C.C.B.C. Community Education Department AGORED CYMRU Guidelines 2013-2014

C.C.B.C. Community Education Department AGORED CYMRU Guidelines 2013-2014 This booklet is intended to guide you through the Agored qualification process with Caerphilly ACL Department. Agored Cymru is a Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) Awarding Organisation, approved by the Qualifications Regulators. All Agored Cymru accredited units are designed to respond to the diversity of learners, centres and opportunities in Wales. N.B. Tutors must select AGORED CYMRU units from the approved list of units on the Caerphilly AGORED CYMRU framework (will be emailed out on a monthly basis). Other units can be taught but this must be completed in consultation with Ann Jones well in advance of the course starting and the units have to be officially approved before the start of the course. Contacts Paul Jones 02920 852537 AGORED CYMRU Quality Manager jonesp4@caerphilly.gov.uk Ann Jones 02920 852537 AGORED CYMRU Accreditation Officer jonesa28@caerphilly.gov.uk 1

The Admin Process Form AGORED CYMRU Unit Sheet This form (Example 2) contains the unit details, level etc. You must ensure that the unit is on the CCBC framework (Ann Jones & Paul Jones are able to confirm this) AGORED CYMRU Course Learner Registration Form (CLRF) Electronic Version Full learner details, course start and completion dates. These electronic MS Excel forms will be sent out to all centres during Sept. Date N.B. Prior to course commencement N.B. Submit back to centre, within 3 weeks of the start of the course. Any later and courses will not be registered. Admin Staff will generate an electronic Course Learner Registration Form for tutors to complete with unit details and course title. Please request an additional CLRF for learners who enrol late. CLRFs and External Groups Genesis and Young Mums, etc must continue to send all CLRFs to Ann Jones for registration. On completion of the CLRF form, AGORED CYMRU will send an electronic RAC (Recommendation for the Award of Credit) for the tutors to tick and sign. This form will then be needed at the Internal Moderation this signed form generates the learner certificates. It is the responsibility of tutors to check that the learners names and the Unit are correct on the RAC and to delete the names of any learners who will not go forward for accreditation. Tutor must sign the front of the RAC. No handwritten names can be added to a RAC - new learner = A new CLRF. The Internal Moderator will sign this RAC form at the IM review. The form is then returned to AGORED CYMRU and the certificates will be sent out within 30 days of AGORED CYMRU receiving the form. AGORED CYMRU Units Credits to teaching hours The table below indicates the number of weeks (2 hour session) that the credits must be delivered over i.e. a 3-credit unit can be delivered over 8 weeks (16 hours). 8 weeks 3 Credits 15 weeks 6 Credits 30 weeks 12 Credits 2

Internal Verification Guidance What does Internal Verification mean for you? Internal Verification is a process by which students work, having already been assessed by their tutor, is checked by an independent internal verifier to ensure the assessed evidence satisfies the unit assessment criteria, grading decisions made by the assessor are valid & that adequate feedback has been given to the learner. This is achieved by an inspection of the students own files their Portfolios of Evidence. What will the Internal Verifier expect to see? 1. The IV looks to see if the assessed evidence satisfies the assessment criteria and that grading decisions made by the tutor are valid and that adequate feedback has been given. 2. Students work including files must be clearly labelled on the outside with their name, subject and tutor. Learner portfolio front sheet (Example 1) 3. Easily accessible (i.e. the evidence is easily located by the Internal Verifier and Internal Moderator work is suitably indexed and referenced) documentation relating to the units studied to include: Learner Portfolio cover sheet (Example 1) Assessment Criteria (part of the AGORED CYMRU unit sheet) (Example 2) Class handouts are not necessarily evidence unless they can prove learning has taken place e.g. a quiz handout completed by the learner. Assessment form signed and dated by both learner and tutor including tutor feedback. In the absence of an assessment form this may be noted on the Assessment Criteria sheet (part of the AGORED CYMRU unit sheet) (Example 3) Additional evidence that learning has taken place. This may take the form of photographs, interactive handouts, tutor statements, etc. these are suggestions only; you may prefer to devise your own. NB: It is important to ensure that the evidence presented has covered every aspect of the Assessment Criteria. If the Internal Verifier is not convinced that the evidence presented is appropriate, the IV3 form will be completed accordingly and returned to the tutor, who must then take the necessary remedial action before Internal Verification can be completed (IV d). 3

