Welcome to the new OCN London Region e-newsletter bringing you news and views about our courses, new national qualification offers, regional events and centre success stories NOCN is first past the post to award a National Qualification for Volunteering at the 2012 Games. For the past year, OCNLR has been working in partnership with LOCOG, the LDA, the LSC and SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Sport and Leisure to develop first a pilot programme and now a National Qualification to support both the volunteering and the sustainability elements of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The NOCN Level 1 Award in Preparation for Event Volunteering (Personal Best) has been approved by QCA for the new Qualifications and Credit Framework and already over 200 learners have achieved credits; for many who were considered furthest from the labour market, they have received what may be their first National Qualification. As well as Volunteering and the Olympics, units in the Qualification cover all aspects of customer service and public safety whilst supporting the development of team working skills and recognising the learning opportunities offered by a volunteer placement. Learners who achieve the full Level 1 Personal Best Qualification are entitled to an interview as a Games Time Volunteer which has, of course, been a great incentive. For more details of the Personal Best programme and also the parallel NOCN Entry 3 Award in Preparation for Event Volunteering please contact k.hedger@ocnlr.org.uk Tel. 0207 689 5879
Qualification News Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) For centres who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of the QCF the QCA support pack on their website has been revised following the outcome of the tests and trials. By September 2010 all NOCN qualifications will have been moved from the NQF to the QCF. NOCN qualifications already in the QCF can be accessed via the NOCN website and they include: Qualifications in Progression (QCF) Levels Entry to Level 3 Including a range of PSD and Vocational units suitable for use in the Foundation Learning Tier Steps to Enabling Progression (StepUP) Developed especially for use with 14+ learners Entry and Level 1, with Level 2 in development Preparation for Event Volunteering (Personal Best) - at Entry and Level 1 Initially developed to support both the volunteering and the sustainability elements of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Trade Union Learning Representatives and Health and Safety Qualifications Faith Community Development Level 1 and 2 Designed to support faith leaders, workers and volunteers to recognise and develop their ability and potential to respond to the needs of their community
Extended Qualifications on the NQF Managing Voluntary and Community Organisations/Managing Volunteers (2010/13) Language Skills (2010/13)) ESOL Skills for Life (2012/13) Art and Design (2010/13) Adult Numeracy and Literacy (2010/13) New Qualifications in Development Media Literacy (Entry 3 Award and Certificate) To enable learners to understand and be actively engaged with the media and respond to it Visual Arts Award at Levels 1,2 and 3 IT Qualifications at Level 1, 2 & 3 Functional Skills Currently in pilot in English, ICT and Mathematics for a range of learning environments including schools, colleges, adult and community learning providers and through local authority projects. The full qualifications to be introduced in September 2010 with sample assessments available on the NOCN website (www.nocn.org.uk) LSC Funding Policy 2009/10 The LSC expect that the majority of rules and regulations currently in place for 2008/09 will be rolled over for 2009/10. They have published these changes in the LSC Funding Guidance document related to 2009/10 which can be accessed via the LSC website; (www.lsc.gov.uk/providers/funding-policy/strategic-overview)
Regional Events OCNLR s Adult Learner of the Year a magnificent success story At the Adult Learners Awards presentation for London Held at the Museum of Docklands on Tuesday 12 th May, OCNLR s Chief Executive, Maree Walker, presented a certificate and cheque to Pam Watson, the OCNLR Learner of the Year. Pam completed an Access to HE Diploma in Health and Human Science at Richmond Adult Community College in July 2008. She is now enrolled on a nursing degree course at King s College London. Pam s life has been completely changed by her Access course. Prior to doing this she had been through a period of severe illness and very difficult personal circumstances. She was unable to connect with the outside world by leaving the house or even talking on the phone. Now she loves life and nothing will stop her from achieving her goal of completing her degree. Maree Walker (left) makes the presentation to Pam Watson (centre) with Hannah Gill from Richmond Adult Community College Adult Learners Week is a time when stories like Pam s are heard around the country. Over 100 OCN learner nominations went forward to the NOCN panel that chose the national winner. Jill Brunt, the National Open College Network Chief Executive, presented the prize at the national Adult Learners presentation event that took place on May 15 th.
