Diploma qualifications monitoring: findings from the scrutiny of level 2 and level 3 diploma constituent qualifications in 2010

Abstract

In 2010, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) monitored three new specifications in principal learning: Edexcel level 3 in Construction and the Built Environment; OCR level 3 in Information Technology; and VTCT level 2 in Hair and Beauty Studies. We also completed scrutinies of AQA-City & Guilds level 2 in Engineering; Edexcel level 2 in Society, Health and Development; and OCR level 2 in Creative and Media that were begun in 2009; and we conducted a scrutiny of AQA-City & Guilds level 3 extended project qualification. The findings from our monitoring of these qualifications are detailed in this report. In 2010, the number of candidates who entered the principal learning qualifications remained relatively small, and there was little evidence of candidate performance available at the higher grades. Centres and candidates are still adapting to the demands of these new qualifications, and awarding organisations are still establishing the standards. In general, we found that the scrutinised qualifications addressed the specification content and learning outcomes appropriately, and assessments were varied and challenging for the full range of candidates. However, there were a number of findings that related to each specification individually. These findings included opportunities to improve: the design of question papers and mark schemes; the guidance to centres and consortia; and awarding organisation procedures for the training of examiners and moderators, and for setting grades. We have required awarding organisations to agree appropriate action plans to address the issues raised by our monitoring. We will monitor the implementation of these action plans in future series