The Portfolio of Evidence What is it? A collection of evidence that demonstrates what a person claims to know and is able to do. (Not simply handouts) A record of a person s learning The basis on which a person will be assessed for accreditation. The student s files. Who will be involved? The student The tutor/assessor The Internal Verifier (Manager/Lead Tutor) What does the Portfolio contain? Learner portfolio cover sheet (Example 1) Index or reference system for evidence AGORED CYMRU Unit sheet (Example 2) Assessment sheets Outline timetable, proposed outline syllabus Handouts and information provided by tutor Information researched by student Samples of techniques learned Completed projects e.g. Artwork, Pottery, where practicable or alternatively, appropriately captioned photographs or audio / visual tapes, witness statements or photographs The tutor s observations on the learning processes e.g. tutor observation (Example 3), Photographic evidence form (Example 4) & Witness Statement (Example 5) What is the value of the Portfolio? Provides evidence of learning for the Internal Verifier Organises learning material Provides a reference source Provides opportunity for learner to recognise strengths and weaknesses within the area of learning and enjoyment of the course 4

Preparing for Internal Verification When you will be advised of the dates of the Internal Verification and Internal Moderation by your centre manager. What do I need to do as a New tutor? 1. New Tutors will be required to provide all learner files for IV. If for some reason this is not possible - the tutor must supply a written explanatory statement. A copy of the class register will also be required at IV / IM stages. 2. Use student portfolio cover sheets (Example 1) to identify students details at the front of each file 3. Use the AGORED CYMRU unit sheet (Example 2) at the front inside cover of the file. 4. Use the AGORED CYMRU Official Assessment Sheet for Tracking and Indexing. Internal Verifiers will need to be able to navigate the files with ease evidence must be clearly labelled. If using other forms of evidence (tapes, video, art work) the learner s names and learner s work must be made very clear. 5. Use Dividers to separate topics where learners who have studied more than one subject e.g. ICT Spreadsheets and Word Processing. 6. Use batch cover sheets to identify the class, centre, tutor etc (Example 6) 7. Tutors who have been highlighted at the IV sessions as requiring additional support will be supported by their lead tutor and lead manager as part of the IV measures. Additional files may well be requested at the future IV sessions. Please consider the following before submitting for IV Check that 50% or more of the criteria has been achieved. Refrain from submitting files that are only 1 or 2 weeks in to the course delivery, as they will only be returned to you. If you deliver 15 week courses - Please refrain from partial IV's i.e. that is where one unit you are delivering is completed but the other unit hasn't yet been taught or doesn't have enough evidence to be IV'd. 5

Preparing for Internal Verification When you will be advised of the dates of the Internal Verification and Internal Moderation by your centre manager. What do I need to do as an existing tutor? IV sampling 1. Tutors are only required to provide the square root of the units delivered. Tutor s delivering the same unit in a number of classes / locations can treat this as one class (i.e. the square root of the cohort). Note: any tutor who requires additional support may be requested to supply additional files at subsequent I.V. sessions. 2. Use student portfolio cover sheets (Example 1) to identify students details at the front of each file 3. Use the AGORED CYMRU unit sheet (Example 2) at the front inside cover of the file. 4. Use batch cover sheets to identify the class, centre, tutor etc (Example 6) 5. Use the AGORED CYMRU Official Assessment Sheet for Tracking and Indexing. Internal Verifiers will need to be able to navigate the files with ease evidence must be clearly labelled. If using other forms of evidence (tapes, video, art work) the learner s names and learner s work must be made very clear. 6. Use Dividers to separate topics where learners who have studied more than one subject e.g. ICT Spreadsheets and Word Processing. 7. Tutors who have been highlighted at the IV session as requiring additional support will be supported by their lead tutor and lead manager as part of the IV measures. Additional files may be requested at the next IV session Please consider the following before submitting for IV Check that 50% or more of the criteria has been achieved. Refrain from submitting files that are only 1 or 2 weeks in to the course delivery, as they will only be returned to you. 6

