notice of sampling rules for btec standards verification 2

Notice of sampling rules for BTEC Standards Verification 2011-12

May 2011

Notice of sampling rules for BTEC Standards Verification 2011-12 May 2011 To help you plan ahead for 2011-12, we are giving you advance notice of the sampling rules for BTEC Standards Verification next year. This notice concentrates on changes for 2011-12. Full, detailed instructions will be published in the Quality Assurance Handbook 2011-12 before the end of the Summer term. Which qualifications does this cover?

We sample across a group of programmes defined by a Principal Subject Area. We will select units from each level of programme offered, including: • BTEC Nationals

• BTEC Firsts

• Foundation Learning and/or Level 1 BTEC Programmes

• BTEC Specialist Short Courses from Level 1-3

Who will be included in Standards Verification?

Standards Verifiers are allocated in three ways: • In October we will select a sample of accredited Lead Internal Verifiers to be included in

Standards Verification for confirmation sampling. We will inform both Quality Nominees and the Lead Internal Verifiers.

• After each Lead Internal Verifier standardisation window we will scrutinise the results. Based on individual performance, we will allocate a Standards Verifier where we feel that a Lead Internal Verifier would benefit from further support straight away.

• At the end of the second standardisation window, we will allocate a Standards Verifier where no-one has attempted Lead Internal Verifier accreditation.

How do I make sure I’m still accredited as a Lead Internal Verifier?

If you gained accreditation in 2010-11, this lasts for the next three years, subject to re-registering and confirmation sampling. • In September all accredited Lead Internal Verifiers must re-register. You can do this by

going into Edexcel Online / OSCA2 and simply confirming that you are still the Lead Internal Verifier.

• If a Lead Internal Verifier has changed or does not confirm their registration, then you will lose accredited status for that Principal Subject Area.

How will Standards Verification be carried out?

We are moving to greater control of the sample in relation to standards on centre-assessed programmes. This is in line with our intentions to make sampling more structured and rigorous and to meet our regulatory obligations. The Standards Verifier is still there to support you and provide guidance, but they will now select the sample. • If you are selected for Standards Verification, you will have plenty of time to prepare a

sample for the Standards Verifier. So that we can fully and fairly monitor standards, the Standards Verifier selects the sample.


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• You can expect to hear about confirmation sampling by 7th November. If you run new programmes or have a lot more learners you may be included in a further sample and we will let you know about this in December. We may include centres later in the year as necessary to deal with unusual patterns of delivery or to assure standards in line with regulatory requirements.

• The Standards Verifier will contact the Quality Nominee and then the Lead Internal Verifier during November to agree the sample. You should confirm with the Standards Verifier which of the units set by us will be included within the sample.

• After consultation with the Quality Nominee and Lead Internal Verifier, the Standards Verifier will confirm to you, by email:

o the unit(s) being sampled

o the date of the sample

o the date by which a sample of learners will be selected

• Approximately four weeks before the agreed sample date you should provide the Standards Verifier with a list of learners and their anticipated grades for the unit(s). This allows the Standards Verifier to select the learners to be sampled. You will have 2-3 weeks to prepare the sample.

• We still encourage you to provide samples as early as possible, so that you can receive early feedback and any potential issues can be resolved in plenty of time.

• The deadline for first samples is 30th April 2012 and all sampling activity (including any second samples or remedial action, if required) should be completed by 31st May 2012.

What is included in the sample?

In 2011-12 we will be concentrating on mandatory units. • The sample should be:

o from each level you deliver in the Principal Subject Area

o mandatory units from the BTEC programme specification

o from the largest programme delivered at each level

• The unit should be a full, completed unit.

• The unit should be at the same level as the programme.

• If you are delivering a programme for which there are no mandatory units, the Standards Verifier will agree the sample with you.

• You can use learner work from 2010-11 or 2011-12, provided that learners are still on the programme. Most programmes operate over two years, so this should provide ample opportunity to provide a sample by the end of April 2012.

• If units are still to be completed, agree a date for sampling with the Standards Verifier.

• If you anticipate problems, discuss it with your Standards Verifier.

What is the sample size?

• The number of units to be provided is the same as 2010-11:

Programmes being delivered Number of units sampled Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma two units Or, if none of the above Level 3 Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma

one unit

Level 2 programmes one unit Level 1 or Foundation Learning one unit


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• The number of learner samples for each unit is linked to registrations and is the same as

2010-11:

Number of learners registered Number of learners for each unit sampled 1-3 learners all learners sampled 4 to 100 learners 4 learners sampled 101 to 250 learners 8 learners sampled 251+ learners 12 learners sampled • The Standards Verifier will make the final selection of learners to be sampled, based on the

number of learners on a programme and their anticipated grades. If a unit is graded (Pass, Merit, Distinction) the learner sample should include the full range of grades that you are awarding.

• You should already track and record learners’ achievement as they progress on the programme. This can be used to provide information to Standards Verifiers when the sample is being selected. Ideally, the sample should include learners who are most marginal in terms of the grades awarded (for example learners who have achieved some but not all Merit criteria).

• Learners included in the sample must have been internally verified.

• The outcomes of Standards Verification remain the same as before. If the first sample is blocked and a second sample is required, the Standards verifier will ask to see extra learners:

Number of learners in first sample Extra learners required for second sample 1-3 learners no sample increase

4 learners +2 learners (or all learners if less than 6 registrations)

8 learners or 12 learners + 4 learners Where do I find out more?

• The full BTEC Quality Assurance Handbook 2011-12 will be published shortly. It will contain the full details and instructions about all aspects of the quality assurance process.

• The BTEC.co.uk website will be updated during the Summer to reflect the arrangements for 2011-12.

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