Ofqual reports on vocational qualifications monitoring
Friday, 09 July 2010 09:06
Ofqual has today published a report looking at the standards of a vocational qualification in manufacturing engineering.
As the regulator of examinations and assessments, Ofqual's work ensures that learners get the marks their work deserves and that their qualifications count now and in the future. As part of its on-going monitoring work, Ofqual looks at vocational qualifications as well as general qualifications such as A levels and GCSEs.
Ofqual monitored Edexcel's BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Manufacturing Engineering in 2008 and found a number of areas where improvements could be made.
As a result of these findings, Edexcel drafted an action plan and a number of steps were taken to address the points raised. Ofqual has carried out further monitoring and is now satisfied that Edexcel has resolved the issues raised. Many of the improvements affect other BTEC qualifications and we will continue to monitor these as part of our follow-up work.
The areas identified for improvements were:
- Assessments that did not always allow learners to demonstrate their abilities
- A lack of consistency of internal assessment across centres
- Little or no authentication of an individual's contribution to group activities.
Isabel Nisbet, Chief Executive of Ofqual, comments: "BTECs are well known qualifications that are used widely in education and training. As with all regulated qualifications, BTECs are subject to regular scrutiny and monitoring by Ofqual. While this work did reveal some areas for concern, we are satisfied with Edexcel's responses. We will continue to monitor the improvements being made to these and other BTECs so learners and employers can continue to have confidence in the qualifications."
Notes to editors
- Ofqual regulates vocational qualifications in England and Northern Ireland. In 2008-09, there were more than four million qualifications achieved, an increase of more than 11 per cent on the previous year.
- The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is the new framework for creating and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information visit http://www.qcda.gov.uk/qualifications/60.aspx
- For media enquiries please call 0300 303 3342 or 07798924552 out of hours.
