Advice to Providers

OCNLR Guide

to

Post-14Vocational Pathways

using

NOCN Step-UPQualifications

CONTENTS

Introduction ………………………………………………. 3

Qualification Aims………………………………………………. 4

Pathway Design………………………………………………. 4

Sample Pathways………………………………………………. 5

Creative and Media Pathways………………………………………. 7

Horticulture………………………………………. 11

Health and Social Care ………………………………………. 14

ICT……………..…………………………17

Construction………………………………………. 21

Employability……………..…………………………24

Appendix 1 - Unit Listing

………………………………………………………………………...28

Appendix 2 – Every Child Matters Outcomes

Unit Map ………………………………………………. 34

Appendix 3 – Literacy and Numeracy Units …………………………37

Appendix 4 – Glossary …………………………………………………. 38

Introduction

This booklet offers advice and guidance to providers in designing vocational courses pre-16 learners which will inform their choices post-16 and, improveprogression to both further study and/or employment.

The basic elements of the programme are units from the Step-UP qualification, of which there are three sizes, Award, Certificate and Diploma. Subject to rules of combination, they form nationally recognised qualifications. The differing sizes of qualifications on offer mean that the curriculum can be customised to meet both personal and vocational needs.

The nesting of units within the three progression qualifications: Award, Certificate and Diploma, allows for different sizes/length of programmes as well as flexible delivery over different time periods according to the needs of learner and provider.

To be recognised as a qualification and contribute to performance tables all pathways must include a minimum number of core credits. The minimum number of core credits is dependant on the size of the qualification being offered. There is no maximum limit on the number of core credits offered.

The Entry level Diploma is 37 credits and it is recommended that ‘Introduction to Personal Development’ is included as a core unit.

Aims of Step-UP Qualifications

• To engage and motivate learners to identify their individual and personal strengths for progressionto post 16 study and/or employment.
• To provide learning opportunities that enable participants to realise their potential to progress to further and higher education.
• To provide information and advice to learners on possible progression routes, including to higher education.
• To recognise learning achievements through NOCN credits and other recognised qualifications to provide coherence and progression.
• To provide learning opportunities that are stimulating and engaging.

Pathway Design

The following pages contain suggestions for providers on how to use units from the NOCN suite of Step-UP Qualifications in flexible ways to respond to learner needs as well as national and regional government priorities. Each suggestion includes a combination of both Core and Option Units that might be appropriate for particular groups, organisations or for specific initiatives.

In designing their own pathways, providers may create different combinations in response to their particular needs, learner needs as well as satisfying national and regional priorities for skills and learning.

Please note that these are suggestions only – all units within the qualification remain available for use for individual learning packages in response to particular circumstances.

Every Child Matters

The wide range of units available within the Step-UP Qualifications will ensure that pathways developed can support the five outcomes of Every Child Matters.

Outcome 1: being healthy

Outcome 2: staying safe

Outcome 3: enjoying and achieving

Outcome 4: making a positive contribution

Outcome 5: economic well-being

Appendix 2 gives an indicative mapping of the core units at both levels to these outcomes

Generic Step-UP Pathway Level 1

Sample Programme

NOCN Level 1 Step-UP Award – 6 Credits

NOCN Level 1 Step-UP Certificate – 21 Credits

+

NOCN Level 1 Step-UP Diploma – 39 Credits

+

Sample Pathways

Some suggestions for combination of units to support the development of pathways in several areas:

Creative and MediaPathways

Sample Pathway Entry Level Award

Creative and Media:

3 Credits (30 GLH)

Or

Sample Pathway Entry Level Certificate (All Entry Units)

Creative and Media:

15 Credits (150 GLH)

Sample Pathway Entry Level Diploma (All Entry Units)

Creative and Media:

37 Credits (360 GLH)

Sample Pathway Entry Level Certificate (Spiky Profile)

Creative and Media:

15 Credits (150 GLH)

*Unit from a higher level than main qualification

Sample Pathway Entry Level Diploma (Spiky Profile)

Creative and Media:

37 Credits (360 GLH)

*Unit from a higher level than main qualification

Horticulture Pathways

Sample Pathway Level One Award

Horticulture:

6 Credits (54 GLH)

Sample Pathway Level One Certificate (All Units Level 1)

Horticulture:

21 Credits (189GLH)

Sample Pathway Level One Diploma (All Units Level 1)

Horticulture:

39 Credits (351GLH)

Sample Pathway Level One Certificate (Spiky Profile)

Horticulture:

21 Credits (189GLH)

*Unit from a lower level than main qualification

Sample Pathway Level One Diploma (Spiky Profile)

Horticulture:

39 Credits (351GLH)

*Unit from a lower level than main qualification
Health and Social Care Pathways

Sample Pathway Level OneAward

Health and Social Care:

6 Credits (54GLH)

Sample Pathway Level OneCertificate (All Units Level 1)

Health and Social Care:

21 Credits (189GLH)

Sample Pathway Level OneDiploma (All Units Level 1)

Health and Social Care:

39 Credits (351GLH)

Sample Pathway Level One Certificate (Spiky Profile)

Health and Social Care:

21 Credits (189GLH)

*Unit from a lower level than main qualification

Sample Pathway Level One Diploma (Spiky Profile)

Health and Social Care: 39 Credits (351GLH)

*Unit from a lower level than main qualification
ICT PATHWAYS

Sample Pathway Entry Level Award

ICT:

3 Credits (30 GLH)

Or

Sample Pathway Entry Level Certificate (All Units Entry Level)

ICT:

15 Credits (150 GLH)

Sample Pathway Entry Level Diploma (All Units Entry Level)

ICT:

37 Credits (360 GLH)

Sample Pathway Level One Certificate (Spiky Profile)