It is now almost 25 years since the first learners were awarded credits by
the Manchester Open College Federation - the forerunner of all Open College
Networks (OCNs) and the precursor for the credit systems of the 21st century.
This conference aims to bring together some of the early pioneers of credit
systems within Manchester and other OCNs, with some of the people currently
involved in developing the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) which
will become fully operational in 2008.
The conference not only aims to trace the continuity of this development over
time, it also seeks to bring key actors from both the past and the present
together in one place to compare experiences across these 25 years. As part of
the programme for the day we also want to celebrate the achievements of learners
in the QCF, as well as the achievements of some of these 'credit pioneers'.
What participants will get from the event Those responsible for developing the QCF are aware of the debt they owe to
previous credit systems. This conference provides an opportunity to acknowledge
that debt, as well as to understand what aspects of these previous systems can
be built on, and which need to be constructed differently, in the future. The
conference will enable people involved in developing awards and provision within
the QCF to learn from some of the history of credit systems, and to relate this
history to their own current activities.
How participants can use the information gained from the event The keynote speeches will address not only long term issues for credit
systems, but practical challenges to the implementation of the QCF. Participants
will be able to use the experience of the conference to help them in their
practical activities relating to the implementation of the new Framework. We
also hope it will serve as a reminder to all those involved that the key purpose
behind the development of the QCF is that it will bring benefits to learners.
all those currently involved in developing the QCF, as well as those
previously involved in credit systems over this 25 year period. The keynote
speeches and workshops will address issues that address the connections to the
past as well as the challenges of the future, showing how current innovations
build on some previous lessons, while perhaps forgetting others
the conference will be of particular value to people working in Awarding
Bodies, Sector Bodies and providers who are:
beginning their involvement with the QCF through the 'Fast Track'
arrangements for the new Framework
developing new programmes or awards within the QCF for delivery in 2008.
Welcome and introduction to the
day Chair - morning session: Sue Georgious, Head of Framework Development,
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
10:30
First Keynote Speech The foundations: The Manchester Open College Federation, (MOCF)
David Browning, First director of MOCF
11:00
Second keynote speech
Building work in progress: The Qualifications and Credit Framework
Richard Garrett, QCF Technical Manager, Qualifications and Curriculum
Authority
11:30
Questions to speakers
11:40
Tea/coffee break
12:00
Celebrating achievements
Chaired by Professor Beverly Sand, First Director of the Black Country
Access Federation
A presentation of credit awards to learners in the QCF
A celebration of the achievements of some credit pioneers
12:45
Lunch
13:40
Welcome back Chair - afternoon session: John Sanders, Assistant Director, AimHigher
Greater Manchester
13:45
Third keynote speech: How did
we get from there to here? Peter Wilson, Development Officer, Credit and Qualifications, NIACE
14:15
Workshops
1. Making credit systems work: The Access to HE model
2. Bringing 14-19 Diplomas into the QCF
3. Credit transfer: How is it actually going to work?
4. The Foundation Learning Tier: A new kind of offer to learners?
5. How will the QCF relate to other qualification frameworks in the UK and
Europe?
6. Developing funding models to support the QCF
15:30
Open forum: What next?
15.45
Close of conference
(tea/coffee available)
This programme is correct at the time of going to press.
The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the published programme in
the event of one or more of the advertised speakers being unable to attend.
Delegates will have no claim against NIACE in respect of such changes.