Ofqual has detailed planstoday howtechnical and vocational qualificationscouldbe assessedthis summer.
In a new document, , the exams regulatorset out its regulatory framework for qualifications, which involvesqualifications split into three categories: those used for progression to further or higher education;qualifications that are used to signal occupational competence;and qualifications with a "mixed purpose". While the plans are not final, the document offers additional detail prior to the publication of Ofqual's final consultation response.
Background:Ofqual plan for awarding technical qualifications
More:Functional skills grades to be 'calculated'
Reopening colleges: Unions set out 5 safety tests
Qualifications used for progression to further or higher education would receive calculated resultsjudged by teachers, Ofqual stressed.
For qualifications that are used to signal occupational competence, the regulator saidadjustments to assessment should be made. However,Ofqual saidthat there “may be no option but for learners to wait until assessments can take place as normal again”because the assessments would not be safe or meet employers’ requirements.
If qualifications have a mixed purpose, Ofqual said itexpected awarding bodies to consider which of the above categoriesthe qualification it is most closely aligned withand then either give a calculated resultwith an adapted assessment potentially being made available where this is not possible, or provideanadapted assessment.
Which qualifications are covered?
The guidance says that “if a qualification is determined as being in scope of the framework, as far as possible, all learners of that qualification, no matter their age or the type of centre or setting within which they are taking their assessments, should be able to access a calculated result or sit an adapted assessment where that is made available by their awarding organisation. Where that is not possible, learners will have to take their assessments at the next opportunity”.
Calculated results
Ofqual have previously said that calculated resultsmay be based on the outcomes of any completed assignments or modules, and/or centre judgements (for the whole qualification, or for uncompleted modules or units) of the result each learner would most likely have achieved had they been able to complete their assessments in summer 2020.
In order to ensure calculated results are "valid and trusted", Ofqual saidit expectedeach awarding organisation to:
- Identify the evidence that is available, and that is potentially available, with the centre or within the awarding organisation for each learner taking a qualification in scope.
- Evaluate the level of trust they would place in each source of evidence.
- Devise an approach thatmaximises the most trusted source of evidence.
Adapted assessments
Adaptations to assessments could take a variety of forms. For example:
- Changing the way that assessments are delivered (replacing a paper-based test with an online version).
- Adapting assessment methods (using simulation in place of an observation).
- Changing invigilation requirements.
- Waiving or adjusting placement requirements.
- Changing quality assurance methods from those previously agreed with Ofqual (standardisation or moderation taking place remotely or online).
For more detail, read the guidance in full .
