Qualification and Assessment Specification NOCN Level 3 Award in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Qualification No: 601/1683/3 NOCN Level 3 Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Qualification No: 601/1684/5 Operational Start Date: 1 st December 2013 Version Number: 2.0 Date of Issue: January 2015 1
Introduction NOCN has been providing a qualification and accreditation service to providers across the UK for over 25 years and is justifiably proud of its reputation as, a provider of fully accessible, trusted and flexible qualification and accreditation services. Over the years, NOCN has worked effectively with our centres for the benefit of learners across the country; with a mutual interest in providing a continuously improving service. NOCN, whilst retaining all the advantage of being a national body, has always provided a personal, bespoke service to its customers and prides itself on its local presence and expertise within communities. This handbook is a resource for NOCN centres who wish to offer the NOCN Level 3 Award and Certificate in Skills for Development (QCF). The qualifications are relevant to schools, colleges and voluntary or private training providers working with learners aged 14 and above in Personal Development, Vocational Support and IT Skills. The handbook details the qualification specification and provides guidance to the training provider on assessment criteria and evidence requirements. 2
Contents Introduction 2 NOCN Level 3 Award and Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal 4 1.1 Entry Requirements 4 1.2 Qualification Structure 4 2. Centre Information 8 2.1 Offering these qualifications 8 Recognised Centres, New Centres and External Verification 8 2.2 Required Resources for Delivering these Qualifications 9 Tutor/Assessor, Internal Verifier 9 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) 10 3. Unit Information 11 3.1 Accessing the unit content 11 4. Assessment and Evidence 14 4.1 Fair and Equitable Assessment 14 4.2 Learners with Particular Requirements 15 4.3 Recognised Prior Learning 15 4.4 Functional Skills 15 4.5 Assessment and Evidence for the Units 16 Appendix 1 Resource suggestions 17 Appendix 2 Unit List 18 Appendix 3 Assessment Documentation Appendix 4 Feedback Sheet 21 23 3
1. NOCN Level 3 Award and Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal The NOCN Level 3 Award and Certificate in Skills for are designed to provide an introduction to Personal Development, Vocational Support, and IT Skills designed to build confidence for the workplace. Learners will gain an overview of key skills and areas of knowledge in order to inform further study and/or employment choices. These qualifications are suitable for learners aged 14 years or over. These qualifications will provide learners with an opportunity to: Gain knowledge and understanding of transferable vocational skills such as problem solving or time management. Gain an overview of a chosen sector, relating it to personal goals and choices. Progress onto further NOCN Level 3 qualifications such as the NOCN Level 3 Award, Certificate or Diploma in Retail Knowledge (QCF) or NOCN Level 3 Award in Vocational Studies (QCF) or another training programme such as an Advanced Apprenticeship. 1.1. Entry Requirements There are no formal entry requirements for learners undertaking these qualifications. 1.2. Qualification Structure The NOCN Level 3 Award in Skills for is a 6 credit qualification and has 41 to 42 guided learning hours. Learners must achieve a total of 6 credits with a maximum of 3 credits to be achieved from Group C. (See unit details below). The NOCN Level 3 Certificate in Skills for is a 21 credit qualification and has 146 to 152 guided learning hours. Learners must achieve a total of 21 credits. A minimum of 3 credits must be achieved from Group A and a minimum of 3 credits must be achieved from Group B. The remaining 15 credits can be taken from a combination of units from any of the groups with a maximum of 6 credits from Group C. (See unit details below). Group A Personal Development Unit Title Level Credit Value Mandatory or Optional Ofqual Unit Reference Number Nutrition and Healthy Eating L3 3 O M/505/5725 Child Protection L3 3 O T/505/5726 4
Unit Title Level Credit Value Mandatory or Optional Ofqual Unit Reference Number Cognitive Development of Children L3 3 O D/505/5753 Physical Development of Children L3 3 O H/505/5754 Play and Child Development L3 3 O A/505/5727 Play for Children Birth to Three Years L3 3 O F/505/5728 Understanding Sports Coaching Skills L3 6 O J/505/5729 Improvisation and Performance Skills L3 3 O A/505/5730 Musical Ensemble Skills L3 6 O F/505/5731 Music Skills for Solo Performance L3 6 O K/505/5724 Performance Realisation Skills L3 9 O K/505/5755 Performing Physical Theatre L3 3 O M/505/5756 Rehearsal Skills L3 3 O D/505/5767 Song Writing Skills L3 6 O F/505/5759 Using Digital Sampling Techniques for Composing L3 6 O A/505/5761 Design Project L3 3 O H/505/5768 Preparation for Employment in the Creative and Cultural Industries Work with Volunteers in a Creative and Cultural Context L3 3 O D/505/5770 L3 3 O Y/505/6089 Making a Radio Magazine Programme L3 2 O K/505/5772 Preparing for a Career in the Media Industry L3 9 O M/505/5773 Radio Production Editing Techniques L3 2 O A/505/5775 Creative Writing Skills L3 3 O J/505/5777 Building a Personal Career Portfolio L3 3 O R/505/5779 5
