Credit Framework

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• Credit Framework
• and Lifelong Learning Award
• Models in Practice

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Kent and Medway LLN Partners

• Canterbury Christ Church University
• Open University
• University for the Creative Arts
• University of Greenwich (lead)
• University of Kent
• Mid Kent College
• North West Kent College
• Thanet College
• West Kent College
• South Kent College
• Canterbury College
• Hadlow college

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The Business Plan commitment

• To establish a credit framework as an integrating
  and facilitating element of the Kent and Medway
  LLN
• To provide an enabling structure harnessing
  provision and needs from HEIs, FECs, training
  providers, employer groups, employees and
  individuals
• To provide opportunities to accredit provision
  offered by employers and training providers
  through recognition of a common unit of learning

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• By each institution awarding and recognising
  credit
• achieved across the LLN partners
• the transfer of credit is formalised,
• and can be promoted to facilitate progression for
  vocational learners.

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The Credit Framework Principles

• Principle 1 Notional Learning Hours
• Principle 2 Assessment for credit
• Principle 3 Recognition of the output of
  learning (including informal learning)
• Principle 4 Certification of credits gained (to
  enable accumulation and transfer)
• Principle 5 Transfer of credit between partner
  providers
• Principle 6 Use of units at different levels
  towards an award
• Principle 7 Use of level descriptors
• Principle 8 Use of Prior Learning credits
  towards an award
• Principle 9 Information requirements for KM
  accredited units
• Principle 10 Providing guidance to learners on
  building on credit

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• The credit framework was agreed and signed
• in Spring 2008

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• But the credit framework has no value without the
  possibilities of
• Accumulation
• and Transfer

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• So how do we use it
• to make a difference to
• learners?

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• The Lifelong Learning Award is a mechanism to
  make accumulation and transfer of credits a
  reality

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• The business plan envisaged a 60 credit award
  available at all levels
• to encourage vocational learners and employees
  who cannot/do not wish to commit to a major award
  
• to recognise small units of learning and to
  enable learners to accumulate credit towards a
  range of qualifications
• to meet the needs of those who require
  recognition for CPD or work based learning but
  who do not need or want a full HE qualification

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The result of consultations with all partners
was a recommendation for two awards

• The Certificate of Lifelong Learning
• (awarded for the achievement of 60 credits at
  level 4)

• The Postgraduate
• Certificate of Lifelong Learning
• (awarded for the achievement of 60 credits at
  level 7)

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ELQ policy made the implementation
uncertain.Would we be doing learners a
disservice?

• Level 4 Certificate of Lifelong Learning
• UCA and UoG decided to
• proceed with a certificate of
• lifelong learning and have
• jointly approved the core unit

• Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate of Lifelong
  Learning
• Shelved for now
• Needs to be rethought in terms of credit and
  structure

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IMPLEMENTATION

• The pilot group of learners has been recruited
  for the certificate of Lifelong Learning
• and have started the core unit
• Planning for Learning (15 credits at level 4)

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PROGRESSION

• Where do they go from here?
• Databank of short, stand-alone, accredited
  courses offered by all partners who will build
  and maintain this?

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PROGRESSION

• Where do they go from here?
• Databank of short, stand-alone, accredited
  courses offered by all partners who will build
  and maintain this?
• Are there Foundation degree/bachelors degree
  programmes which will accept their 60 credits for
  exemption or only for access? (general v specific
  credit)

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PROGRESSION

• Where do they go from here?
• Databank of short, stand-alone, accredited
  courses offered by all partners who will build
  and maintain this?
• Are there Foundation degree/bachelors degree
  programmes which will accept their 60 credits for
  exemption - or only for access? (general v
  specific credit)
• What part will the other HE partners play in the
  development and sustainability of the CLL?

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PROGRESSION

• Is the Lifelong Learning Award sustainable beyond
  the lifetime of the LLN?
• Does it meet the needs of learners?
• Does it meet the needs of employers?
• Will it promote collaboration between the HEIs?
• Should there be a postgraduate award?
• Is it economically viable?

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YOUR IDEAS?
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If interested in knowing more or working with us,
please contact

• Jennifer Crawford
• Kent and Medway LLN
• Email j.a.crawford_at_gre.ac.uk
• or
• Remona Puri
• Kent and Medway LLN
• Email r.puri_at_gre.ac.uk