Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Contents Overview 1 Page 1 Review Date 2 Responsibility for Review 1 1 Key Information 2 1 Statement of Policy 2 Aims 3 Objectives 4 Implementation 5 Links 2 2 3 3 4 Appendices 5 Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 Appendix 5 Appendix 6 Role of Learner Role of Course Tutor Role of the Course Internal Quality Assurer Flow Chart RPL Learning Route Proforma for RPL Initial Interview with Course Tutor Employment History Educational Activities RPL Report Identifying Evidence Rules of Evidence Types/Sources for Evidence How to reference your Evidence Evidence Referencing Grid Evidence Checklist Summary of Evidence & Decision 5 5 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 This document is available in large print or in an alternative format that meets your needs. Please contact the HR Manager. June 2012 Ref:POL0101

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Overview 1 Review Date October 2014 2 Responsibility for Review ADQA (FE) and Staff Development. June 2012 Page - 1 - Ref:POL0101

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Key Information 1 Statement of Policy The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a sub-policy of the Internal Verification Quality Assurance and Moderation policy and is designed to develop and provide a Recognition of Prior Learning system across all areas of the College to ensure the identification, assessment and certification of a person s vocationally relevant past achievements as determined by the relevant Awarding Organisations. The Policy is designed to establish common systems and processes and transparency for learners. The Policy underpins the College Mission Statement of Inspiring Futures, Transforming Lives, Building Prosperity, Delivering Success. 2 Aims Through a common approach North Lindsey College will demonstrate a coherent Recognition of Prior Learning system in all programmes to External Quality Assurers, OFSTED inspectors and to the learners. The establishment of the criteria detailed below will ensure the effectiveness of the system. Advice Availability of initial and continual advice to learners to enable the learner to: recognise the opportunities that RPL provides identify his or her aspirations improve self-confidence and sense of worth identify possibilities and set targets reflect on and identify relevant past achievements assemble and present evidence of past achievements agree on further work and identify assessment requirements. Mapping - listing of the principal objects and skills requirements of individual units enables the learner to focus on the match between what is required and what has been achieved. Portfolio construction Establishment of sound guidance on portfolio preparation Assessment/Verification/Certification Establishment of a system for assessment/verification and certification. Post Assessment Guidance Establish a system for Assessment Decision and Guidance for the learner. June 2012 Page - 2 - Ref:POL0101

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Key Information 3 Objectives Create a high level of satisfaction for learners applying for RPL. The College will monitor, review and evaluate the provision as part of an ongoing commitment to quality improvement. The College will strive to maximise learner satisfaction with the most effective and efficient deployment of resources. 4 Implementation Appendix 1 gives details of the Roles of the Learner, Course Tutor and Course Internal Quality Assurer (IQA). Appendix 2 shows the RPL Learning Route Appendix 3-5 gives samples of the forms to be used in this process. Appendix 6 shows the Recognition of Prior Learning summary of evidence & decision, for RPL in all areas where RPL is going to be the route to certification. The Proforma for Initial RPL interview will begin the RPL process. The tutor concerned will confirm the proposed RPL claim and advise of the RPL route. They will also enrol the learner with the College under the course code indicating that the learner is gaining recognition via the RPL route, and register the learner with the appropriate Awarding Organisation. They will also be responsible for consultation with the manager for the allocation of an assessor and internal verifier/qa. The tutor will then establish, with the learner, the format for the portfolio. The tutor will be responsible for arranging the assessment of the portfolio. The tutor will be responsible for arranging internal verification/qa. The Internal verifier/qa will be responsible for arranging certification to be awarded. If the claim is successful the Course IQA will liaise with the Awarding Organisation and complete the relevant documentation. Time and Costings will be as follows: Initial Interview Enrolment on course Certification Free Relevant course fee Relevant certification fee. The Recognition of Prior Learning Policy will be implemented by practising tutors/assessors, course internal verifiers/qa, external verifiers/qa together with the Quality Management Team and Learner Services Managers. All staff in delivery, assessment and Internal Verification/Quality Assurance of programmes. June 2012 Page - 3 - Ref:POL0101

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Key Information 5 Links This policy should be read in conjunction with:- the College Mission Statement Learner Equality & Diversity Policy Single Equality Scheme Quality Assurance Policy Internal Verification/Internal Moderation/IQA Policy Key/Functional Skills Policy The policy may be influenced by external influences such as the requirements of: SFA, QCA, Awarding Organisations June 2012 Page - 4 - Ref:POL0101

