Arrangements for the award and assessment of the Access to HE Diploma

Arrangements for the award and assessment of the Access to HE Diploma in 2022-23

WHY ARE THE ARRANGEMENTS DESIGNED AS THEY ARE?

The experiences of the pandemic have demonstrated the continuing importance of ensuring that:

every student studying an Access to HE Diploma has every opportunity to learn and be assessed and to achieve the award of the Diploma to facilitate progression into higher education
all Access to HE Diploma students are dealt with consistently through a national approach that ensures parity of experience.

Arrangements for the award and assessment of the Diploma for 2022-23 have been designed with the following key principles in mind:

to support students, providers and Access Validating Agencies (AVAs) in meeting the opportunities and challenges to learning and delivery presented post-pandemic.
work in collaboration with AVAs, the Department for Education (DfE), Welsh Government and other regulatory bodies to build on the strategy for Access to HE post-pandemic, focusing on sustainability and protection of the Access to HE Diploma.

WHAT ARE THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE AWARD AND ASSESSMENT OF THE ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA IN 2022-23?

The arrangements for the award and assessment of the Diploma in 2022-23 will be as follows:

A. Students starting their course from 1 August 2022

An Extraordinary Regulatory Framework will not apply. It will no longer be permissible:

for AVAs to approve adaptations to the method of delivery, units delivered or assessment tasks in response to the pandemic
to apply the Extraordinary Regulatory Framework arrangements relating to the principles of quality assurance.

Access to HE Diplomas must follow the validated rules of combination and be delivered and assessed in accordance with the method and schedule for which a provider has been approved. Providers should work with their Access Validating Agency (AVA) to ensure that activities undertaken for the development, quality assurance and award of Access to HE Diplomas continue in accordance with the requirements of the QAA Recognition Scheme for Access to Higher Education (the Recognition Scheme).

B. Continuing students

A continuing student is defined as a student who was registered on their course before 1 August 2022 and will continue with their studies into the following academic year (1 August 2022 - 31 July 2023). This will also include any students who took a break in learning and are returning to their course from 1 August 2022.

It will no longer permissible for AVAs to approve adaptations to the method of delivery, units delivered or assessment tasks in response to the pandemic on or after 1 August 2022.

However, arrangements relating to the principles of quality assurance under the Extraordinary Regulatory Framework will apply where:

adaptations to the method of delivery, units delivered or assessment tasks on the Diploma in response to the pandemic have been approved and commenced prior to 1 August 2022, and/or
students (and/or providers) have experienced extenuating circumstances due to the pandemic, prior to 1 August 2022.

C. Award through Extenuation

An Award through Extenuation was introduced into the Extraordinary Regulatory Framework from 2020-21 academic year, in response to the pandemic. These arrangements have now been in place for two academic years and have ensured that in those exceptional cases, where a student could not be assessed, due to the pandemic, the student may still have been awarded unit(s) that made up the Diploma, through an Award through Extenuation.

QAA recognises that outside the pandemic, there may be particular circumstances where students, or a provider, are significantly affected in the delivery or award of the Diploma through no fault of their own. Therefore, from 1 August 2022, an ‘Award through Extenuation’ procedure can continue to be applied. The arrangements for the Award through Extenuation will be an addendum to the Grading Scheme Handbook (Section E).

In those exceptional cases where a student cannot be assessed, due to no fault of their own, the student may still be awarded unit(s) that make up the Diploma, through an Award through Extenuation.

In addition to the Award through Extenuation, other support arrangements will be available to students from their course provider if they are finding it difficult to learn or be assessed during their course of study. The support arrangements will provide flexibility so that providers can work with their Access Validating Agency (AVA) to ensure a suitable awarding arrangement is put in place to fit local needs and meet the individual needs of students.

Why is the Extraordinary regulatory framework not available to students registered on an Access to HE Diploma on or after 1 August 2022?

Given that public health restrictions are no longer in place, the Extraordinary Regulatory Framework will not apply to students registered on an Access to HE Diploma on or after 1 August 2022.

It will no longer be permissible:

for AVAs to approve adaptations to the method of delivery, units delivered or assessment tasks in response to the pandemic
to apply the Extraordinary Regulatory Framework arrangements relating to the principles of quality assurance.

