Chris Vidler, EBEA Chair of Education writes:
NCVQ announced changes to GNVQs last month. These include:
Assessment by unit
External tests covering pairs of mandatory units
An externally set and moderated assignment based on one mandatory unit
3 externally assignments designed to test each of the key skills
GNVQ structures which will be less complicated, easier to understand and written in clear English
a reduction in administrative bureaucracy
Moreover NCVQ have been told to "explore options for a single award GNVQ, equivalent to on GCE A Level involving the identification of 6 mandatory units from the existing vocational units" and to consider a "three unit model equivalent to the new AS level qualification."
These changes apply to all GNVQs.
NCVQ are currently exploring appropriate contents to meet these new demands. There appears to be a consensus that the single award 6 module might include: the business environment, organisation, marketing, human resources, finance and production. Students taking the "double award" equivalent to the existing GNVQ would also be expected to take Business Statistics, Law, Europe and Business Planning plus two further units.
It appears logical that students might complete the single award after one year of study and the double ward after two years. While further work and consultation is in hand it seems likely that Colleges and schools may be left with less freedom to design and structure GNVQs themselves.
NCVQ have tight deadlines for this development work. The overall framework will be agreed by Easter. New specifications will be written in the Summer and the new courses will be up and running from Sept. 1998 - at the same time as new GCE A and ASs.
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For details about the EBEA: [log in to unmask]
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