Appendix 1 ROLE OF LEARNER For a claim of Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) the learner must: Liaise with the Course Tutor to request that they would like RPL to be considered. Provide the evidence appropriate for such a claim. Complete the required documentation for such a claim. Accept the decision of the IQA/EQA/Awarding organisation with regards to such a claim. ROLE OF COURSE TUTOR Conduct initial RPL interview. Provide RPL documentation and agree deadline for return. Liaise with IQA re RPL claim. ROLE OF THE COURSE INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURER Support for Recognition of Prior Learning Internal Quality Assurers will, in consultation with Course Tutors and learners: Ensure that Course Tutors recognise the procedure for identifying RPL. Ensure that learners recognise their responsibility in making a claim for RPL. Liaise with the relevant Awarding Organisation on behalf of the learner with regards to the RPL claim, forwarding any required documentary evidence. Advise the learner of the outcome of the RPL claim. June 2012 Page - 5 - Ref:POL0101

Appendix 2 THE RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING ROUTE Learner requests claim for RPL Discussion with Course Tutor Course Tutor advises learner of relevance of claim to course criteria Claim worthwhile. Claim not worthwhile. Learner agrees Tutor and IQA give advice to learner of relevant evidence required. Learner completes course work as required Learner provides evidence and required paperwork within a mutually agreed time frame Tutor and IQA consider authenticity, validity and currency of evidence against course criteria required and makes decision re claim or Claim not worthwhile. Learner agrees. Learner completes course work as advised IQA contacts EQA/Awarding Organisation for decision IQA communicates Awarding Organisation decision to learner and Course Tutor and stores records of decision June 2012 Page - 6 - Ref:POL0101

DOCUMENTATION TO BE USED FOR RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING June 2012 Page - 7 - Ref:POL0101

Appendix 3 Page 1 of 3 PRO FORMA FOR RPL INITIAL INTERVIEW WITH COURSE TUTOR (to be completed by learner prior to interview) PERSONAL DETAILS SURNAME FORENAME(S) HOME ADDRESS POSTCODE DATE OF BIRTH AGE SECONDARY EDUCATION NAME OF SCHOOL/INSTITUTION DATES FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING NAME OF INSTITUTION/PROVIDER TITLE AND COURSE PROGRAMME DATES QUALIFICATION UNIT FORMAL QUALIFICATIONS FROM SCHOOL AND /OR COLLEGE TITLE OF AWARD/AWARDING ORGANISATION GRADE DATES *For any qualifications you must provide original certificates in order to proceed. June 2012 Page - 8 - Ref:POL0101

Appendix 3 Page 2 of 3 EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (Also mention work performed primarily in the home, eg running the house, bring up the children). NAME AND ADDRESS OF ORGANISATION JOB TITLE/DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DATES QUALIFICATION UNIT/ELEMENT REFERENCE Voluntary unpaid work (Including membership of community groups, political activities women s groups, public service of any kind, youth or children s organisations, trade unions, pressure groups, fund raising). ACTIVITY DATES June 2012 Page - 9 - Ref:POL0101

Appendix 3 Page 3 of 3 EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES (Including in service training, industrial training, taken at evening classes, correspondence or weekend courses, include everything you can remember even if you have not got any certificates.) HOBBIES AND INTERESTS (Including travel and any independent reading or studying you have done.) June 2012 Page - 10 - Ref:POL0101

Appendix 4 RPL REPORT (To be completed by Course Tutor and Quality Assured by IQA) Qualification (claiming RPL for) Candidate Course Tutor Quality Assurer PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION ETC UNIT/CRITERIA EVIDENCE DECISION PROCEED WITH CLAIM YES / NO COMMENTS LEARNER SIGNATURE IQA SIGNATURE DATE DATE June 2012 Page - 11 - Ref:POL0101

Appendix 5 Page 1 of 6 IDENTIFYING EVIDENCE A well planned approach will ensure the most economical use of your time and effort - use an action plan. a) After completing relevant docs in Appendix 3, you, with your tutor should agree which unit(s) you will be asking for RPL to be considered. You will now be able to begin the collection of evidence for the elements which make up each unit. As you begin to plan, do remember that the evidence for one element/unit may be used for other elements/units. b) Each element will require more than one type of evidence. Evidence must cover all the ranges and knowledge for each element. Planning will save time. When you complete Appendix 3, and you are identifying the type of evidence you could provide, ask yourself the following questions: Can my performance be observed? In the absence of the tutor can a witness authenticate my evidence, e.g. line manager? Can I bring forward any evidence of previous achievements? Can I include any records, documents etc? Are there any criteria for which I cannot produce evidence? June 2012 Page - 12 - Ref:POL0101

