Access to HE – Grading Update Steph Hulford Director of Access

1
Access to HE Grading UpdateSteph
HulfordDirector of Access
2

• Access Diploma approved by QAA
• Awarded by OCNSWR
• Credit based qualification
• The Common Access Framework (CAF)
• CAF pathways, modules and units
• 60 credits, at least 45 at level 3
• Level 3 units graded at Pass, Merit or
  Distinction

3

• The Common Access Framework
• 2004-5, 1 CAF pathway with 8 subject modules
• 2010-11, 15 CAF pathways with 70 subject modules
• 2003-4 Health and Social Care
• 2004-5 Education
• 2005-6 Combined Studies
• 2006-7 Creative Arts, Computing, Science and
  Sport
• 2007-8 Business Studies, Journalism and Media,
  Land Based Studies. Extension of Creative Arts
  pathway
• 2008-9 Forensic Science, Humanities, Social
  Science, extension of Journalism and Media
  pathway
• 2009-10 Tourism, Art and Design

4
(No Transcript)
5
Why Grading?

• Students views Recognition of achievement
  fuller feedback
• Progression Data Overcoming barriers in some
  areas and institutions
• Fair Admissions Developments in HE need for
  transparency, equity and fairness
• Credibility of the Qualification erratic
  offers, credit inflation, informal grades

6

• Unit grading
• Only level 3 units
• No aggregate or single final grade
• Pass/ Merit/ Distinction model
• No numerical grades
• Grades subject to moderation and standardisation
• Grade profiles awarded with Diplomas

7
Percentage of graded units awarded, by grade
8
The range of grade profiles?
9
AHE Diplomas Awarded
10
HSC Grading Profile
11
How are Grades Evidenced?

• The Access to HE Diploma consists of 60 Credits
• A Certificate is issued stating achievement of
  the full AHE Diploma
• A Unit Transcript is issued listing the grades
  awarded
• Any Credits achieved above the 60 required for
  the Diploma appear as ungraded Additional units

12
Ongoing Support

• Admissions staff may view Access student results,
  including grades in the secure area of the OCNSWR
  website
• Communities of Practice
• OCNSWR Student Guide to Grading
• OCNSWR Access to HE Guidance for HE Admissions
  staff
• No significant changes to the grading system as
  yet

13
Access and the Future

• Significant issues raised by funding arrangements
  in both FE HE especially 2013 onwards loans
  for Level 3 courses
• Developing both regional and national campaigns
  that demonstrate the value of AHE
• Health Social Care Professions could play a
  significant part in developing Case
  Studies/illustrating the impact of AHE

14
Further Information

• Steph Hulford, Director of Access at
  stephanie.hulford_at_ocnswr.org.uk
• Access to HE Officer
• edwina.allison_at_ocnswr.org.uk
• Karen Cousins, Access to HE Officer at
  karen.cousins_at_ocnswr.org.uk
• QAA Website www.accesstohe.ac.uk
• OCNSWR Website www.ocnswr.org.uk