What are the arrangements for the award and assessment of the Diploma for A CONTINUING STUDENT WHO STARTED THEIR COURSE BEFORE 1 AUGUST 2022?

A continuing student is defined as a student who was registered on their course before 1 August 2022 and will continue their studies into the following academic year (1 August 2022 - 31 July 2023). This will also include any students who took a break in learning and are returning to their course from 1 August 2022.

It will no longer permissible for AVAs to approve adaptations to the method of delivery, units delivered or assessment tasks in response to the pandemic on or after 1 August 2022.

However, arrangements relating to the principles of quality assurance under the Extraordinary Regulatory Framework will apply where:

adaptations to the method of delivery, units delivered or assessment tasks on the Diploma in response to the pandemic have been approved and commenced prior to 1 August 2022, and/or
students (and/or providers) have experienced extenuating circumstances due to the pandemic, prior to 1 August 2022.

Your AVA will have quality assurance arrangements in place to support continuing students

In those exceptional cases where a student cannot be assessed, the student may still be awarded unit(s) that make up the Diploma, via an Award through Extenuation. The tutor/provider will draw upon either established sources of evidence, or alternative lines of evidence to determine whether the unit can be awarded. Course providers should speak to their AVAs regarding the circumstances under which an Award through Extenuation can take place.

HOW ARE YOU ENSURING PARITY BETWEEN ACCESS TO HE STUDENTS AND A LEVEL STUDENTS AND OTHER LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATIONS?

The arrangements for the award of the Access to HE Diploma provide as much parity as we are able to give within the different cohorts of students studying courses which are intrinsically very different.

There are necessary differences in the arrangements between Access to HE Diplomas and other Level 3 qualifications that facilitate progression to HE and these differences recognise the variations in the qualifications themselves and the students that study them.

The Access to HE Diploma is:

a credit-based qualification designed for adults wishing to enter higher education. Therefore, in order to achieve the award of the Diploma the student must complete the units that make up the programme of study
usually completed by the majority of students over the course of one academic year
assessed through continuous assessment - this means students complete assessments throughout their course of study.

Can I continue to deliver the diploma using adaptations under the extraordinary regulatory framework(s)?

It will no longer permissible for AVAs to approve adaptations to the method of delivery, units delivered or assessment tasks in response to the pandemic on or after 1 August 2022.

However, as a provider you may wish to incorporate some adaptations, or elements of adaptations, used during the pandemic into the Diplomas you will be delivering in future.

Please speak to your AVA. The AVA will work with you to ensure any changes or modifications to existing Diplomas follow relevant procedures, which may include:

the AVA’s major or minor modifications procedure
revalidation of a Diploma.

Can an adaptation, or elements of adaptations used during the pandemic be incorprated into a Diploma for future delivery?

Providers may wish to incorporate some adaptations, or elements of adaptations, used during the pandemic into the Diplomas they will be delivering in future. In this case, providers should work with AVAs to ensure any changes or modifications to existing Diplomas follow relevant procedures.

A continuing student is working on an assessment with a submission date after 31 july 2022 where an adaptation was approved and commenced prior to 1 August 2022, how should this be managed?

It is expected that such assessments will be quality assured in line with the principles of quality assurance. The arrangements relating to the principles of quality assurance under the Extraordinary Regulatory Framework will apply where there have been:

adaptations to the method of delivery, units delivered or assessment tasks on the Diploma in response to the pandemic have been approved and commenced prior to 1 August 2022.

Your AVA will have quality assurance arrangements in place to support continuing students. Please speak to your AVA to confirm the processes that should be followed.

WHAT ARE EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES AND HOW ARE THEY EVIDENCED?

Any circumstances or factors likely to impact adversely on student achievement and progression. These circumstances or factors are usually either unforeseen or unpreventable and outside the control of the student.

AVAs and providers will have in place appropriate procedures for dealing with cases of extenuating circumstances from 1 August 2022. These procedures will follow the regulatory requirements as set out in the Recognition Scheme documentation. These procedures should be clear and available to all Access to HE students

In most cases, extenuating circumstances that affect achievement on individual units (for example, in relation to requests for extended deadlines) are handled at course level, and appropriate action and decisions taken according to the provider's approved procedures.

