Reminder on adaptations – a summary
As we approach the end of the year, we want to take this opportunity to remind you about the current adaptations we have in place. Our blueprint outlines our qualification and assessment adaptations for the 2021-22 academic session, given the flexibilities afforded by the Ofqual VCRF Regulatory Framework. You can also see below a high-level summary of each assessment type and associated adaptation.
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Assessment type |
Adaptations for 2021-22 academic session |
|
Internal assessments: knowledge and skills |
All content must be delivered, and all assessment criteria assessed. Learners need to prepare a portfolio of evidence. We encourage centres to review our guidance on the types of evidence, and evidence capture, that we permit including e.g. the use of video, photos and other digital means of demonstrating knowledge and skills. |
|
Observation of skills via work placement: optional part of qualification |
Centres can continue to remove optional placements from programmes during the 2021–22 academic year and still claim certification as a permanent adaptation |
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Observation of competence via workplace or mandatory work placement; essential e.g. due to licence to practice requirements in a given occupational area |
Where the work placement is essential for occupational competency or licence to practice requirements, the relevant content must still be delivered, and assessment criteria met. It is not possible to award qualifications safely, reliably, and validly if key occupational skills have not been demonstrated and assessed. The focus should be on learning outcomes and evidencing competence. We have removed the requirement for learners to complete a minimum number of placement hours; hours should still be recorded. |
|
External assessments |
Exams and formal assessments will go ahead in 2021-22. Learners must continue to prepare for these assessments. |
Learners must only access permitted adaptations where they are needed to mitigate the impact of learning loss, continued disruption and / or ongoing public health restrictions. This will be monitored through our external quality assurance process to support the validation of any adaptations adopted, ensuring they are not applied where not needed.
We would also like to remind you to review the following information:
- Assessment variation requests
- Special Considerations Policy
- Functional Skills invigilation flexibilities
More detailed adaptation information is available for each of our qualifications on in our Qualifications section.
Adaptation blueprint
View the adaptations we have put in place for the 2021-22 academic session.
Good practice guide
Take a look at our good practice guide to designing and creating centre-based assessment activities.
Our Quality Assurance Policy for Awarding for 2021-22
The guidance provided in our new Quality Assurance policy will give you a clear overview of how you can prepare for external quality assurance reviews this year.
External Assessment Contingency Planning Document
This document sets out guidance on what your centre should have in place for any local or regional disruption that may occur, as well as what you can expect from NCFE.
Catch up on our webinar
Adaptations for 2021-22.