The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a credit-based qualifications framework, allowing a unit-based approach to building qualifications. All vocational qualifications will be placed on the framework by 2013. The QCF will replace the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by December 2010 for all 14+ vocational qualifications.
The QCF is a new way of recognising learners’ skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credit for units or small steps of learning. It enables people to gain qualifications at their own pace along flexible routes. The QCF has four main aims:
- To establish a simpler qualifications framework that is easier for all users to understand
- To reduce the burden of bureaucracy in the accreditation and assessment of qualifications
- To ensure a wider range of achievements can be recognised within a more inclusive qualifications framework
- To establish a qualifications system that is more responsive to individual and employer needs
One credit represents 10 hours of learning time. Learning time is the amount of time a learner at the level of the unit is expected to take, on average, to complete the learning outcomes of the unit to the standard defined by the assessment criteria. Learning time includes all the time needed to achieve a unit, including directed study, homework, assessment time and preparation time.
LAMDA's new Graded Examinations in Communication and Performance are now accredited by the regulator, Ofqual, within the QCF and come into effect from 1 September 2009.
Level 1 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Speaking Verse and Prose
Level 2 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Speaking Verse and Prose
Level 3 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Speaking Verse and Prose
Level 1 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Reading for Performance
Level 2 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Reading for Performance
Level 3 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Reading for Performance
Level 1 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Using Spoken English
Level 2 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Using Spoken English
Level 3 – Graded Examinations in Communication: Speaking in Public
Level 1 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Acting (Solo/Duo/Combined)
Level 2 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Acting (Solo/Duo/Combined)
Level 3 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Acting (Solo/Duo)
Level 1 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Devising Drama (Solo/Duo)
Level 2 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Devising Drama (Solo/Duo)
Level 3 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Devising Drama (Solo/Duo)
Level 1 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Miming (Solo/Duologue)
Level 2 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Miming (Solo/Duologue)
Level 3 – Graded Examinations in Performance: Miming (Solo/Duologue)
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
LAMDA's existing qualifications will continue to be accredited under the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), for comparison to other qualifications, until 31 December 2010.
LAMDA's examinations are accredited predominantly at Levels 1, 2 and 3, although the LAMDA Diploma in Speech and Drama Education (LSDE) is accredited at Level 5.
The table below outlines how LAMDA's accredited examinations fit into the NQF.
|
England, Wales and Northern Ireland National Qualifications Framework |
QCA-accredited LAMDA Speech and Drama Examinations |
|---|---|
| Entry level | |
Entry level certificate (NQF) |
|
| Level 1 | |
NVQ Level 1 GCSEs at grade D-G |
Grades 1, 2 and 3 |
| Level 2 | |
NVQ Level 2 GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grades 4 and 5 |
| Level 3 | |
| NVQ Level 3 A Levels |
Grades 6, 7 and 8 (including Grade 6 - Bronze Medal, Grade 7 - Silver Medal and Grade 8 - Gold Medal where relevant) The LAMDA Certificate in Performance Studies (PCertLAM) |
| Level 4 | |
NVQ Level 4 |
|
| Level 5 | |
NVQ Level 5 Ordinary Bachelor's degree Foundation degree |
The LAMDA Diploma in Speech and Drama Education (LSDE) |
| Level 6 | |
NVQ Level 6 Bachelor's degree with Honours |
|
| Level 7 | |
NVQ Level 7 Master's degree Postgraduate diplomas Postgraduate certificates |
|
| Level 8 | |
Highly specialist Diploma from a specialist body Doctoral degree |
|