If you deliver 15 week courses - Please refrain from partial IV s i.e. that is where one unit you are delivering is completed but the other unit, hasn't yet been taught or doesn't have enough evidence to be IV'd. Internal Moderation Guidance (formerly - External Verification) What is IM? IM is a process undertaken by an organisation in which assessment practices and decisions are regularly sampled and evaluated and findings are acted upon to ensure consistency and fairness. What does Internal Moderation mean for you? At the IM session the IM will want to see the same type of range of paperwork that was presented at the I.V session. You must present your quality paperwork Lesson Plans, Scheme of Work, Tracking Sheet and IV Sheets (Tutor File), a copy of the class register and a completed RAC must be presented. All tutors will provide one I.V d file and one non I.V d file at IM for each unit taught. It is important for the tutors to attend these IM sessions. The IM will also want to see the course/tutor file. You will be advised when the IM sessions will take place. It is a useful experience for the Tutors to meet the Internal Moderator. The RAC form must be available for the IM to sign, which must then be passed on to Paul Jones or Ann Jones at Bedwas Centre without delay. This is the form that enables certificates to be claimed. Direct Claim Status Caerphilly ACL was awarded Direct Claim status by Agored Cymru Wales in September 2011. This enable our own A.I.V.S qualified staff to sign off RACs. Agored may still send quality observers to IV/IM sessions. 7

Example 1 Caerphilly CCBC Learner Portfolio Cover Sheet Learner Name Centre Tutor Name Day/Time Class Title AGORED CYMRU Unit Title AGORED CYMRU Unit Code Level Credits AGORED CYMRU Unit Title AGORED CYMRU Unit Code Level Credits AGORED CYMRU Unit Title AGORED CYMRU Unit Code Level Credits I confirm that the content of this portfolio is my own work. Learner Signature Date 8

Example 2 Using the Internet. Unit Code: CR11CY008 Level: One Credit Value: 1 Unit ID: BZU421 AGORED CYMRU Unit Sheet LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The learner will: The learner can: 1. Use the Internet. (4.1. 4.3) 1.1 Load an internet browser. 1.2 Access a given website using favourites and by entering the web address. 1.3 Navigate websites using hyperlinks, forward and back. 1.4 Add a website to the favourites list. 1.5 Use search engines to locate information. 1.6 Select and paste information into another application (such as a word processor). 1.7 Download images. 1.8 Play media files (such as audio, video or games). 1.9 Print information from web sites. Evidence must satisfy all the assessment criteria Critiera 1.7 - How will you assess that a learner can download images. 9

Example 3 Tutor Observation Sheet Using the Internet. Unit Code: CR11CY008 Level: One Credit Value: 1 Assessment Observation Student s Name: Criteria Assessment Date Achieved 1.1 Load an internet browser. 1.3 Navigate websites using hyperlinks, forward and back. I confirm that I have observed the above named candidate, carrying our the above assessment criteria Student s Signature.... Date.. Tutor s Signature. Date 10

Example 4 Photographic Evidence Form Unit No Title Summary of Evidence Summary of Evidence A.C. Reference Student Name Date.. Name of Tutor / Assessor. Date 11

Example 5 Witness Statement (AGORED CYMRU) Tutor / other statement Unit Title:. Assessment Criteria:. Student Name I have observed this student undertaking the following activity/ies: -........ This activity/ies has reached the standard necessary, for this assessment criterion. Tutor Signature Date 12

Example 6 Batch Cover Sheet CAERPHILLY C.B.C Community Education Agored Cymru I.V Batch Front Sheet 2013-14 TUTOR NAME: CENTRE: DAY & TIME OF CLASS: Agored Cymru Unit Title: Nat Code: Credit: Level: Agored Cymru Unit Title: Nat Code: Credit: Level: Agored Cymru Unit Title: Nat Code: Credit: Level: Agored Cymru Unit Title: Nat Code: Credit: Level: Subject Area: Lead Tutor: Has this course finished? Yes No IV d By:- Date: Tutor Checklist Copy of Register Signed and ticked RAC Files - Square root of the unit/s 13

