Last updated: 20 May 2009

 

QCF animation now live

This interactive animation provides an overview of the key concepts of the Qualifications and Credit Framework. At the end of the animation you will be able to view some case studies about the benefits of the QCF. You can launch this animation from the right hand side of this page.

QCA sponsors Adult Learners' Week

This year's policy conference was a success with the announcement from Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills of opportunities to bid for a share of £20m to fund adult learning. Sue Georgious, Director of Adult Skills at QCA, chaired and presented at the policy conference. Presentations were also delivered by UKCES, UNISON, City & Guilds and NIACE. Sue Georgious's presentation is available from the right hand side of this page.
 

QCA congratulates 'Learning Works Award' winners

Congratulations go to the three winners of this year's 'Learning Works Award'. Reha Ali, Ged Bretherton, and Maria Gough were presented with their awards by QCA's Jill Matthews -  Strategic Manager, Stakeholder Engagement for Adult Skills, QCA. 

Joint Forum for Higher Levels publish overarching credit principles

The overarching principles and operational criteria are the result of a programme of work undertaken by the Joint Forum to promote a clear understanding of how credit is used in further and higher education. The principles describe the key aspects of credit practice in both sectors and the criteria outlines the ways in which these aspects can be implemented.  these can be downloaded from the right hand side of this page.
 
 

Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) approved for implementation

Following two years of tests and trials the new QCF has been approved by the Department for Innovation Universities and Skills for implementation.

More information about the implementation of the QCF is available from this page, along with a message from Mary Curnock Cook, Director of Qualifications and Skills, QCA on the implemenation announcement.

Version 3 of the QCF support pack

• Guidelines for writing credit-based units of assessment for the QCF - now available
• Claiming credit: Guidance on the recognition of prior learning within the QCF - now available
• Level descriptors for the QCF - now available

You can download these documents from the guidance and support page avalibale from the right hand side of this page. Keep checking the website for 'version 3' for other support materials.

QCF eNews

April's e-update is now available to download from this page. 

Sector Skills Council 'approval' process

Between October 2007 and June 2008, QCA led a pilot on the approaches Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) take when 'approving' qualifications in their sector.  The pilot set down a consistent, formal and transparent process for 'approving' vocational qualifications (VQs), which the SSCs engaged in the pilot agreed to use.  QCA commissioned Stratagia to undertake an independent evaluation of the pilot.  The findings from the pilot have been fed into the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), who have the responsibility for taking forward the implementation of any formal 'approval' system.

You can download this report from the right hand side of the page.