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 Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (CYPW) is suitable for delivery as a two-year, full-time qualification which incorporates the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce. The qualification comprises:
- the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce to meet the requirements to work in the Children and Young People’s Workforce
- additional extended units to assess, build and develop students’ higher level knowledge and skills
- three extended assessments based on knowledge which has been gained throughout the entire learning programme.
This qualification is appropriate for those who might like to progress to a degree in a related discipline.
A* – E
The CYPW units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which could include: direct observation in the workplace, a portfolio of evidence, written assignments or an optional assessment task.
The extended units will be internally assessed using mandatory assessment tasks. These assess both knowledge and skills based learning outcomes. The skills-based outcomes require the student to reflect on practical experience in their real work environment.
Where appropriate, observations remain the preferred method of assessment for skills-based learning outcomes. The three extended assessments will be externally assessed.
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.
The first cohort will have completed the qualifications by July 2013.
This qualification is no longer offered and the specification has been removed from the NCFE CACHE website. For further information please contact NCFE CACHE.