CAERPHILLY C.B.C Community Education Agored Cymru I.M Batch Front Sheet 2013/14 TUTOR NAME: CENTRE: DAY & TIME OF CLASS: Agored Cymru Unit Title: Nat Code: Credit: Level: Agored Cymru Unit Title: Nat Code: Credit: Level: Agored Cymru Unit Title: Nat Code: Credit: Level: Agored Cymru Unit Title: Nat Code: Credit: Level: Subject Area: Lead Tutor: Internally Verified Yes No IV Date: Tutor Checklist Copy of Register Signed and ticked RAC IV 3A Form Files - Square root of the unit/s - IV d and Non IV d Tutor File, Containing Quality Paperwork, LP, Scheme of Work and Assessment Tracking Sheet 14

Glossary of terms Assessment - The process of making judgements about the extent to which a learner's work meets the assessment criteria for a unit or part of a unit. Formative assessment provides ongoing feedback to learners that can help them improve their performance / achievement during the remainder of a course. Summative assessment takes place at the end of a defined period of learning. Authenticity Statement - A statement confirming that the work has been produced by the learner who is putting it forward for assessment. Where work has been produced as part of a collaborative effort an authenticity statement also confirms the learner's role in the work. Assessment Criteria - Statements that enable a judgement to be made about whether a learner has achieved the specified learning outcomes at a particular level. C.L.R.F Course and Learner Registration Form an electronic MS Excel file. The completion of this form is the start of Agored Cymru process. Conflict of interest The most important feature of this statement is the instruction that individuals should always disclose an activity if there is any doubt whether it represents a conflict of interest. CQF Credit and qualification framework - (Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales) Credit - Credit is a measure of the volume of achievement that a unit represents and is a means of recognising, measuring, valuing and comparing achievement. A credit is awarded to learners for the achievement of whole units. One credit has the notional value of 10 hours of learning Credit Level - Credit level reflects the complexity and / or the independence of learning. Each unit is unique and can exist a only one level. Entry Level provides a basis for progression to other learning programmes within the framework. Level One is comparable to NVQ1, Foundation GNVQ and GCSE grades D-G. Level Two is comparable to NVQ2, Intermediate GNVQ and GCSE grades A*-C. Level Three is comparable to NVQ3. A Level, AS Level and AVCE. Direct Claim - Caerphilly s qualified A.I.V.S staff can sign off RACs. Entry Level - provides a basis for progression to other learning programmes within the framework. 15

I.M. Internal Moderation an Internal Moderator is appointed by CCBC ACL to review a particular subject as part of the Agored Cymru's quality assurance systems. Learning outcome - A statement, which clearly identifies what the learner will know, understand, or be able to do. R.A.C Recommendation for the Award of Credit form - an electronic MS Excel file. This signed form enables the claiming of certificates from Agored Cymru. Unit - A unit is the smallest part of learning that can be accredited in it's own right. A unit has an explicit and coherent set of outcomes which describe what a learner will be able to do along with appropriate assessment criteria, credit value, level and title and unique unit identification code. Units may be designed as part of a qualification or be independent. Units do not have to be taught or delivered as discrete entities. Back to the start www.agored.org.uk www.qcda.gov.uk 16

No Check the unit you plan to deliver is on the CCBC Framework Yes Email your completed CLRF (Electronic Version) to Admin Team at your Centre or Ann Jones Portfolios to be Internally Verified Contact Ann Jones Agored Cymru Accreditation Officer Files will be returned to you if they need further work following the IV session. You will need to work with the Lead Tutor and re-submit files for a further IV Completed portfolios put forward for External Verification Externally Verification Tutor must complete the RAC by signing and ticking the names of learners who are to be put forward for award. RAC to be signed by EV Uncompleted RACS = No Certificates Agored Cymru certificates arrive for learners 17