OCNNER Conference The Forgotten 10 Per Cent

Kathleen TattersallMay 8th 2009

Ofqual:

•Exists to guard and maintain the standard of qualifications

•Supports the achievements of learners

•Aims to ensure qualifications are recognized now and in the future

•Aims to ensure qualifications are fair, reliable and consistent

•New regulator of tests, examinations and assessments

Learners:

Are all ages and backgrounds, from preschooler to retiree

May need encouragement to re-enter the examination system

Need qualifications to be flexible enough to fit in with their day-to-day lives

May need to re-entering job market or consolidate skills

Need freedom to choose how, when and where to learn

Need a fair deal.

Unit-based qualifications:

• Offer flexibility while maintaining standards

• Allow people to set their own pace of study, encouraging them to learn

• Suits people who might have to take a break from study or change jobs

• Help people get recognition for their achievements without committing to years of study

• Allow employers to tailor courses to fit their needs.

The QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework)

•Is a framework for unit-based qualifications

•Provides the structure for learners to exchange units

•Promotes mobility within the jobs market

•Helps to avoid duplication of effort by learners and employers

•Prevents learners going back to square one if their lives change

•Assists providers in giving learners the best chance to succeed

•Helps employers translate skills of prospective employees.

Education providers:

•Need flexibility, just like learners

•Have knowledge of local people and opportunities

•Can gain awarding organisation status

•Can help other employers gain awarding organisation status

•Can help bolster local economy by providing training to fit their needs

Standards:

•Are guarded by Ofqual, who will act if standards are threatened

•Are key to ensuring confidence in qualifications

•Must not be eroded, e.g. GCSE science

•Must be explored further, through Ofqual's Reliability Programme

•Provides learners with the opportunity to acquire skills for the future

Learners, businesses and providers

•Need help and support to gain and provide qualifications

•Can use qualifications to help withstand the challenges of the recession

•Require a flexible yet robust system to support a brighter future.

Thank you

Kathleen Tattersall, May 2009