Recent Communications
2010
2009
2008
Archive of Communication from previous years
May 2010
ABC Awards Languages Qualifications Portfolio and School Performance Measures
For many years, ABC has had one of the largest suites of qualifications in Practical Languages from Entry Levels through to Level Three and these have now been transferred onto the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
A comprehensive and dynamic framework of provision has now been created, providing separate Awards in Speaking and Listening and in Reading and Writing in specific languages, as well as Certificates that combine all four skills.
Languages School Performance Email in Full
April 2010
ABC Awards and Languages Network for Excellence Development of Resource Packs and Support Services
Languages Network for Excellence (LNfE) is currently collaborating with ABC Awards (ABC) initially to produce a resource pack to support the ABC Entry 3 Certificate in Spanish. Please follow link to view LNfE resource pack leaflet.
LNfE‘s aim is to increase the profile of languages by providing language solutions for schools, colleges and other organisations which they do through collaboration with partners and the development of resources and support services.
Though the pack is still being developed, content will probably comprise teacher’s notes, a CD, a listening activity and material to match all the units; assessment activities, grammar and cultural tips, vocabulary list, activities for learners and a PowerPoint presentation for each unit.
Languages Resource Pack Development Email more
Languages Qualifications and the QCF
ABC Awards (ABC) has been fully recognised by Ofqual as a QCF awarding organisation. This means that we will be able to extend the accreditation life of current QCF qualifications beyond December 2010. ABC will be working with relevant SSCs to extend all current QCF provision as quickly as possible.
ABC’s Languages qualifications are already approved on the QCF and are approved as Additional Learning for the 14-19 Diplomas. Entry and Level One qualifications are part of the Foundation Learning offer. We still await details of threshold performance figures and points for the full suite of ABC Languages qualifications but are pleased to provide you with interim indications that we have received from QCDA.
Counselling Qualifications and the QCF
ABC Awards (ABC) has been fully recognised by Ofqual as a QCF awarding organisation. It has already migrated the majority of its NQF qualifications to the QCF and expects to replace the majority of its remaining NQF qualifications with updated provision on the QCF by June.
Counselling Qualifications
The redevelopment of ABC’s current Counselling qualifications – levels 2, 3 and 4 – is almost complete and we intend to submit these to the QCF in April. All plans are subject to SSC approval and timescales. We would like to reassure centres that although the format may appear different, centres will find the new qualifications clearer and the changes will not impact unduly upon delivery. We believe the changes we are making to our Counselling qualifications will enable greater flexibility of delivery and assessment.
March 2010
Entry 3 Certificate in Practical Spanish - ABC Awards and Languages Network for Excellence
Languages Network for Excellence (LNfE) is currently collaborating with ABC Awards (ABC) initially to produce a resource pack to support the ABC Entry 3 Certificate in Spanish. Please follow link to view LNfE resource pack leaflet.
LNfE‘s aim is to increase the profile of languages by providing language solutions for schools, colleges and other organisations which they do through collaboration with partners and the development of resources and support services.
ABC Awards The No 1 Choice for Landbased Qualifications
ABC Awards (ABC) currently has a diverse range of qualifications in the Land Based and Environmental sector from levels 1 to 6. We are now working with relevant Sector Skills Councils to review, enhance and update ABC’s offer and to develop credit based provision that will be approved on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
ABC is planning a new, broader and dynamic framework of provision, starting at entry level, within which learners will be able to achieve units and / or qualifications in a wider range of subject areas and specialisms. Please see ABC website for the full list by level. Subjects include Practical Countryside Skills, Floristry, Horticulture, Farm Animal Care, Small Animal Care, Environmental and Conservation Skills. The qualifications should be accredited in May ready for delivery in September.
Landbased No1 Choice Email More
New Retail Qualifications From ABC Awards
We are delighted to inform you of ABC’s expanded provision in the Retail sector with the following QCF qualifications:
- Levels 1, 2 & 3 Retail Knowledge
- Levels 1, 2 & 3 Retail Skills
- Level 3 Certificate & Diploma in Retail (Management)
- Level 3 Certificate & Diploma in Retail (Sales Professional)
- Level 3 Certificate & Diploma in Retail (Visual Merchandising)
These qualifications cover a wide range of disciplines within Retail.
Qualifications & Credit Framework - Further Updates
Following our recent email to you regarding ABC Awards’ supplementary QCF recognition we would like to update you further.
