of enquiry, designing a hypothesis, gathering data using a named sampling technique, presenting data in line with enquiry, using graphs and charts to support arguments, drawing valid conclusions. Students are taught how to plan, execute and evaluate project results. 4 Measures This unit develops the students ability to perform calculations involving; conversions between seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, years; fractions of an hour, metric and imperial conversions, measures in practical situations, scales and maps, scale drawing, conversions between Fahrenheit and Celsius, temperature calculations (link with negative numbers), compound measures (i.e. speed), density etc. 5 Shape This unit focuses on angle properties (alternate, corresponding, internal and external angles, three figure bearings, properties of 2D and 3D shapes, line and planes of symmetry, perimeters and circumference of surface shapes, areas of volume, unit conversions and Pythagoras Theorem. 6 Statistics and Probability This unit investigates issues relevant to data collection (i.e. population, sample, sampling techniques), data presentation (2 way tables, frequency distribution tables, graphs and charts), data analysis (mean, median, mode, range, quartiles, inter-quartile range), drawing conclusions, calculating probabilities (i.e. interdependent and mutually exclusive events). Additional units available Further Statistics and Probability This unit looks at the construction and interpretation of histograms and frequency polygons, variance, mean deviation, standard deviation. Page 3 of 5

4 APPENDIX 2: OCNLR GCSE Equivalence English unit no. Unit Title Description 1 a Discursive Writing This unit introduces the students to discursive writing. The students will write a discursive essay in which exposition should be presented together with evidence of the ability to explore ideas and/or arguments. Research skills will be developed throughout this unit. 1 b Narrative Writing This unit explores the conventions of narrative writing. This unit also provides students with the opportunity to develop narrative writing skills. They will be able to work in a specific genre (e.g. children s stories) and produce relevant creative writing. 2 Practical Writing: Reports and Formal Letters This unit looks at different types of letters writing styles and report writing. The students will write a range of letters using different styles and produce a well formatted report based on an investigation into a subject appropriate to their Diploma subject area. 3 Reading and Comprehension of Texts This unit looks at a variety of texts appropriate to the student s Diploma subject area; these texts will reflect diversity. The students will have the opportunity for discussion and questions/answers which will provide an opportunity for students to explain and evaluate texts. 4 Response to Literature This unit concentrates on studying literary texts specific to the subject area. The choice of books takes into account the following criteria: a) the texts appeal and relevance across a range of subjects b) their readability and accessibility c) their challenging nature 5 Speaking and Listening Skills This unit focuses on developing skills within a seminar setting. Here the students are required to prepare a presentation of between minutes. These are delivered to the whole group. The assessment will be in three forms: a) tutor assessment b) peer assessment c) self assessment The assessments will be collated by the tutor to inform the overall award of credit. 6 Writing Standard English This unit will be used to introduce the conventions of standard English/. To achieve the requirements of this unit, the students will be presented with different types of writing and then, through worksheets and exercises, will develop competency in the use of standard English. Page 4 of 5

5 APPENDIX 3: OCNLR GCSE Equivalence Science unit no. Science area Unit Title Description 1 & 2 BIOLOGY Life Processes In this unit, the students will learn to understand the cell as the basis for living things. They will describe the main organelles in plant and animal cells, and must be able to distinguish between them. Students will be able to describe osmosis and diffusion and their importance in living organisms. Students will be able to interpret food webs and the flow of energy. Students will be able to describe the cycling of two different nutrients of single genetic characteristics and describe the effect of human activities on the environment. Human Biology This unit explores the structure and the functions of the main organs and their importance to health. The students will learn to describe the main human systems, the components of a balance diet and their importance to the body. The five categories of disease and their causes will be explored, with at least two examples of disease in each category. Students will be able to describe how one genetic disease is inherited and describe the characteristics of bacteria, viruses and fungi. 3 & 4 PHYSICS Fundamentals of Physics This units looks at the basics of physics; including exploring concepts such as time/force etc. and the language of physics. Students will use scalar and vector quantities and be able to describe the model of the atom and nuclear fission and fusion. Students will be able to use simple equations to describe velocity and acceleration, interpret velocity-time graphs and displacement-time graphs. Students will be able to define density and use the equation of density to explain units of density. Students will carry out or describe experiences used to determine the densities of regular and irregular objects. Aspects of Energy This unit is diverse in the sense that it looks at different aspects of energy; including temperature/heat and electricity and the principles of the conservation of energy. Students will be able to describe reflection, refraction and dispersion and give applications. Students will be able to explain the difference between converging and diverging lenses and explain what kinetic energy is. Students will distinguish between temperature and heat and outline the importance of potential difference and what happens when in a circuit. Students will be able to explain current and resistance and state what the units are. Students will be able to perform calculations using V=IxR. Students will be able to briefly describe differences between types of energy and explain the law of conservation and energy with examples. 5 & 6 CHEMISTRY Chemical Changes This unit explores the world of chemical change and its importance in understanding the chemical and physical world. Students will be able to describe different types of chemical reaction and be able to balance and interpret chemical equations using formulas. Students will be able to use the ph scale to identify the ph of different substances, and will look at acids, bases and salts and their properties. Students will be able to distinguish between the reactions of simple organic compounds. Chemical Structure This units allows the learner to investigate and appreciate the different qualities and functions of the three states of matter. Students will be able to distinguish between elements, mixtures and compounds and between metals and non-metals. Students will be able to interpret symbols and formulae accurately and describe the structure of the atom and draw the electron configuration of the first 20 elements on the periodic table. Students will be able to describe ions, covalent and metallic bonding and the types of structure of solids and relate them to their physical properties and uses. Page 5 of 5