AVAs will have processes in place to also consider cases where extenuating circumstances have affected performance in more than one area, or in any other way that falls outside the provider's normal processes. This will also include exceptional cases where extenuating circumstances have affected the completion or submission of work for assessment.

CAN STUDENTS APPLY FOR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES?

Yes. Course providers and AVAs already have in place procedures to allow students to identify extenuating circumstances that may affect their academic performance.

A student should discuss their specific circumstances directly with their course tutor.

Course tutors will be able to explain how to apply for extenuating circumstances.

DO I HAVE TO NOTIFY MY AVA EACH TIME AN APPLICATION FOR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES IS MADE?

You should speak to your AVA to determine their processes.

CAN I APPLY FOR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES FOR A WHOLE COHORT OF STUDENTS?

Yes, if, as a course provider, you consider the academic performance of a whole cohort of students has been adversely affected and you are unable to manage the issues through your own extenuating circumstances processes/measures, your senior managers should speak to your AVA.

CAN I APPLY FOR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES ON BEHALF OF MY STUDENTS?

You should speak to your AVA to determine their processes.

CAN STUDENTS APPLY FOR AN EXTENSION TO AN ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE?

Yes. Course providers and AVAs already have procedures in place to allow students to apply for an extension.

A student should discuss their specific circumstances directly with their course tutor.

Tutors will be able to explain how to apply for an extension.

Course providers should be mindful of the potential implications for students when offering multiple extensions across their Diploma, to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on students at the end of their course. You may also wish to consider the impact of managing extensions on staff workloads, for example, related to marking and quality assurance.

It may be possible to offer alternative solutions in these cases and you should speak to your AVA to discuss what options may be available.

AS A CENTRE IF IT IS NOT VIABLE FOR US TO RESCHEDULE ASSESSMENTS, WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

You should speak to your AVA to discuss the options available to your students.

CAN STUDENTS APPLY FOR A BREAK IN LEARNING?

Yes. Course providers and AVAs already have procedures in place to allow students to take a break in learning should their current situation make studying difficult.

Course providers and students can agree to suspend learning. This allows a student to continue later with the same eligibility that applied when they first started their learning.

Publicly funded courses in England and Wales already have provision for 'breaks/suspension in learning' or for a range of circumstances.

Guidance from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (for providers in England) and Welsh Government (for providers in Wales) has information about the options available.

Students have been advised to speak directly to their course tutor to discuss their individual circumstances. Course providers will be able to explain to students how to apply for a break in learning.

STUDENTS ARE UNABLE TO ACCESS THE ONLINE LESSONS AND MATERIALS, WHAT SHOULD THEY DO?

Students are advised to contact their course provider if they are unable to access online lessons and materials so that they can discuss the options available to them.

STUDENTS HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO THEM, WHAT SHOULD THEY DO?

Students have been advised that if they have concerns about the delivery of their course, they need to follow their course provider’s complaints process in the first instance. They have also been advised that details of this will be on provider’s website and should be included in the student handbook. Students can also contact the Access Validating Agency (AVA) that will issue their Diploma if they are still not satisfied with the outcomes of the complaint investigation.

STUDENTS FEEL THEIR WELL-BEING AND MENTAL HEALTH ARE BEING AFFECTED, WHAT SHOULD THEY DO?

Access to HE students often balance significant additional responsibilities alongside their studies. The arrangements in place will provide flexibility so that providers can work with their Access Validating Agency (AVA) to put in place arrangements that fit local needs, and that meet the individual needs of their learners.

Whilst it is not possible for mental health and well-being to be addressed directly through our arrangements, the mental health and well-being of students, teachers and AVA staff has been considered in the development of the arrangements.

The challenges faced by adult students can be varied and different to those faced by students studying other Level 3 qualifications, and we want to assure students that all comments, views and feedback received on course experiences are considered as part of our continual assessment of the arrangements.

Students are worried about their progression to university, what should they do?

If students have any concerns about their progression to university, they have been advised to speak to their course provider and the universities they have applied to.

