AIM Awards Suite of Environmental Sustainability (QCF) Qualifications

Transcription

1 AIM Awards Suite of Environmental Sustainability (QCF) Qualifications Version 2 August 2013

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3 AIM Awards Level 1 Award in Environmental Sustainability (QCF) 600/5653/8 AIM Awards Level 2 Award in Environmental Sustainability (QCF) 600/5654/X 3

4 Contents Page Section One Qualification Overview 5 Section Two - Structure and Content 9 Section Three Quality Assurance 11 Section Four Operational Guidance 15 Section Five Appendices 17 Appendix 1 Qualification Approval Form 19 Appendix 2 Qualification Description (Summary) 22 Appendix 3 AIM Awards Glossary of Assessment Terms 25 Appendix 4 QCF Level Descriptors 28 4

5 AIM Awards Suite of Environmental Sustainability (QCF) Qualifications Section 1 Qualification Overview 5

6 Section One Introduction Welcome to the AIM Awards Qualification Specification Pack. We want to make your experience of working with AIM Awards as pleasant as possible. AIM Awards are an Ofqual approved National Awarding Organisation able to submit a wide range of qualifications to the Qualifications Credit Framework. Our qualifications are learner focused, flexible and promote both progression and employability. We aim to provide outstanding customer service and have invested in our systems to bring you cutting edge services. Our values and ethos support our belief in rewarding learning and promoting progression, with success as the focus of what we know makes a difference. The qualification specification pack contains everything you need to know about this qualification and should be used by everyone involved with planning, delivery and assessment. A qualification description (summary) is available in Appendix 2, which gives an overview of the qualification including the rules of combination and unit titles. This pack is a live document and as such will be updated when required. Centres will be informed via when changes are made. It is the responsibility of the approved Centre to ensure the most up-to-date version of the specification pack is in use. This document is protected by copyright but may be copied by approved centres for the purpose of assessing learners. It may also be copied by learners for their own use. Our qualification specifications are mapped to the Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition with references cited for each section as appropriate. The whole specification maps to Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition C2.5 and E3.1. 6

7 About the Qualification Mapped to Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition: E3.2a/E3.3a The sustainability sector is one of the fastest growing in the UK, with a demand for people who have a knowledge and awareness of sustainability that can be utilised and passed on to others in the community. Employers are seeking staff that are able to demonstrate the ability to implement environmentally friendly practice within the work place. Public bodies including schools, colleges and other learning providers are encouraged to demonstrate the provision of sustainability within their curriculum offer as well as through their operational activities. Learning providers are accountable for this in the new Ofsted Common Inspection Framework. The Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Environmental Sustainability are designed to give the learner knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of sustainability and environmental impacts. The qualifications introduce the learner to key issues in sustainability, raising awareness of the topic and encouraging them to consider their role in helping to make sustainable choices. The qualifications may be used as an induction programme or as part of a wider vocational context e.g. Study Programmes, Traineeships. Qualifications AIM Awards Level 1 Award in Environmental Sustainability (QCF) AIM Awards Level 2 Award in Environmental Sustainability (QCF) Assessment Internally assessed and externally moderated portfolio of evidence Grading Assessment is achieved / not achieved. There is no grading Progression These qualifications can be used an introduction to (or Opportunities for) an integral part of a wide range of programmes Operational start date 01-Jun-2012 Review date 30-Apr-2017 Sector Qualification Accreditation Number Learning Aim Reference Level 1: Level 2: X Credits Level 1: 2 Level 2: 3 Guided Learning Hours Level 1: 20 Level 2: 24 Age Range Pre-16; 16-18; 19+ Rules of Combination 3.4 Environmental and Conservation Level 1: 600/5653/8 Level 2: 600/5654/X Level 1 Award Learners must achieve 2 credits from the single mandatory unit to achieve this qualification. Level 2 Award Learners must achieve a total of 3 credits from the single mandatory unit to achieve this qualification. 7

