Why have the NVQ languages changed?
- The UK Occupational Language Standards (UKOLS:
formally the National Language Standards) have been
updated.
- All vocational qualifications for
post-19 learners have to be on the
QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) to be eligible for
public funding. This means they must follow the QCF format, with
Learning outcomes and Assessment criteria.
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL
ASSESSORS! Assessments must be based on the NEW NVQ, QCF
language units (see below) and NOT on the revised Occupational
Language Standards. If you are in any doubt, refer to your
awarding body. The awarding bodies offering these
qualifications are Edexcel
and
OCR
Are NVQ languages still eligible for public
funding?
Yes! For learners under 19 there is no
change in funding status. For 19+ learners, only the NEW QCF NVQ
language qualifications are fundable from next term; the legacy
NVQs are not.
I can’t find the
qualification I want on the Learning Aim Database
(LAD)?
This doesn’t mean it won’t be funded! It
is a slow process. Many qualifications are still “in the queue”, so
please be patient. It will be available and fundable in time for
you to start teaching in the autumn.
Can I deliver the new
QCF NVQs from September 2010?
Yes, they are intended
for this.
Where can I find the
new qualification units?
You can read a generic
version of the units, by downloading them here:
For individual languages,
qualifications will soon be on Edexcel and OCR websites. You can
also find them on NDAQ as
they are approved by Ofqual:
- Click on
Search for Qualifications (top left bar)
- Select levels if you wish
- Select Awarding body if you wish
(Edexcel/OCR)
- Select qualification type:
QCF not NVQ. (NVQ takes you to the old
qualification)
- Select sector: 12.2 (Other Languages,
Literature and Culture)
Where can I find out about assessment and
evidence requirements for the new QCF NVQs?
This
guidance can be downloaded
here (pdf, 77kb) and is common to Edexcel
and OCR.
For further information, look on their websites.
Can I keep using the previous NVQs?
NO, for your Learners
over 19: they must be registered for the new QCF
NVQ qualifications in order to be funded.
Yes, for a short
while, if you wish, for learners under 19:
- If they are already
registered, they can complete their current courses (accredit by
2011 for level 1, 2012 for level 2 and 2013 for level 3).
- If they are registered
by the end of October 2010 (OCR) or December (Edexcel), you may
continue with the old NVQs for next year, but you
will need to use the new QCF NVQs for your 2011 cohort.
Which languages are available and who offers
them?
Edexcel:
Level s 1, 2 and 3: Arabic/Chinese
French/German/Italian/Spanish/Welsh
OCR:
Entry level only: Japanese/Russian
Entry and levels 1, 2, 3 and 4:
English/French/German/Spanish/Italian/Welsh/Irish