WHEN WILL COURSE PROVIDERS RECEIVE CONFIRMED RESULTS FROM THEIR AVA?

Confirmed results will be released to course providers after the Final Awards Board. The results will be released to you no later than the deadline for results to be uploaded to UCAS. Providers will have arrangements in place to notify students of their confirmed results.

HOW WILL STUDENTS' GRADES BE QUALITY ASSURED AND STANDARDISED?

To make sure grades are fair, equitable and robust, AVAs and providers have processes in place to ensure grades go through internal moderation, external moderation and standardisation.

Arrangements relating to the principles of quality assurance under the Extraordinary Regulatory Framework will only apply to continuing students where:

there have been adaptations to the method of delivery, units delivered or assessment tasks on their Diploma in response to the pandemic, which have been approved and commenced prior to 1 August 2022, and/or
the student has experienced extenuating circumstances due to the pandemic, prior to 1 August 2022.

Your AVAs will ensure that information and communications are made available to you (including internal moderators) on the quality assurance arrangements.

CAN STUDENTS APPEAL THEIR GRADES?

AVAs and providers have processes in place to support students who feel their grades during this period do not reflect their performance.

Students have been advised to speak to their course tutor and if they have concerns about assessment decisions relating to the achievement of credits or grades, they should discuss these with the relevant member of the course team when the assessed work is first returned to them. A student may subsequently make a representation through the provider’s formal procedures. They may appeal the grading decision that results as a consequence of a representation, but only on the grounds of evidence of administrative or procedural error.

Your procedures to address representations and appeals will apply. Your AVA will be able to provide more information.

A STUDENT IS NOT DUE TO COMPLETE THEIR STUDIES UNTIL AFTER 31 JULY 2023. WHAT ARE THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE AWARD AND ASSESSMENT OF THE ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA FOR THEM?

The current guidance also applies to all students due to complete after 31 July 2022. The current guidance will be in place from 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2023.

What is an Award Through Extenuation?

In some exceptional circumstances, not all assessments can take place and in such circumstances the Award through Extenuation is an arrangement that can support the award of unit(s) that make up the Diploma.

The arrangements for the Award through Extenuation align to the arrangements for the Award through Extenuation under the Extraordinary Regulatory Framework in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

There will be a range of triggers that impact a student’s ability to complete their studies through no fault of their own that can be assessed through the award through extenuation arrangements. Potential triggers may include student or provider challenges.

The award through extenuation will be managed and processed by AVAs through the Final Awards Board (FAB).

There is no threshold for the number of units that can be awarded through extenuation. The FAB will consider the claim and any associated evidence presented by the student when determining what measures should be applied. The possible awarding measures to be applied will include:

award through extenuation
partial achievement
an aegrotat award
extension to the course of study.

Sufficient evidence will need to be available for tutors/providers to make a judgement on the award of a unit though extenuation. This means that tutors/providers may need to ensure established sources of evidence (that is, additional student assessment), or alternative lines of evidence (existing evidence that reflects a learner's performance) are available.

Please speak to your AVA regarding the possible evidence that can be used to support the award of a unit via the award through extenuation.

The available evidence must relate to the learning outcomes of each unit to be awarded.

For graded units, the available evidence must relate to the learning outcomes of each unit to be awarded and the grade descriptors assigned to the unit.

If it is not possible to generate sufficient evidence to meet the learning outcomes of a unit, that unit cannot be awarded through extenuation.

If there is not sufficient evidence to grade a unit but there is sufficient evidence to meet the learning outcomes of that unit, the student will be awarded a Pass.

To ensure students have confidence in the results awarded, the evidence submitted to support the award of a unit will be subject to quality assurance arrangements.

On completion of the Diploma, students will continue to receive a unit transcript and it will not be possible to identify from the transcript units awarded through extenuation.

Please speak to your AVA regarding the full arrangements for an award of units though extenuation and the circumstances under which an award through extenuation can take place.

What will happen if there is a LOCKDOWN (LOCAL OR NATIONAL) in future?

In the event of a national lockdown, QAA will review the current arrangements and advise AVAs, providers and students if any amendments need to be applied.

In the event of a local lockdown, providers should speak to their AVA.