8 Entry Guidance Mapped to Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition: E3.2b/c There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification. The end of the accreditation period We review qualifications that are near the end of their accreditation period, working with sector representatives to make any changes necessary to meet sector needs and to reflect recent developments. We will post information relating to changes or extensions to qualifications on our website and centres approved to offer the qualification will be kept updated. Certification End Date The final date that certificates can be issued for these qualifications is three years from the Review Date. AIM Awards Level 1 Award in Environmental Sustainability (QCF) AIM Awards Level 2 Award in Environmental Sustainability (QCF) 30-Apr Apr-2020 Resource Requirements There are no specific resource requirements for these qualifications. Centres must ensure that they have the appropriate resources in place to deliver the unit in this qualification. 8

9 AIM Awards Suite of Environmental Sustainability (QCF) Qualifications Section 2 Structure and Content 9

10 Section Two Structure and Content Mapped to Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition E3.3a/b Qualification Structure, Unit List & Content Mapped to Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition: E3.2d /e/f/g/h/j Rules of Combination for: AIM Awards Level 1 Award in Environmental Sustainability (QCF) Learners must achieve 2 credits from the single mandatory unit (M) to achieve this qualification. AIM Awards Unit Code Unit Reference Number Unit Title M/O Level Credit Value QA2/1/EA/001 L/602/1107 Environmental Sustainability M One 2 20 GLH Rules of Combination for: AIM Awards Level 2 Award in Environmental Sustainability (QCF) Learners must achieve a total of 3 credits from the single mandatory unit (M) to achieve this qualification. AIM Awards Unit Code Unit Reference Number Unit Title M/O Level Credit Value QA2/2/EA/002 D/504/0332 Environmental Sustainability M Two 3 24 GLH 10

11 AIM Awards Suite of Environmental Sustainability (QCF) Qualifications Section 3 Quality Assurance 11

12 Section 3 Assessment and Quality Assurance How the qualification is assessed Mapped to Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition: H1.2/H1.3/H5.2 The qualification requires achievement of the specified unit with no further requirements for additional/summative assessment. Achievement is therefore determined by successful completion of unit assessment. The assessment process is as follows: Assessments are internally set at the Centre by assessors, against the requirements detailed in the assessment criteria of the unit, and approved by the Internal Verifier The learners are assessed internally at the Centre, using the assessments set The resulting portfolios of assessed evidence are internally verified by an internal verifier at the Centre The portfolios of assessed evidence are externally verified by an external verifier appointed by AIM Awards Appendix 4 contains the QCF Level Descriptors which provide a general shared understanding of learning and achievement at each level and are concerned with the outcomes of learning, not the process of learning or the method of assessment. For a more detailed overview of Assessment view our Assessment Documents at Unit Assessment Mapped to Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition H1.2/H1.3/H5.2 Achievement of the unit is through internally set, internally marked, internally verified and externally verified tasks, as detailed above. Centres devise assessment activities to meet the specified assessment criteria detailed in each unit. Appendix 3 contains a Glossary of Assessment Terms to help Centres understand the Assessment Terminology used in each assessment criteria. The activity or activities set must enable the learners to meet the standards detailed in the assessment criteria. Centre devised assessments should be scrutinised by the Internal Verifier before use to ensure that they are fit for purpose. Once completed, Centre approved assessments will be scrutinised by the external verifier to ensure reliability and validity of assessment. Methods of Assessment Mapped to Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition:H1.2/H1.3/H5.2 All assessment tasks must be approved by the Internal Verifier before they are delivered. Further guidance can be obtained from AIM Awards by contacting the named Quality or Curriculum contact for the centre. 12

13 Assessment Practice Mapped to Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition H5.2 Assessment practices must reflect the AIM Awards Equality and Diversity and Access to Fair Assessment Policies. Reasonable Adjustments may be required for individual learners to enable them to undertake assessments fairly. Please see our guidance and the procedures for using and applying for Reasonable Adjustments at Nominated Tutor/Assessor Requirements As an Awarding Organisation we require that tutors / assessors have relevant teaching experience and hold a qualification in the relevant subject area. Assessors should have an Assessor qualification or evidence of recent relevant experience. Internal Verifiers should have an Internal Verification qualification or evidence of recent relevant experience. Suitable qualifications include: Teaching Level 3 or 4 PTLLS or above Diploma or Certificate in Education Bachelors or Masters Degree in Education Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement Internal Verification Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice Training and Support We offer a full and comprehensive package of training events that range from Basic Assessor Training through to PTLLS/CTLLS qualifications. This training can take place in our own Training Room at AIM Awards or delivered at your centre. Please note that training can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a centre and bespoke course arranged by negotiation. View our Training/Events information and an up-to-date Calendar at Marking Tasks Mapped to Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition: H1.2/H1.3/H5.2/H5.4 Each task must be marked against the identified assessment criteria in the unit and judged to be either achieved or not achieved. Learners should be given written feedback on their work with guidance on how they can improve their performance. Where a series of tasks is set, learners must demonstrate the achievement of the required standard identified in the assessment criteria in all tasks in order to achieve the unit credit. All of the assessment criteria in a unit must be met before the unit is deemed achieved. The unit achievement is not banded or graded. 13

