Questions

We are seeking views on draft criteria for the principal learning part of the Diploma qualification in science at advanced level. Principal learning is the mandatory component of the Diploma.

Once finalised, these criteria will define the knowledge, skills and understanding required for the principal learning component of the qualification. An awarding organisation will need to demonstrate that the principal learning component it has developed for the qualification will meet these criteria.

The criteria for principal learning will be used alongside the Criteria for accreditation of Foundation, Higher and Advanced Diploma qualifications (insert link). These overarching criteria apply to all Diplomas.

Diploma qualifications are designed to meet the needs of particular sectors. Diploma development partnerships develop 'lines of learning statements' in which the rationale, vision and content for the relevant principal learning component is set out. The criteria must reflect the lines of learning statements.

A line of learning statement for the Diploma qualification in science at advanced level is being finalised by the science Diploma development partnership, working with QCDA. QCDA is currently seeking views on this line of learning statement www.qcda.gov.uk/26696.aspx

The draft line of learning statement has informed the draft criteria on which we are consulting. We are consulting on the criteria before the line of learning statement has been confirmed. This is to allow sufficient time for the development of qualifications. We will take any changes to the line of learning statement into account when we finalise the criteria.

We would welcome your views on the draft criteria. Please complete this questionnaire by 24th May 2010.

Questions:


The advanced science Diploma is intended to provide the practical skills and theoretical knowledge employers and higher education need and to boost participation and attainment in science.





The criteria, when read with the Criteria for accreditation of Foundation, Higher and Advanced Diploma qualifications (insert link), should enable awarding organisations to develop qualifications that are fit for purpose and enable submissions from awarding organisations to be judged consistently and effectively.





The Diploma qualification in science at advanced level should provide a level of demand consistent with other qualifications at level 3. Level 3 qualifications should:

  • recognise the ability to gain, and where relevant apply, a range of knowledge, skills and understanding
  • require the learner to obtain detailed knowledge and skills
  • be appropriate for people wishing to go to university
  • be appropriate for people working independently or, in some areas supervising and training others in their field of work.





The line of learning criteria specify the requirements against which awarding bodies will develop their principal learning qualifications for the Diploma. The requirements set out in the criteria must be clear and understandable so that the purpose of the criteria and the requirements they make are clear for all.





Principal learning qualifications should provide opportunities for applied learning and at least half of the learning should be applied .1





Qualifications should be accessible to all learners and without the need to provide exemptions. Any aspects of the criteria that might stop a learner demonstrating their knowledge, skills and understanding should be included only and explicitly if they are essential to the integrity of the qualification.





  1. Applied learning is defined as: Acquiring and applying knowledge, skills and understanding through tasks set in sector / subject contexts that have many characteristics of real work or are set within the workplace; most importantly, the purpose of the task in which learners apply their knowledge, skills and understanding must be relevant to the workplace [↩]