Appendix 5 Page 2 of 6 RULES FOR EVIDENCE The evidence which you submit is used to prove your competence, and, rather like the evidence collected by the police, it must follow certain guidelines: Sufficient There must be enough evidence to prove your claim against the relevant criteria. Authentic It must be your own work. Current It must reflect current working practices. It may be that your evidence is several years old and will still be current because the working practices have not altered and yet evidence from only a few months back may not be current as working practices are regularly changing, e.g. high tech industries. Valid It must relate strictly to the criteria against which RPL is being claimed. Confidentiality You must remove all names, addresses, telephone numbers etc to avoid breach of data protection legislation. June 2012 Page - 13 - Ref:POL0101

Appendix 5 Page 3 of 6 TYPES/SOURCES OF EVIDENCE Natural Performance Copies of observation records to prove your practice. Witness Testimony A letter or statement from your line manager, a colleague or previous employer, etc stating how you have met relevant criteria. Simulation Records of participation in a simulated activity against relevant criteria. Documentation This may be a series of documents which you use in your normal work routine. If you use these you must ensure that you have your employer s consent. Blank documents may not be sufficient. See notes on confidentiality. Other Any other evidence you feel relevant to support your claim eg photographs, hobbies, membership of clubs/societies, community/voluntary work, previous qualifications - providing they are still current - may support your claim. It is not possible to give a complete list of all sources and types of evidence as individuals will each generate their own unique evidence. June 2012 Page - 14 - Ref:POL0101

Appendix 5 Page 4 of 6 HOW TO REFERENCE YOUR EVIDENCE Collecting Evidence Working systematically will make your task very much easier and you will find that the following examples will help you. 1 Use self-adhesive labels to attach to the plastic wallets in which you will keep each piece of evidence. 2 The following is an example of how to set out the information on the label: Evidence Number 1 Unit Title Criteria 1, 3, 6 Handling Stock (B17) 3 Number each piece of evidence as you collect it, e.g. 1, 2, 3. 4 Identify which unit and criteria are met by the piece of evidence and then complete the label. 5 If the evidence applies to more than one unit/criteria, show on the label ALL the details. You may choose to use a separate label for each of the units. Evidence Number 1 Unit Title Performance Criteria 1, 3, 6 Evidence Number 1 Unit Title Criteria 1, 3, 5 Handling Stock (B17) Maintain Stock Records (B18) 6 Now turn to the Evidence Referencing Grid and enter the information from the label. This will provide an audit trail for your tutor to use. EVIDENCE REFERENCING GRID QUALIFICATION TITLE B16 Re-ordering Stock B17 Handling Stock B18 Maintain Stock Records 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 Evidence 1 It will also provide a map of how the evidence satisfies the performance criteria. 7 Repeat this process for each piece of evidence you collect to create a full audit trail for your tutor/assessor to follow. June 2012 Page - 15 - Ref:POL0101

Appendix 5 Page 5 of 6 June 2012 Page - 16 - Ref:POL0101

Appendix 5 Page 6 of 6 EVIDENCE CHECKLIST Yes No 1 Have I stated the title of the qualification/module applying for? 2 Have I clearly shown my name on the Summary of Evidence sheet? 3 Have I provided sufficient evidence to meet the relevant criteria? 4 Have I completed and enclosed the Evidence Referencing Grid? 5 Have I marked each piece of evidence with number, unit and criteria? 6 Have I included: Original Certificates (where applicable) Learner Signature Date June 2012 Page - 17 - Ref:POL0101

Appendix 6 SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE & DECISION Learner Name Address Tel No Date of Birth North Lindsey College Learner ID Number Tutor/Assessor IQA Interview Date Evidence Deadline Date Assessment Verification Date by Tutor/IQA Target Award/Module Awarding Organisation and Reg Date Evidence compiled and reviewed and discussed with External Verifier/EQA (date) RPL Awarded (date) External Verifier/EQA Signature/Name (date) Learner Signature (date) June 2012 Page - 18 - Ref:POL0101