Accounting and FinanceVerification Group 266

Accounting and FinanceVerification Group 266

SEV UpdateKim Tree

October 2009

HighlightsHighlights

HN Visiting verification– Limited activity in line with SQA sampling

policy– Graded Unit 2 visits fewer than previous years

as we all gain more experience in delivering this Unit.

SVQ Visiting verification– Fewer centres offering SVQ

Development VisitsDevelopment Visits

Verification Team have undertaken a number of development visits during the last year which provide centres with some support on a one-to-one basis.

These are available for every centre for a fee of £100.

Support can be aimed at a specific Unit or a wider programme.

Graded UnitsGraded Units

Limited central verification, in line with SQA sampling policy.

Most centres had used Assessment Exemplar Packs. GU2 has a variety of case study scenarios which allows

the centre to select one which is appropriate to their location.

Centres can contextualise assessment instruments.

Other AwardsOther Awards

PDA awards – 3 awards introduced in August 2008.

Delivered on evening class/part-time basis or as integral part of HNC.

Available for clients who wish to have training programme relevant to the particular workplace requirement.

Good PracticeGood Practice

Many centres contextualising assessment instruments.

Centres becoming confident to design alternative assessment instruments which are not clones of the exemplars.

Feedback from candidates interviewed during visits has been very positive about the support from centres and advice on progression.

Understanding StandardsUnderstanding Standards

Exemplification of GU marking: Graded Unit 2

─ B grade project Graded Unit 3

2 questions at A, B and C

Access the website – www.understandingstandards.org.uk At the foot of the scrolling menu on the right-hand side, click ‘HN Beta’. On receiving the password prompt, type in the following:

Username: hnauthorPassword: usw72

(HN section of Understanding Standards website secure to restrict access to staff only)

Visiting VerificationVisiting Verification

Verification Team will continue with the procedure of reviewing Units across the two main areas – Cost/Management Accounting– Financial Accounting

Team review Units across – – HNC & HND– SVQ Levels 2 & 3

Team include in the HN verification, Units which fall into other frameworks.

Security of Assessment ExemplarsSecurity of Assessment Exemplars

Assessment exemplars widely used by centres on an ongoing basis.

Some centres becoming less careful about security of these documents.

Exemplars must NOT be used as practice assessments.

Any centre devised assessments can be submitted for prior verification (free service).

2009-2010 Session2009-2010 Session

EVs will receive their allocations of centres to visit shortly.

Centres should hear before mid-December 2009 if they can expect a routine visit for either HN or SVQ.

Visits relating to Graded Units will be arranged during the early part of 2010.

Development visits can be requested at any time.

General PointsGeneral Points

VAT rate – it may become necessary to amend the VAT rate in assessment instruments after December 2009.

All assessment instruments should be kept up to date as appropriate – any doubt submit for prior verification.

Tax assessment instruments need to be kept up to date

GU3 needs to be amended in line with Tax changes.

The Future?The Future?

Uptake of the qualifications on the increase. Updated framework from 2010 Have an award that continues to meet the needs

of all stakeholders More detailed EV reports

Contact us?Contact us?

Remember that we are part of your team. Use us as a resource. Ask us questions and advice – we have nearly

100 years of experience amongst the team members!

Prior verification of assessment instruments gives your peace of mind.

Contact us via Jennifer Blain or via Linda Meikle or Sharon O’Neil.

Verification TeamVerification Team

The team worked very hard during 2008-09 Two new members –

– Linda McAllister – Mark Slaven

One member left us– Stephen Davis

Thanks to all for their hard work over the year