View Item

What is new about the QCF? How is this different to the Open College Network (OCN)?
The debates about the introduction of credit go back into the 1980s, when credit was very much driven by local developments in adult education. The OCN emerged from these developments. The impetus for the QCF has been from England, Wales and Northern Ireland and its development is at the heart of the government’s planned reforms to vocational qualifications which it sees as key to the UK’s economic growth. Credit is integral to this qualification framework which is at the heart of demand-led funding and delivery. The developers of the QCF have, as you would expect, drawn on the experience of other credit systems. This has included OCN and systems in other countries.
Date published:		Related category(ies):
Number of downloads:	189	Resource type(s):	Development of the QCF; Education and skills
Recommend this resource to a friend »		Rating:

People who have downloaded this resource have also downloaded the following...

Can you tell us more about the QCF test and trials?
The first year's (2006-2007) focus was on testing out the technical details ie the design of units, the combination of units and the credit value of units. The second year's(2007-2008) focus was on the learner's experience. Most tests and trials are led by a sector body or an awarding organisation, though nearly all have awarding organisation involvement. A second set of tests and trials with employer recognised awards and provider recognised awards got underway in October 2007. The final reports from the tests and trials were completed at the end of April 2008. These reports will contribute to inform the final recommendations to ministers about the future of the national roll out of the QCF. For more information, go to http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_8152.aspx .

What happens if a learner moves area before the qualification is achieved?
This is the flexibility that the QCF offers through credit accumulation and transfer. Learners can ‘bank’ credits and transfer them between qualifications and providers to avoid having to repeat learning. The learner"s record (as used in the test and trials) will capture achievements at a single source and enable the transfer of achievements.

National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ)
The National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ) contains details of qualifications that are accredited by the government's regulatory organisations in England (QCA), Wales (DCELLS) and Northern Ireland (CCEA). To search this database for QCF qualifications type QCF into the search function

Managing Information Across Partners (MIAP)
MIAP is about streamlining how information on learners and learning is shared across the education sector so that excellent services are made available to individuals, employers and communities. It will enable schools, colleges, universities, training providers and other agencies to access and share information about individual learners and their own organisations.

What is the UKVQRP
The UK Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme has been set up by the government to create a system that responds to the needs of learners and employers through the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework, by enhancing the role of the Sector Skills Councils and through changes to funding systems. You can find further information on the DIUS website: http://www.dius.gov.uk/vqreform/