Vocational qualifications are either work-related qualifications designed to enable students to gain the skills required to perform a particular job , or qualifications that may be taken as part of a wider study programme or an apprenticeship.
Schools and colleges may offer qualifications that are not included in the DfE performance tables, if approved for teaching to 16-19 year olds by the Secretary of State for Education in England under Section 96, where this is in the best interests of individual students.
The LRN Level 3 Award in European Community Development is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand the key aspects of community development work, and to analyse how these are applied in practice. Course assignments require students to reflect on how the concepts covered in the classroom-based element of the course are put into practice in their job, work experience, or volunteering role.
The LRN Level 3 Award in European Community Development is aimed at students who are already working in their community, either in an employed or voluntary capacity. It is designed to be delivered alongside employment, work experience, or volunteering, and will enable students to work effectively in a community development role.
Pass or Fail.
For all units, assessment consists of a total of six externally set assignments – internally marked by the centre and externally validated by the LRN.
For unit one, candidates are required to complete two written assignments of 500 - 750 words.
For unit two, candidates are required to complete a single written assignment of 1,000 - 1,500 words, as well as undertake 120 hours relevant work experience certified by a community development employer, group or organisation.
For unit three, candidates are required to complete a single written assignment of 1,000 - 1,500 words.
For unit four, candidates are required to complete two written assignments of 750 - 1,000 words.
All assignments have clearly defined assessment criteria, and candidates must meet all of the assessment criteria for each assignment in order to achieve a pass. The written assignments are set by LRN and assessed internally against criteria specified by LRN. LRN externally validates a selection of portfolios.
There are a number of key considerations for HEPs when reviewing vocational qualifications that are not listed on the DfE 16 – 19 performance tables for England:
- Some of these qualifications are occupational, and may not be designed specifically for progression to HE.
- Applicants holding these qualifications may be school or college leavers, however, some may be more mature students who are likely to have other relevant experience alongside these qualifications.
- These qualifications may have been taken as part of a wider study programme or an apprenticeship.
- If they are presented for admission to HE it is likely to be in conjunction with other qualifications.
In respect of this qualification:
- Higher education providers can expect to receive applications from UK and overseas applicants holding the LRN Level 3 Award in European Community Development.
Qualification specification: LRN Level 3 Award in European Community Development