OCNLR Steps-UP for post 14 learners Education managers and teachers gathered recently at the OCNLR Angel Gate offices for the launch of the new NOCN Qualifications, Steps Towards Enabling Progression (Step-UP). The new Qualification is already proving invaluable to schools and their learners nationally with its variety and flexible bite-sized curriculum. Matt Allman, Deputy Head at Longford Community School in Feltham told the audience that NOCN s Step-UP course has been a source of inspiration, motivation and aspiration for a growing number o Longford students. Another success story came from Steve Cairns, Principal of Nightinggale Vocational School in Wandsworth where Step-UP is used as the supporting qualification in a Multi-Skills course which gives students the opportunity to tray out and develop skills in construction, music technology, vehicle maintenance, hair and beauty and catering. Following the launch event a number of schools, pupil referral units, LEAs working in partnership with colleges on engagement programmes and community providers have decided to deliver the Qualification and OCNLR have set up a user group so that good practice can be shared across London. Further information about Step-UP is to be found on the OCNLR website (www.ocnlr.org.uk) and by contacting your OCNLR Curriculum Officer. Step-UP offers personalised course flexibility to develop your own course in curriculum areas such as; Creative and Media ICT Health and Social Care Development Horticulture Construction Employability
The Foundation Learning Tier Explained OCNLR Forum As part of OCNLR s continuing support for members wishing to develop new courses to meet the requirements of the Foundation Learning Tier, we recently ran a well attended forum for providers to explain the background to the new developments and develop sample courses to meet individual provider and curriculum needs. Delegates to the forum had the benefit of hearing from NOCN s Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Keith Mogford, who explained that the FLT Programme Board has recently taken the decision to move to a singe specification for Progression Pathways. He went on to say that the rationale for this development is focused principally on the 14-19 provision to support destination routes to GCSE s, A Levels, Diplomas, Apprenticeships, full Level 2, independent living and supported employment. The FLT programme will still include the three strands of learning, namely Vocational Skills, Personal and Social Development and the three Functional Skills of Maths, English and ICT. These strands must be supported by a wrap around of initial assessment, ongoing review and IAG. The forum also enabled members to work under the guidance of the OCNLR Curriculum Team in the preparation of some bespoke sample pathways using the wide range of PSD and Vocational Skills units from the NOCN Qualifications in Progression (QCF). We will be holding a second FLT Forum on 29 th June (10.15-12.30) for which invitations will be sent out, but if you are interested in securing an early place please contact Michelle Henderson (m.henderson@ocnlr.org.uk) or Tel: 020-8689-5640 Forthcoming OCNLR Events FLT Forum - 29 th June, 2009 Get Ready for Access Grading - 11 th and 15 th June 2009 To book a place at either event please contact Michelle Henderson as above
OCNLR Success Stories Music Production student hits the right note in the advertising world! Music student Jake Warren has just earned his first pay cheque as a freelance music producer. His music recently graced a TV advertising campaign for Swatch which screened across Europe. No mean feat when you consider the current economic climate and the much-publicised woes of a music industry in decline. So, just how did a 19 year old student end up sound tracking a six figure ad campaign? The music business has undergone major changes in recent years and if students are to find work in tomorrow s music industry then music education has to move with the times and equip students with the skills that employers demand. One music college that has been quick to recognise this is Point Blank, where Jake enrolled on a twelve week course accredited by the Open College Network. The Introduction to Production course allows students to focus upon the practical studio skills required to create music using the latest music technology. Teaching is delivered by music industry professionals and students get expert guidance from people who have an intimate understanding of what it takes to succeed. Jake told OCNLR The course was amazing. I realised that there were significant gaps in my knowledge in terms of technique and learning with a pro producer at Point Blank definitely filled those gaps. Plus I never would have heard about the Swatch ad if it wasn t for the course. Point Blank s Sales and Marketing Manager, David Reid, told OCNLR The college also has a unique agreement with Universal Music Publishing and students are encouraged to submit their music for consideration during the course. Students like Jake who demonstrate the talent and drive required can find themselves taking their first steps into the industry. Since his success with the Swatch ad, Jake s music career is going from strength to strength. He s currently collaborating with East London grime artist Tinchy Stryder and plans to return to Point Blank this summer for another course.
Attend Academy Award Ceremony for Action Space Learners OCNLR Curriculum Officer, Ursula Larabi, recently attended the Award Ceremony for the OCNLR accredited Helping Others to Learn course aimed at enabling learners with learning difficulties to gain accreditation for skills they would not have been able to have recognised in the past. One successful learner commented that During the workshops, our creative activity was making masks and nothing can mask the fact that you will always have something to offer your fellow men and women whether as a mentor, a helper or as a friend. Action Space was launched in the 1960s to provide arts based opportunities for people with learning disabilities across Greater London with a focus on creative development, self-expression, education and training. The OCNLR accredited course is part of a wider partnership with the Attend Academy which aims to create professional development opportunities for artists with learning disabilities. Attend Academy s Head of Education and Development, Stephen Moreton who chaired the event stated We are all very excited to work with the OCN and Action Space to develop and deliver this groundbreaking programme.
Employers keen to use new ESOL for Work accreditation to motivate their staff in the workplace Westminster Business Solutions is a provider of education in the workplace and has recently started to deliver the NOCN ESOL for Work qualification with OCN London Region. The NOCN Qualification is designed to provide functional English skills appropriate for the workplace and offers the flexibility needed to devise a course which suits both learner and employers needs. WBS, as part of Westminster Adult Education Services, works with a variety of employers and with a diverse range of occupations. Steve Warburton - Skills for Work Coordinator says We have had to make every course we run unique. The NOCN units of credit assessment criteria allow the college to create their own assessment materials, which test the skills and language taught over the course and so we are able to make the whole programme entirely relevant to the students needs. We can avoid the traditional exam type of assessment, which can often be intimidating for students, especially for those who are not from an academic background. Assessments can be fun, interesting and most importantly relevant. We have been very happy with the progress the students have made. They have worked towards the Entry 3 and Level 1 qualification and many learners now have the relevant skills to start a vocational qualification. Both employers and learners have expressed appreciation for a course which can be delivered on their own premises, at their own pace and towards their own specific aims. Our ESOL for Work project has shown that there is real desire amongst employers to develop their employees skills and to motivate their workforce.
Your contribution to our e-newsletters We would love to hear about your success stories or any anecdotal tales about the OCN courses you deliver Let us know if you work with other OCN centres to share good practice Any news and views gratefully received Please send your contributions to Ursula Larabi at u.larabi@ocnlr.org.uk