Proposed Approach to Delivery and Assessment for 2021
Whilst we await the outcome of Ofqual’s Regulatory Arrangements for Awarding Vocational Qualifications, launched on 25 February 2021 for Vocational and Technical qualifications, we wanted to share with you an outline of what the process will look like for awarding Higher Nationals this summer.
What will awarding look like this summer?
We have created an outline of the proposed steps that centres will need to take and an outline of the proposed timeframes. Please note that these documents are subject to the outcomes of the Ofqual consultation above.
What are the key things to know?
Remote ‘visits’ by External Examiners will take place this year as previously communicated.
Wherever possible delivery and assessment should continue where safe to do so or via online delivery – see Delivery and Assessment Guidance for BTEC Higher Nationals 2020-2021.
Ofqual regulated BTEC Higher Nationals will be in Category B2 meaning that they are in scope for alternative arrangements, which will include Unit Level Teacher Assessed Grades (Unit Level TAGs), with some exceptions. We will release our detailed guidance for the use of Unit Level TAGs once the Ofqual consultation outcomes are published.
Assessment Boards will continue to be integral to awarding grades this summer and we intend to request Assessment Board minutes and a completed Assessment Grade Tracker, which will contain a Grade Declaration, for all grades (even where Unit Level TAGs are not being used).
Your External Examiner will review the grades alongside the Assessment Board minutes and the Grade Declaration.
Certificates can be claimed via Edexcel Online in the usual way, but only once your External Examiner has released your programmes.
What additional support will be provided?
We are intending to hold webinars to support you with the process during the week commencing 29 March 2021. As we publish further support and guidance documents, these will be available on our website and we will keep you up to date about any changes directly, or via the VQ Bulletin.
Sign up for the Vocational Qualifications bulletin
If you have any queries do not hesitate to contact us via Pearson Support.
Thank you for your collaboration during this unprecedented time. We will continue to keep you updated.
Kind regards,
Jane Baker
Vice President, Higher Education Qualifications