We appreciate the current climate is uncertain and would like to reassure you that despite the challenges that the new environment presents ABC has already migrated the majority of its provision to the QCF. During a period of national rationalisation of qualifications ABC continues to grow and to expand its offer across sectors and levels.
February 2010
Qualifications & Credit Framework - ABC Awards Gains Ofqual QCF Recognition
ABC has been fully recognised by Ofqual as a QCF awarding organisation. This means that it is now able to extend the accreditation life of current QCF qualifications beyond December 2010. ABC will be working with relevant SSCs to extend all current QCF provision as quickly as possible.
October 2009
Funding Update for Centres Delivering ABC Qualifications in Fabrication and Welding
ABC Awards (ABC) has endeavoured to maximise the eligibility for funding of its Fabrication and Welding qualifications during a period of transition for the LSC and the qualifications frameworks.
For this reason, ABC has ensured that its suite of Fabrication and Welding qualifications is available both on the NQF and the QCF. The Level 2 Certificate and Level 3 Diploma are listed as technical certificates for apprenticeships on the NQF and the QCF versions should also be listed in the near future.
There are no differences between the qualifications in terms of content and assessment. Providers can choose which framework they wish to register learners onto and may want to contact their Local LSC to determine whether the NQF or QCF version of the qualification is fundable locally.
Examination Officers should ensure they register on the most appropriate version of the qualification with ABC, both versions will be available using the online registration service.
Continued - please click on link below
September 2009
Learner Registrations 09-10 (To Examination Officers)
Welcome to ABC Awards for the academic session 09-10. We are looking forward to working with you all again. Please note that the new ABC Examination Officers Guide will be available from 01 October 2009 and will only be posted on the website. Any amendments to this document will be posted on the website and centres are requested to look regularly for updates.
Important changes for you to note when registering learners:
- New requirement when registering:
Tutor email addresses to enable faster dissemination of information. - New requirement when registering:
Assessor name to streamline the external moderation process.
Continued - please click on link below
Learner Registrations 09-10 Email Newsletter
For attachments mentioned in the document please see Exams Officers page
September 2008
Learner Registrations 08-09 (To Examination Officers)
Welcome to ABC Awards for the academic session 08-09. We are looking forward to working with you all again. Please note that the new ABC Examination Officers Guide will be available from 01 October 2008 and will be sent to you as a web key which links directly to the ABC web page where the Guide is stored. (Paper copies can be sent out on request.) All amendments and updates will be made to the web site version only. Continued - please click on link below
Learner Registrations 08-09 Email Newsletter
For attachments mentioned in the document please see Exams Officers page
August 2008
NVQ Levy
Following the Leitch Review the Government has decided to replace the current statutory levy on NVQs with a grant to SSCs with effect from Autumn 2008. This has involved legislative change and the regulators have now written to all awarding bodies to inform them that the requirement on awarding bodies to pay the regulator £10 for each NVQ certificate will be withdrawn with effect from 1 October 2008.
Continued (letter to effected ABC centres)
April 2008
Fashion Portfolio
ABC Awards has a well established suite of qualifications in Sewing, Textiles and Fashion. These qualifications will continue to be available to centres in 2008/2009.
From 2008 the new ABC Awards Fashion and Textiles Framework will also be available for centres to offer.
The ABC Awards Fashion and Textiles Framework will be approved on the Qualifications and Credit Framework and will include a wide range of Awards, Certificates and Diplomas, initially at Level One, Level Two and Level Three. Each qualification will be unitised and credit valued. Units at Levels Four and Five will follow shortly.
Fashion Portfolio Email Newsletter
Posted 23.4.08
Level 3 & Level 4 Diplomas in Foundation Studies in Art, Design & Media
ABC Awards presents its newly accredited Level 3 and 4 Diplomas in Foundation Studies in Art, Design and Media. These qualifications are available to centres from 1 April 2008 and are set to replace the existing ABC Awards Level 3 Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design) whose accreditation expires in August this year.
February 2008
Examination Officers Day
ABC Awards would like to invite Examination Officers to an event to support Examination Officers and Centre Administrators when dealing with ABC Awards’ qualification administration, futher details are availble on the link below:
Examination Officers Day Information
Subcontractor Survey Response
ABC Awards (ABC) would like to thank all those moderators, verifiers and examiners who responded to our 2007 Sub-Contractor Survey, futher details can be found in the link below:
Subcontractor Survey Response from ABC Awards
