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FOI publication scheme 3 - National Qualifications

3.1 National Framework for Qualifications
short description The National Framework for qualifications - posters, leaflets and part of the QCA website providing guidance about what the various academic and vocational qualifications are, and how they relate to each other.
format and availability copies of the leaflets and posters have been distributed to schools and colleges, with a downloadable version placed on the QCA website
date of publication 2001
price free

3.2 Key Skills and Basic Skills
short description Distribution to awarding bodies of reproducible masters of tests for key skills and basic skills. Awarding bodies then reproduce these materials and make them available.
format and availability electronic - typically Quark Express or PageMaker files
date of publication annually, varying dates
price not from QCA, but via the relevant awarding bodies - a list of these awarding bodies is available on request

3.3 Qualifications support and guidance
short description various documents produced occasionally as needs are identified through business planning. Recent examples include:
  • the GNVQ handbook (2000)
  • 'Confirming Standards' exemplification of GNVQs (2001)
format and availability typically a single printed copy is sent into schools, with a downloadable version placed on the QCA website
date of publication ongoing, typically distributed in monthly batch mailings to schools
price varies according to type and content, many are free. Full details are available at the QCA Orderline

3.4 Codes of practice
short description Guidance about specific requirements that QCA places on awarding bodies. These publications are largely technical in nature and cite the specific regulations and criteria that awarding bodies must work within. Recent versions include:
  • the NVQ code of practice (2002)
  • the GCSE, GCE and GNVQ code of practice
In the past QCA has produced separate booklets entitles 'Regulations and Criteria', but these are now included in the codes. The combined GCSE, GCE and GNVQ code is often referred to as the 'common code of practice'.
format and availability printed booklet sent to all awarding bodies; online version (PDF) available on the QCA website
date of publication updated annually
price free

3.5 Awarding body monitoring reports
short description Audit reports on specific awarding bodies covering QCA's monitoring of general qualifications operations, and recommendations for future provision.
format and availability available on QCA's website (a photocopy can be supplied on request)
  • OCR report
  • the Edexcel report
  • the AQA report
date of publication a rolling programme by awarding body
price free

3.6 NVQ Data
short description Datanews, a Quarterly listing of currently available NVQs and providers.
format and availability on the QCA website (print version discontinued, but a photocopy available is available request)
date of publication quarterly
price free

3.7 Awarding body support and guidance
short description Guidance for awarding bodies, particularly aimed at supporting them in risk management when considering awards where internal assessment is the main method of measurement.
format and availability limited distribution of printed copies, further information available from QCA's Qualifications team
date of publication ongoing
price free

3.8 Qualifications data
short description NDAQ is a planned online version of the National Database of Qualifications. Until 2002 QCA Enterprises have sold copies of this database to training providers and other interested parties. From 2003 QCA plans to make this information freely available on the internet via the NDAQ web site.
format and availability online database - www.ndaq.org.uk
date of publication planned for release in 2003
price free

3.9 Longitudinal Comparability Studies
short description Report on monitoring activities over five years, to show how standards have altered over time. Each of the subject specific reports contains an account of the observations of a panel of independent specialists and their findings, and highlight any action needed to safeguard standards in future.
format and availability on the QCA website (photocopies available on request)
date of publication ongoing - 8 reports published in 1998, and a further 14 published in 2001. Reports continue to be published on a regular basis.
price to be confirmed

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