Step Up Qualification

OCNSER 'Step-UP' Qualification

Qualification Outline

Step-UP can be especially useful in designing a personalised curriculum for students requiring an 'alternative' curriculum. The need for such an alternative curriculum may be the result of special learning needs for some students or may be a means of engaging with disaffected students, sometimes referred to as 'NEETS' (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

Available at Entry Level 3 and Level 1 in 2008-09 and also at Level 2 from 2009-10, these qualifications are ideal for developing innovative and flexible courses for students. The units in the qualifications are mapped to the outcomes of Every Child Matters. The qualifications can be used with learners aged 14 yrs and above and are equally suitable for the needs of younger learners or older ones who have faced obstacles and challenges in accessing mainstream education.

Using with Foundation Learning (FL)

Step Up qualifications are in the LSC FL Catalogue and can be used in the following FL Progression Pathways:

- Foundation Diploma/GCSE: Step-UP Entry 3 Certificate & Diploma
(Vocational & PSD Strands)

- Supported Employment & Independent Living: Step-UP Level 1 Certificate
(Vocational & PSD Strands)

- Skilled Work or an Apprenticeship: Step-UP Level 1 Certificate (Vocational
& PSD Strands)

- First Full Level 2 - Step-UP is not in the current catalogue but the NOCN
Qualifications in Progression (QCF) are available.

For a copy of the LSC FL Catalogue click Here

Structure of the Qualification

Students receive a qualification entitled 'Skills Towards Enabling Progression' in Award, Certificate or Diploma sizes, as set out in the Qualifications and Credit Framework, launched October 2008 (QCF). Awards are the smallest in credits achieved and guided learning hours, through a Certificate to the largest size which is a Diploma. Centres have the freedom to combine units to create courses to meet the needs of specific groups of learners or even individuals. There are a required minimum number of credits to be achieved in core skills for all of the qualifications except the NOCN Entry Level and Level 1 Awards. The number of credits required from core skills units differs depending on the qualification size and level.

Further Details:

NOCN Qualification Guides

For a copy of the NOCN Step-UP Qualification Guide click HERE or visit:http://www.nocn.org.uk/products/qcf-qualifications

- NDAQ Links
For details from the National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ) visit
http://www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk/AdvancedQualificationSearch.aspx

For more information please click on the hyperlinks below.

National Database of Accredited Qualifications

Content of the qualifications

Within an easy to use set of rules of combination, courses can be designed including elements of:

• Functional Skills e.g. Writing for Meaning, Using Calculations, Using the Internet
• Personal Development e.g. Assertiveness & Decision Making, Using Teamwork Skills
• Vocational Tasters e.g. Construction, Business Skills, Childcare preparation.
• Employability Skills e.g. Personal Career Planning, Work Based Placement

The qualifications also include ITQ units developed by E-Skills UK and achievement of these units can be counted towards the eventual achievement of a full ITQ qualification.
Assessment.

Assessment

Centres are free to devise their own assessment models which are approved by the OCN, internally marked and externally verified. This allows for a diverse range of assessment methods ensuring variety for students and encouraging innovation from tutors. Exams or tests can be devised at centre level but are not a requirement for these qualifications. Most achievement can be assessed via a portfolio which can be in paper or electronic format.

OCNER is actively working to develop a network of Step-UP user across the region where centres can share teaching and assessment materials for units. We are developing an online resource bank and we are able to arrange for one of our Business Development Managers to visit centres to support staff with curriculum development issues.

We also have a growing training offer for staff dealing with credit based assessment as well as our internal verifier and administrative training. See our website at: http://www.ocnser.org.uk/products/training

Performance Points

Of key importance to both schools and colleges are the performance points attached
to these qualifications. The table below shows the performance points attracted by
each Step-UP Qualification.

The Costs

Draft Guide to Using 'Step-UP' Qualifications for Pre-Vocational Pathways

Promotional Flyer for 'Step-UP' Qualifications

Updated Flyer for 'Step-UP' Qualification Jan 09

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