colleague has just shown me new draft specifications for GNVQs in
Business.
QCA issued details of the DRAFTspecs at a meeting yesterday at the
Bloomsbury Hotel, London. Dr John Capey was in attendance as was Judith
Compton, who is in charge of the redraft. The meeting was run by Network
Training.
My colleagues and I, at Grantham College as well as Dr Capey, are
concerned with developments for the following reasons:
1. The assessment load
Assessment seems to be heavier in the new specs
the assessments are huge and very difficult
In the pilot: students when referred have become very demotivated
this can only be avoided through a much closer monitoring of work in
progress than that to which we are accustomed.
2. Foundation and Intermediate
The similarities in syllabus enabling joint teaching rule out
opportunities for sensible progression from foundation to intermediate.
This is because those completing the foundation go on to study the same
course for Intermediate with different assessments.
3. Key Skills Testing
Key skills may require up to 9 hours of testing, in one week. as well as
9 hour preparation the week before.
Whilst we are aware of the need for GNVQ to be more rigorous, it seems
the redraft is not addressing our key concerns of large assessment loads
and the government's wish for wider participation.These draft
specifications have made us think seriously about reintroducing the
National Diploma. The specs seem very inappropriate for students.
Has anyone else seen any of the draft specs or been involved in any
pilots?
What do you think of developments?
Would you like to see the draft specs and send you them as an attachment
via email?
How can we make representations to QCA if we feel that GNVQ is heading
in the wrong direction?
Looking forward to your thoughts
Paul Unwin
Grantham College
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