Important Qualifications Update

Colleagues,

Can I first of all thank you for your outstanding work in supporting our students.  I realise how challenging this has been been for you and appreciate your professionalism.

During the current lockdown the  amount of work completed to develop and support learning has been overwhelmingly positive for students.  This is despite conflicting information being provided in the media . 

Although the Minister for the Department of the Economy made a statement on vocational education this week the detail of how qualifications are being awarded is not yet agreed and this is causing frustration and stress to both staff and students.

The College has been working closely with CCEA as regulator to provide clarity on how qualifications will be awarded.  

Today, an Ofqual consultation was issued on finding a way forward for all UK vocational and competence based qualifications.  The consultation covers Northern Ireland as well as Scotland and Wales.  The only exception are those qualifications which have been developed solely for NI such as Essential Skills.

The consultation asks awarding organisations to provide a temporary extraordinary regulatory framework for qualification award and progression. We have been asked by Ofqual and awarding organisations  to contribute to developing guidelines.  To do this we are working across our provision to profile outcomes for students to ensure that they are not disadvantaged.  The work you are completing in engaging students and progressing assessment will be included in this.  

To provide the widest opportunities for our students it is important that the high level of engagement continues.  We understand that students are confused and frustrated by the lack of clarity and we have written to them today (see email attached) to reassure that we are seeking to find the best outcomes for them.  Your continued role in reassuring them of the value to attend and engage despite the difficulties is vital.

Thank you again for your continued support.

I wish you, your families and friends my best wishes and that you remain safe.

Regards

Ken Webb

Principal and Chief Executive