14 Recording Achievement You must record each learner s achievement of each unit on an appropriate tracking form or forms. The form/s should record the learner s achievement of the unit assessment criteria evidenced by the task, identifying where the evidence can be found. Functional Skills The units of this qualification may provide opportunities for the development of Functional Skills in Mathematics, ICT and English: Reading, Writing and Speaking, Listening and Communication. Moderation Moderation is the process by which we confirm that assessment decisions in centres are Made by competent and qualified assessors The product of sound and fair assessment practice Recorded accurately and appropriately We do this by: Internal verification External verification which we carry out through our External Verifiers who, by supporting you, will make sure that assessments meet nationally, agreed standards and that quality assurance systems continue to meet our centre approval criteria. National Standardisation Centres will be required to provide samples of assessment tasks for AIM Awards and national standardisation activity. National standardisation is a process that promotes consistency in the understanding and application of standards, it: Establishes statements on the standard of evidence required to meet the assessment criteria for the units in AIM Awards qualifications Makes recommendations on assessment practice Produces advice and guidance for the assessment of units Identifies good practice in assessment. It is a requirement of the Centre Recognition Process that each Centre offering the units from the qualification must contribute assessment materials and learners evidence for National Standardisation if requested. AIM Awards will notify Centres of the required sample for National Standardisation purposes. Assessment materials, learners evidence and tutor feedback will either be collected by an AIM Awards representative or a copy requested by post. Outcomes from National Standardisation will be made available to Centres. 14

15 AIM Awards Suite of Environmental Sustainability (QCF) Qualifications Section 4 Operational Guidance 15

16 Section 4 Operational Guidance Offering the qualification To offer this qualification Centres must be a recognised AIM Awards centre and be able to meet the criteria for the safe and secure award of credit. All procedures for the use of this qualification, including approval, registration of learners, verification and certification will be completed through AIM Awards and Centres will have an identified administration officer to support their Centre. Centres who wish to offer this qualification must complete and submit the Qualification Approval Form - see Appendix 1. This form is also available on the individual qualification page on the AIM Awards website. AIM Awards can advise Centres on the best and most efficient methods for offering this qualification to learners. There is an experienced customer service team ready to offer advice at any time. Approval to Offer AIM Awards Qualifications or Units of AIM Awards Qualifications New Centres need to contact the AIM Awards office for details of the Centre Recognition Application process and the process for delivering qualifications. View information on becoming a recognised centre at Quality Assurance and Internal/National Standardisation All Centres wishing to deliver the qualification will need to demonstrate the ability to manage and deliver the units and/or the qualification, including adherence to quality assurance and assessment regulations. AIM Awards will provide guidance and give support in enabling you to use the qualification. The standard quality assurance arrangements and requirements include: Internal verification External verification Standardisation Details and guidance are provided by your AIM Awards contacts. Fees and Charges Mapped to Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition: F1.1 As an Awarding Organisation we publish an annual list of fees and charges as well as the charges for each qualification. Download our fees and charges leaflet. 16

17 AIM Awards Suite of Environmental Sustainability (QCF) Qualifications Charges Section 5 Appendices 17

18 Appendix 1 Qualification Approval Form Appendix 2 Qualification Description (Summary). 22 Appendix 3 AIM Awards Glossary of Assessment Terms Appendix 4 QCF Level Descriptors