Unit Title Level Credit Value Mandatory or Optional Ofqual Unit Reference Number Interpersonal Skills L3 3 O T/505/6035 Personal Learning Goals L3 3 O L/505/6042 Personal Study Skills L3 6 O D/505/6045 Stress and Stress Management Techniques L3 6 O H/505/6046 Personal Career Preparation L3 1 O K/505/6047 Recognising Employment Opportunities L3 1 O M/505/6048 Undertaking an Enterprise Project L3 6 O T/505/6049 Understanding the Intellectual and Language Development of Children from Birth to Eight L3 3 O A/503/8121 Group B Vocational Support Unit Title Level Credit Value Mandatory or Optional Ofqual Unit Reference Number Customer Service Skills L3 3 O A/505/5257 Decision Making Skills L3 3 O J/505/5262 Improving Own Learning and Performance L3 3 O H/505/5270 Negotiation Skills L3 3 O H/505/8413 Presentation Skills L3 3 O M/505/5272 Team Leading Skills L3 3 O A/505/5274 Teamwork L3 3 O F/505/5275 Time Management L3 3 O J/505/5276 Equality and Diversity at Work L3 1 O L/505/5828 6
Unit Title Level Credit Value Mandatory or Optional Ofqual Unit Reference Number Communication in the Workplace L3 3 O F/505/5261 Employment Rights and Responsibilities Health and Safety Procedures in the Workplace L3 3 O D/505/5266 L3 1 O Y/505/5833 Problem Solving in the Workplace L3 3 O T/505/5273 Work Experience L3 1 O R/505/5829 Group C IT Skills Unit Title Level Credit Value Mandatory or Optional Ofqual Unit Reference Number Database Software L3 6 O T/502/4556 Design Software L3 5 O A/502/4574 Desktop Publishing Software L3 5 O H/502/4567 Imaging Software L3 5 O R/502/4614 Multimedia Software L3 6 O H/502/4617 Presentation Software L3 6 O T/502/4623 Spreadsheet Software L3 6 O J/502/4626 Using Email L3 3 O T/502/4301 Using the Internet L3 5 O F/502/4298 Video Software L3 4 O T/502/4394 Website Software L3 5 O Y/502/4632 Word Processing Software L3 6 O Y/502/4629 7
2. Centre Information 2.1. Offering these qualifications Recognised Centres If you are already recognised to offer NOCN qualifications and would like more information about offering the NOCN Level 3 Award and Certificate in Skills for, please contact: businessenquiries@nocn.org.uk. If you are ready to add these qualifications to your curriculum offer, please log in to the NOCN website, under Centres/Processes and Documents, and complete the Additional Qualification Approval Request Form, which can then be returned to businessenquiries@nocn.org.uk for the attention of your Account and Sector Manager. New Centres If you are interested in offering the NOCN Level 3 Award and Certificate in Skills for, but do not currently offer any other NOCN qualifications, you will need to be recognised as an NOCN approved centre. This process includes: Confirmation that the organisation has an adequate infrastructure in place to support the effective delivery of NOCN qualifications. An agreement signed by the principal authority in the organisation confirming adherence to the specified terms and conditions. This safeguards the quality assurance standards, in relation to the delivery and assessment process. If you would like more information about becoming an NOCN centre and offering these qualifications please see New centres under the Centres section on our website www.nocn.org.uk or contact compliance@nocn.org.uk. External Verification Once recognised as a Centre, NOCN will allocate an External Verifier. The External Verifier will have ongoing responsibility for monitoring the Centre s compliance with the requirements of centre recognised status. External Verifiers will make regular visits to all Centres. During these visits he/she will: Monitor the Centre s compliance with the Centre Recognition agreement by reviewing course documentation, meeting managers, tutors, internal moderators, learners and administrative staff. 8
