Open College Network London Region

NOCN qualifications and performance points

New NOCN Qualifications for 14+ learners

The National Open College Network has developed a new suite of national qualifications called Skills Towards Enabling Progression (Step-UP).

These innovative qualifications have full QCA approval and are listed in the new Qualifications & Credit Framework (QCF) and on the National Database of Accredited Qualifications. The qualifications, currently available at Entry Level and Level 1, have been designed to address the needs of learners from the age of 14 and can be used with learners who require a flexible and achievable alternative to more traditional qualifications. The qualifications will be of particular interest to schools and Pupil Referral Units as well as Sixth Form and FE colleges. The credit-based units in these qualifications have been specifically designed to engage learners through flexible assessment and by allowing them to focus on their personal interests and strengths. Each unit can be individually accredited and contribute towards a current or future qualification, thus motivating young people to continue learning. The unique flexibility of the Step-UP qualifications allows centres to design a personalised curriculum for each learner in a cohort and gives the opportunity to meet the needs of a wide range of learners. Units cover:

  • Personal development - e.g. Assertiveness and Decision Making, Using Teamwork Skills
  • Vocational tasters - e.g. Construction, Business, Childcare
  • Employability Skills - e.g. Personal Career Planning, Work Based Placement.

In addition to attracting LA/LSC funding, the Step-Up qualifications contribute points for Achievement and Attainment Tables. For details of Points Equivalencies please see this file:

Document Name Open in MS Word Open in PDF
Points Equivalencies for NOCN Step-UP Qualifications DOC icon PDF icon

 

OCN London Region has prepared guidelines Developing a Personalised Curriculum for Alternative Provision which explain ways in which pathways can be created from these qualifications for learners working below Level 2 to enable them to progress to further study, other qualifications or independent living. The guidelines can be viewed in this file:

Document Name Open in MS Word Open in PDF
Developing a Personalised Curriculum for 14+ Learners DOC icon PDF icon

 

For suggestions and guidance on how to combine units from the NOCN Step-UP Qualifications into vocational pathways, see the following file:

Document Name Open in MS Word Open in PDF
Step-UP Post 14 Pathways Guide DOC icon PDF icon