19 APPENDIX 1 QUALIFICATION APPROVAL FORM 19

20 Qualification Approval Form 1 CENTRE DETAILS Centre name: Centre Number: Curriculum Manager Responsible for Qualification(s) Requested: Position: Contact Details: Centre has Direct Claims Status (DCS) Yes / No Application for DCS to be extended to this qualification Yes / No If you are applying for DCS to be extended to this qualification, enter name of the allocated Approved Internal Verifier below. If not, leave this box blank: 2 QUALIFICATION APPROVAL DETAILS The centre requests approval to run the following qualification(s): AIM Awards Level 1 Award in Environmental Sustainability (QCF) AIM Awards Level 2 Award in Environmental Sustainability (QCF) Please select qualifications you wish to deliver Yes/No Yes/No Intended target learner group/age: Intended number of learners: 3 RULES OF COMBINATION Please refer to the AIM Awards Suite of Environmental Sustainability Qualifications (QCF) Specification 20

21 4 SPECIALIST REQUIREMENTS Specialist resources required (taken from qualification specification): N/A Specialist staffing qualifications required (taken from qualification specification): Centre confirmation of required resources: N/A Centre confirmation of required staff qualifications: I have attached proof of qualifications: N/A N/A Yes/No N/A N/A Yes/No 4 CONFIRMATION & APPROVAL I confirm that the course has been internally approved and will be delivered in accordance with the information contained within this document, the qualification specification and in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed in the centre agreement. Centre Curriculum Contact Signature Date Admin confirmation of AIM Awards QR and CDM approval Date Confirmation of extension of DCS to this qualification: Yes/No 21

22 APPENDIX 2 QUALIFICATION DESCRIPTION (SUMMARY) 22

23 AIM Awards Suite of Environmental Sustainability (QCF) Qualifications Description of the Qualifications The sustainability sector is one of the fastest growing in the UK, with a demand for people who have a knowledge and awareness of sustainability that can be utilised and passed on to others in the community. Employers are seeking staff that are able to demonstrate the ability to implement environmentally friendly practice within the work place. Public bodies including schools, colleges and other learning providers are encouraged to demonstrate the provision of sustainability within their curriculum offer as well as through their operational activities. Learning providers are accountable for this in the new Ofsted Common Inspection Framework. The Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Environmental Sustainability are designed to give the learner knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of sustainability and environmental impacts. The qualifications introduce the learner to key issues in sustainability, raising awareness of the topic and encouraging them to consider their role in helping to make sustainable choices. The qualifications may be used as an induction programme or as part of a wider vocational context e.g. Study Programmes, Traineeships Approval Details Qualification Title AIM Awards Level 1 Award in Environmental Sustainability (QCF) AIM Awards Level 2 Award in Environmental Sustainability (QCF) Ofqual Qualification Number 600/5653/8 600/5654/X Guided Learning Hours Mandatory Credits required 2 3 Optional Credits required N/A N/A Minimum Age N/A N/A Qualification Start Date: 01-Jun Jun-2012 Charge per learner

24 The Aims of the Qualifications How to Achieve the Qualifications The qualifications are designed to enable the learners to: Level 1 Understand Award - Learners the basic must concept achieve of sustainability 2 credits from the single mandatory unit to achieve Unit Title Unit Code Level Credits this qualification. Understand the importance of natural resources Understand how to reduce the impacts of agriculture and industry on the global environment Environmental Sustainability L/602/1107 One 2 Level 2 Understand Award - Learners the importance must achieve of natural a total resources of 3 credits from the single mandatory unit to Know about the impact of different industries on the environment achieve this qualification. Understand the benefits of sustainable communities Level 1 Mandatory Unit Unit Title Unit Code Level Credits Environmental Sustainability L/602/1107 One 2 Level 2 Mandatory Unit Unit Title Unit Code Level Credits Environmental Sustainability D/504/0332 Two 3 24

25 APPENDIX 3 AIM AWARDS GLOSSARY OF ASSESSMENT TERMS 25

26 Glossary of Assessment Terms There are two main types of assessment: summative and formative. The key to good assessment practice is for assessors to understand what each method contributes and to build their practice to maximise the effectiveness of each. Assessment Criteria: descriptions by which the assessor determines whether a learner has demonstrated achievement of the intended learning outcomes for a particular level. Formative assessment: designed to provide learners with feedback on progress and inform development. Summative Assessment: provides a measure of achievement in respect of a learner s performance in relation to the intended learning outcomes. It contributes to the overall result of achieved/not achieved. Assessment Terms Analyse Appraise Assess Comment critically Compare/Contrast Define Demonstrate Describe Identify separate factors, show how they are related and how each one contributes to the whole Consider the positive and negative points and give a reasoned judgement Give consideration to all the factors or events that apply and then make a careful and valued judgement as to which are the most important or relevant Give a view after consideration of all the evidence. In particular decide the importance of all the relevant positive and negative aspects Using the main factors that apply in two or more situations unpick the similarities and differences or advantages and disadvantages Make clear what a particular term means and give an example, if appropriate, to show what is meant Show by example Give a clear overview that includes all the relevant 26