Sign off the Recommendation for the Award of Credit (RAC). 2.2. Required Resources for Delivering these Qualifications As part of the requirement to deliver these qualifications there is an expectation that staff undertaking roles as part of the delivery and assessment of these qualifications have a demonstrable level of expertise. Tutor/Assessor NOCN expects that Tutors/Assessors are able to demonstrate the following competencies: Be technically competent in Personal Development, Vocational Support or IT Skills as dictated by the units they are delivering and/or have experience of delivering training within the area. The minimum expectation is that the level of experience should be at the same level as the training that is to be delivered. An occupational knowledge of Personal Development, Vocational Support, or IT Skills as dictated by the units they are delivering. The minimum expectation is that the level of knowledge should be at the same level as the training that is to be delivered. Hold a recognised teaching qualification or, for new tutors, undertake and complete initial teacher training to a minimum Level 3 standard within 12 months of taking up the tutor role. Centre staff may undertake more than one role, for example, tutor and assessor or internal verifier, but they cannot carry out any verification on work that they have previously assessed. Internal Verifier Each centre must have internal verification policies and procedures in place to ensure that decisions made by assessors are appropriate, consistent, fair and transparent, and that they do not discriminate against any learner. The policies and procedures must be sufficient to secure the quality of the award, ensuring validity, reliability, and consistency. NOCN expects that an Internal Verifier is able to demonstrate the following competencies: They should: Be technically competent in Personal Development, Vocational Support, or IT Skills as dictated by the units they are verifying and/or have experience of delivering training within the area. The minimum expectation is that the level of experience should be at the same level as the training that is to be delivered. 9
An occupational knowledge of Personal Development, Vocational Support or IT Skills as dictated by the units they are verifying. The minimum expectation is that the level of knowledge should be at the same level as the training that is to be delivered. NOCN supports and recognises Centres internal quality assurance systems which support the above; any system should encourage standardisation and sharing of good practice. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Centres are expected to support their staff, ensuring that their subject knowledge remains current and that their members of staff are up to date with regards to best practice in delivery, assessment and verification. 10
3. Unit Information The NOCN Level 3 Award and Certificate in Skills for, both consist of optional units. To achieve these qualifications a learner must provide evidence of learning and achievement against all of the assessment criteria within each unit. However a number of assessment criteria can be taught and assessed through one activity. 3.1. Accessing the unit content To access unit content for the Skills for Employment Training and Personal Development Suite: Go to the Qualifications and Units page of the NOCN website: http://www.nocn.org.uk/qualifications_and_units/search Click Show advanced Options, then Units only. 11
The quickest, most accurate way to search for a unit is by using the last four units of the Ofqual unit reference number (RITS code). For example, for unit J/505/3737, search below 3737 then select the relevant unit title. You can also search for a unit by full title or keyword. You can filter further by level or credit value. Once searched the results will appear low down on the screen and you may need to scroll down to view them. The search result will be a page containing basic unit information, the yellow Download Unit Content button and a list of qualifications that this unit appears in. (Make sure that the unit you are viewing appears in the Skills for Employment Training and Personal Development suite at the correct level.) 12
Once a search has been undertaken and a unit or qualification has been selected, at the bottom of the screen there is a Return to qualifications & units option which will take you back to your original search and results. The units can also be accessed via the Ofqual website, The Register of Regulated Qualifications http://register.ofqual.gov.uk 13
4. Assessment and Evidence The NOCN Level 3 Award and Certificate in Skills for, are internally assessed qualifications. Learners must provide evidence of learning and achievement against all of the assessment criteria specified within each unit. The NOCN Level 3 Award and Certificate in Skills for, are vocationally based qualifications and as such, the units offer the opportunity for learners to achieve a balance of practical skill and knowledge. Centres must ensure that knowledge based learning is substantive, and relevant to the work or events likely to be encountered in the course of a relevant job role. The centre must ensure that the assessment activities are: Valid Sufficient Reliable The assessment activity must be fit for purpose which means that the assessment tasks measure the intended outcomes of the unit. They should afford the learner an opportunity to