Will the topics need to be verified by EQA before they can be used?
Centres can devise and internally verify their own tasks, but they must comply with the information and guidance provided by NCFE.
How does a 'short talk' (Level 1) differ from a 'presentation' (Level 2)?
The short talk at Level 1 is a step towards the more formal presentation assessed at Level 2. Learners should be taught how to structure a talk with a clear aim.
If a learner has been given a topic (say a week prior to the assessment) for prep time, and then that session is cancelled, can they sit that subject the next month or do they need to be given (and prep for) a new subject?
The learner would not need to choose a new topic.
At Level 2, do all the presentations have to be on the same subject, or can learners choose their own individual topic to present?
If learners choose their own topic, the assessor must ensure it is fit for purpose; the presentation should demonstrate the learner’s ability to adapt verbal contributions to suit audience, purpose and medium.
Will there still be generic topics that we can select, or do we need to devise our own based on learner interests?
Yes, generic topics are available in the exemplars in the guidance document. However, assessors can devise their own in line with the guidance.
Do we need to give learners a choice of presentation topics? Currently they have a choice of 5.
There is no need to give learners a choice of topics. Assessors might set an overarching topic (for example, a topic relevant to the vocational area) which each learner can personalise, or learners can choose their own topic.