27 features painting a picture with words Design Discuss Draw conclusions Evaluate Explain Identify Illustrate Interpret List Outline Plan Select State Summarise Create a plan, proposal or brief to illustrate a concept or idea Take part in a conversation about a topic Use the evidence provided to reach a reasoned judgement Decide the degree to which a statement is true or the importance or value of something by reviewing the information. Set out in detail the meaning of something, with reasons. More complex than describe or list, so it can help to give an example to show what is meant. Introduce the topic then give the how or why Pin point or choose the right one or give a list of the main features Include examples, a diagram, pictures or photographs to show what is meant Give the meaning of something Provide the information in a list, rather than in continuous writing Give a brief overview Work out and decide how to carry out a task or activity Choose from a given range Give a clear but brief account Write or articulate briefly the main points or essential features 27

28 APPENDIX 4 QCF LEVEL DESCRIPTORS Ref: Annex E of the Regulatory arrangements for the Qualifications and Credit Framework

29 Qualifications and Credit Framework: Level Descriptors Summary Knowledge and Understanding Application and action Autonomy and accountability Entry Level Entry 1 recognises progress along a continuum that ranges from the most elementary of achievements to beginning to make use of skills, knowledge or understanding that relate to the immediate environment Achievement at Entry 2 reflects the ability to make use of skills, knowledge and understanding to carry out simple, familiar tasks and activities with guidance. Use knowledge or understanding to carry out simple, familiar activities Know the steps needed to complete simple activities Carry out simple, familiar tasks and activities Follow instructions or use rehearsed steps to complete tasks and activities With appropriate guidance begin to take some responsibility for the out- comes of simple activities Actively participate in simple and familiar activities Achievement at Entry 3 reflects the ability to make use of skills, knowledge and understanding to carry out structured tasks and activities in familiar contexts, with appropriate guidance where needed Use knowledge or understanding to carry out structured tasks and activities in familiar contexts. Know and understand the steps needed to complete structured tasks and activities in familiar contexts Carry out structured tasks and activities in familiar contexts Be aware of the consequences of actions for self and others With appropriate guidance take responsibility for the outcomes of structured activities Actively participate in activities in familiar contexts 29

30 Summary Knowledge and Understanding Application and action Autonomy and accountability Level 1 Achievement at level 1 reflects the ability to use relevant knowledge, skills and procedures to complete routine tasks. It includes responsibility for completing tasks and procedures subject to direction or guidance. Use knowledge of facts, procedures and ideas to complete well-defined, routine tasks. Be aware of information relevant to the area of study or work Complete well-defined routine tasks. Use relevant skills and procedures Take responsibility for completing tasks and procedures subject to direction or guidance as needed Select and use relevant information Identify whether actions have been effective. 30

31 Summary Knowledge and Understanding Application and action Autonomy and accountability Level 2 Achievement at level 2 reflects the ability to select and use relevant knowledge, ideas, skills and procedures to complete welldefined tasks and address straight- forward problems. It includes taking responsibility for completing tasks and procedures and exercising autonomy and judgement subject to overall direction or guidance. Use understanding of facts, procedures and ideas to complete well-defined tasks and address straightforward problems Interpret relevant information and ideas. Be aware of the types of information that are relevant to the area of study or work Complete well-defined, generally routine tasks and address straightforward problems. Select and use relevant skills and procedures. Identify, gather and use relevant information to inform actions. Identify how effective actions have been. Take responsibility for completing tasks and procedures Exercise autonomy and judgement subject to overall direction or guidance 31

32 Contact AIM Awards Charges For any queries, please contact AIM Awards: AIM Awards 10 Newmarket Court Newmarket Drive Off Ascot Drive Derby DE24 8NW