provide sufficient evidence of learning to meet the assessment criteria at the appropriate level. The assessment activities afford the learner an opportunity to provide sufficient evidence of learning to meet the assessment criteria. Assessment activities must generate clear and consistent outcomes across all assessors. Although the activities may be applied to differing scenarios and in different contexts, with different learners, the evidence sought by the activity must be assessed with a universal standard to ensure that the resulting assessment decisions are consistent across all assessors and centres offering the qualification. Authentic Evidence presented must be the learner s own work. 4.1. Fair and Equitable Assessment Assessment within the NOCN Level 3 Award and Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal, are designed to be accessible and inclusive. The assessment methodology is appropriate for individual assessment or for groups of learners. 14
4.2. Learners with Particular Requirements If you are an NOCN Recognised Centre and have learners with particular requirements, please see the NOCN Access to Fair Assessment Policy and Procedure in the NOCN Centre Handbook by logging on to www.nocn.org.uk Centres/Processes and Documents. This policy gives clear guidance on the reasonable adjustments and arrangements that can be made to take account of disability or learning difficulty without compromising the assessment criteria. The NOCN Centre Recognition process requires policy statements on Equal Opportunities, Diversity and Disability Discrimination. These policy statements are then checked and confirmed through the Quality Review and Risk Assessment process. Please contact compliance@nocn.org.uk for further details. 4.3. Recognised Prior Learning Recognition of prior learning is an assessment method leading to the award of credit. The process involves considering if a learner can meet the specified assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills that they possess already, as a consequence, they do not need to undertake a course of learning. Centres are encouraged to recognise previous achievements and experience, both formal, for example through accredited units or qualifications and informal, for example through continuous learning. This involves the recognition of achievement from a range of activities that will have been assessed through any valid method of assessment. When using the process of the recognition of prior learning, it is essential that the assessment requirements of a specific unit or, more exceptionally, a qualification have been met. The evidence of learning provided must be sufficient, reliable, authentic and valid. 4.4. Functional Skills These qualifications could contribute towards the learning of Functional Skills in the following areas: English o Speaking, listening and communication could be demonstrated through group discussions or role play. o Reading could be demonstrated when working through completing risk assessment forms. o Writing could be demonstrated through completing work sheets or a reflective diary or logbook. 15
ICT o Development of ICT skills could be demonstrated through completing work sheets and other assessments or research on line. Mathematics o Development of mathematics skills could be demonstrated through setting number related tasks for the development of team work skills. For more information see the Functional Skills criteria for English, ICT and/or maths on the NOCN website: www.nocn.org.uk 4.5. Assessment and Evidence for the units Centres can use a variety of assessment activities to capture evidence of learners understanding. Activities may include: Case Studies Oral Question and Answer Role Play/Simulation Report Practice file Reflective Log or Diary Practical Demonstration Written Question and Answer/Test/Exam The forms provided in the Appendices for gathering learner evidence against the individual assessment criteria are optional forms. Centres can use their own paperwork provided they can ensure that the work is ordered and portfolio references provided as required. 16
Appendix 1 - Resource suggestions Personal Development Resources and information at http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/subjects/personal_development.shtml Expert speakers for example careers advisors, motivational speakers Vocational Support Units Job descriptions and examples of workplace procedures and proformas Information and downloadable resources can be found at - tlp.excellencegateway.org.uk/tlp/xcurricula/employability/ Expert speakers - for example safety officers IT Skills http://www.bbc.co.uk/keyskills/toolkit www.computeach.co.uk/it-careers This list is indicative, not exhaustive. 17
