hameleon AcademyThe Open College Network
What is NOCN?
The National Open College Network (NOCN) is the UK's foremost provider of accreditation services for adult learning. NOCN is a recognised national qualification awarding body and is the central organisation for 28 Open College Networks (OCNs) based across the UK.
NOCN provides national qualifications and programmes in a wide range of subject areas and offers a local accreditation service through the OCNs that provides recognition of achievement through the award of credit.
NOCN also works in partnership with organisations to develop learning strategies that will enable people to participate and succeed. The fully integrated service of accreditation and qualifications helps to secure provision relevant to learners and employers, with robust standards, achievable goals and progression opportunities for all.
In this way NOCN aims to widen participation and access to high quality and flexible education, training and learning, to promote social inclusion and to ensure that learner achievement is recognised, valued and understood through a national framework of accreditation.
How will NOCN help me achieve my learning goals?
NOCN’s licensed members, OCNs, work with the organisation providing your learning to ensure that the content of your course, and the way it is assessed, is of the highest quality and is suitable for the people who wish to take it. This process is known as Programme Approval.
As a learner on an OCN approved course you are entitled to earn credits for the work that you do. For each successful course you complete, you will be awarded a certificate detailing the number of credits you have achieved.
You can then use your credits to move to a higher level of learning, or to prove to an employer, or anyone else, that you have obtained new skills and knowledge.
What are Credits and Levels?
Your credit transcript, (otherwise known as a credit record, unit transcript, record of achievement, or summary of achievement), will show the value of your achievements. This will appear on your certificate as credits and levels. Credits indicate the quantity of your learning achievements, which will be awarded at one or more levels.
Entry Level provides a basis for progression to other learning programmes within the framework.
Level One is comparable to NVQ1, Foundation GNVQ and GCSE grades D-G.
Level Two is comparable to NVQ2, Intermediate GNVQ and GCSE grades A*-C.
Level Three is comparable to NVQ3. A Level, AS Level and AVCE.
How will my learning be assessed?
Courses recognised by your local OCN usually give you credit for what you do as you learn and the method of assessment will vary according to the type and level of course you are on. Assessment could range from looking at evidence of what you have achieved during the course to undertaking assignments or set pieces of work. Your tutor will be able to provide details of the kinds of assessment used for a particular course.
The course work you produce, such as garments, assignments, computer print-outs, painting or projects, is known as Evidence of Achievement and shows you and your tutor what you have learnt.
The Evidence of Achievement will be looked at during moderation. An external moderator from your local OCN might also visit your course to talk to people about their experience and look at examples of their work.
Finally, the external moderator will confirm the credits and level you have achieved.
How do I decide on my Level?
The Creating Community Champions Learning Programme is offered at Levels 1-3 thereby making the programme inclusive and flexible. The level you work to depends on three main factors; what you intend doing with the qualification, how much time you can devote to learning and finally your ability. The Course Tutors will discuss this with you before you decide. Whatever Level you work to you will gain enormously from this programme.
What can I do with my credits?
OCN credits are generally accepted as a means of entry to further study by further and higher education providers, and by a large number of employers and trainers.
You can use your credits to demonstrate your achievements and prove that you have knowledge and skills in a wide range of subjects. Depending on which level of course you take, you can use the credits to progress onto other courses. Contact your local colleges and other providers to find out more about what opportunities are open to you.
Mission Statement of our local OCN
Anglia South Open College Network [ASOCN] aims to provide an effective and responsive accreditation service to enhance the quality and flexibility of learning opportunities both locally and regionally and to promote equality of opportunity. ASOCN aims, to widen participation, to promote the credit framework and enable all learners to progress into, through and across the framework of National Qualifications.
Talk to your Course Tutor if you need more information about the Open College Network or visit the following websites;
www.nocn.org.uk - for more information about The Open College Network.