NOCN Level 2 Award and Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Appendix 2 - Unit List NOCN Level 3 Award and Certificate in Skills for Group A Personal Development Ofqual Unit Code Unit Title Mandatory or Optional M/505/5725 Nutrition and Healthy Eating Optional 3 L3 CAQ805 1.3 T/505/5726 Child Protection Optional 3 L3 CAQ796 1.5 D/505/5753 Cognitive Development of Children Optional 3 L3 CAQ797 1.5 H/505/5754 Physical Development of Children Optional 3 L3 CAQ811 1.5 A/505/5727 Play and Child Development Optional 3 L3 CAQ812 1.5 F/505/5728 Play for Children Birth to Three Years Optional 3 L3 CAQ813 1.5 A/505/5730 Improvisation and Performance Skills Optional 3 L3 CAQ800 9.1 F/505/5731 Musical Ensemble Skills Optional 6 L3 CAQ804 9.1 K/505/5724 Music Skills for Solo Performance Optional 6 L3 CAQ803 9.1 K/505/5755 Performance Realisation Skills Optional 9 L3 CAQ806 9.1 M/505/5756 Performing Physical Theatre Optional 3 L3 CAQ807 9.1 D/505/5767 Rehearsal Skills Optional 3 L3 CAQ818 9.1 F/505/5759 Song Writing Skills Optional 6 L3 CAQ819 9.1 A/505/5761 Using Digital Sampling Techniques for Composing Optional 6 L3 CAQ824 9.1 H/505/5768 Design Project Optional 3 L3 CAQ799 9.2 D/505/5770 Preparation for Employment in the Creative and Cultural Optional 3 L3 CAQ814 9.2 Industries K/505/5772 Making a Radio Magazine Programme Optional 2 L3 CAQ802 9.3 M/505/5773 Preparing for a Career in the Media Industry Optional 9 L3 CAQ815 9.3 A/505/5775 Radio Production Editing Techniques Optional 2 L3 CAQ816 9.3 Credit Value Level NOCN ID Sector 18
NOCN Level 2 Award and Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal J/505/5777 Creative Writing Skills Optional 3 L3 CAQ798 9.4 R/505/5779 Building a Personal Career Portfolio Optional 3 L3 CAQ795 14.1 T/505/6035 Interpersonal Skills Optional 3 L3 CAQ801 14.1 L/505/6042 Personal Learning Goals Optional 3 L3 CAQ809 14.1 D/505/6045 Personal Study Skills Optional 6 L3 CAQ810 14.1 K/505/6047 Personal Career Preparation Optional 1 L3 CAQ808 14.2 M/505/6048 Recognising Employment Opportunities Optional 1 L3 CAQ817 14.2 T/505/6049 Undertaking an Enterprise Project Optional 6 L3 CAQ823 14.2 J/505/5729 Understanding Sports Coaching Skills Optional 6 L3 CAQ821 8.1 H/505/6046 Stress and Stress Management Techniques Optional 6 L3 CAQ820 14.1 Y/505/6089 Work with Volunteers in a Creative and Cultural Context Optional 3 L3 CAQ825 9.2 A/503/8121 Understanding the Intellectual and Language Development of Children from Birth to Eight Optional 3 L3 CAO802 1.5 Group B Vocational Support A/505/5257 Customer Service Skills Optional 2 L3 CAQ827 14.1 J/505/5262 Decision Making Skills Optional 2 L3 CAQ828 14.1 H/505/5270 Improving own Learning and Performance Optional 2 L3 CAQ832 14.1 H/505/8413 Negotiation Skills Optional 2 L3 CAQ833 14.1 M/505/5272 Presentation Skills Optional 2 L3 CAQ834 14.1 A/505/5274 Team Leading Skills Optional 2 L3 CAQ836 14.1 F/505/5275 Teamwork Optional 2 L3 CAQ837 14.2 J/505/5276 Time Management Optional 2 L3 CAQ838 14.1 L/505/5828 Equality and Diversity at Work Optional 1 L3 CAQ830 14.1 F/505/5261 Communication in the Workplace Optional 2 L3 CAQ826 14.1 D/505/5266 Employment Rights and Responsibilities Optional 2 L3 CAQ829 14.2 Y/505/5833 Health and Safety Procedures in the Workplace Optional 1 L3 CAQ831 14.2 R/505/5829 Work Experience Optional 1 L3 CAQ839 14.2 T/505/5273 Problem Solving in the Workplace Optional 2 L3 CAQ835 14.2 19
NOCN Level 2 Award and Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Group C IT Skills T/502/4556 Database Software Optional 6 L3 CAI961 6.2 A/502/4574 Design Software Optional 5 L3 CAI965 6.2 H/502/4567 Desktop Publishing Software Optional 5 L3 CAI968 6.2 R/502/4614 Imaging Software Optional 5 L3 CAI973 6.2 H/502/4617 Multimedia Software Optional 6 L3 CAI987 6.2 T/502/4623 Presentation Software Optional 6 L3 CAI989 6.2 J/502/4626 Spreadsheet Software Optional 6 L3 CAI993 6.2 T/502/4301 Using Email Optional 3 L3 CAI995 6.2 F/502/4298 Using the Internet Optional 5 L3 CAI996 6.2 T/502/4394 Video Software Optional 4 L3 CAI997 6.2 Y/502/4632 Website Software Optional 5 L3 CAJ012 6.2 Y/502/4629 Word Processing Software Optional 6 L3 CAI998 6.2 20
Employment,Training and Personal Appendix 3 - Assessment Documentation 1. Learner Evidence Record Unit 1 NOCN Level 3 Award in Skills for, Unit Title: Nutrition and Healthy Eating 1.1. Assessment Criteria Evidence Portfolio Ref Completed By Signed Off By 1.2. 1.3. Learner Signature: Tutor Signature: Confirmation of Achievement of Unit Date: 21
Employment,Training and Personal Evidence Record cont. NOCN Level 3 Award in Skills for Unit Title: Nutrition and Healthy Eating 2.1. Assessment Criteria Evidence Portfolio Ref Completed By Signed Off By 2.2. 2.3. Learner Signature: Tutor Signature: Confirmation of Achievement of Unit Date: 22
NOCN Level 2 Award and Certificate in Skills for Appendix 4 Feedback Sheet Feedback Sheet Tutor/Assessor Comments: Learner comments: Tutor/assessor sign: Learner sign: Date: Date: 23
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