Tag: access to HE

The Revised QAA Grading Scheme: What You Need to Know for the 2024-25 Academic Year

Posted on by cava_admin

As the new academic year begins, here is a reminder  of the recent changes to the QAA grading scheme that are now in effect. These changes have been implemented to enhance the structure of qualifications and the assessment process, impacting how students’ work is graded and how their study programmes are organised.

Changes to the Grading Scheme

    1. Simplification of Grading Descriptors

 

      • From Seven to Three: The seven grade descriptors previously used have been replaced with three grading standards: Knowledge and Understanding, Subject Specific Skills and Transferable Skills.
      • These three new grading standards must be applied to all units and assessments, simplifying the grading process and making it clearer for both students and educators to understand the criteria for each grade.

 

    1. Unit-Level Grading

 

      • Grading on Completion: The new grading standards are applied at unit level only after all unit learning outcomes for a unit have been completed. This ensures that grades reflect a student’s performance across the entirety of the unit, emphasising comprehensive learning and mastery of the material.

 

    1. Referral opportunities

 

      • Grading of referrals: If a student does not meet all of the learning outcomes on their first submission, they can be offered a resubmission. If they still don’t meet all of the learning outcomes they may be eligible for a referral opportunity. Previously, referrals  have been capped at a pass, but they can now be graded in the same way as first and second submissions. Students can have referrals for up to 15 credits, including graded and non-graded assignments.

        This is only applicable to students who meet the deadline, or have formally recognised  extenuating circumstances. If work is handed in late without a previous agreement, they will be capped at a pass.

 

Additional Resources

 

1. Roadmap to implementing the changes, which you can find here.

2. During the 2023-24 academic year, we discussed the changes in multiple events. Please see the recordings below.

3. The Access to HE Grading Scheme Section B: The Grading Standards

 

Congratulations to the class of 2023-24!

Posted on by cava_admin

The entire team at CAVA extends our warmest congratulations to everyone who has successfully completed their Access to Higher Education Diploma.

Certificates and transcripts

Access to HE Diploma results, certificates, and transcripts will be released on 23 July.

Your certificates and transcripts will be dispatched to your colleges to arrive on 23 July, from where they will be forwarded to you. Your college will handle the distribution of these documents according to their individual processes. Should you require more information specific to your college, we encourage you to reach out to them directly.

Electronic certificates

This year, we are piloting electronic certificates and transcripts in partnership with two colleges: Bishop Burton College and City College Plymouth. If you studied at either of these two colleges, you will receive both physical and electronic certificates and transcripts.

On 23 July, you will receive an email with a link to access your electronic documents online through our e-certification portal. The email will be sent to your personal email address that you shared with CAVA during the academic year.

Please note that the emails will be sent out in batches over a couple of hours. If a fellow student receives one before you please do not be concerned. If the email has not been received by the end of the day please contact the exams team at your college to confirm which email address was supplied. If the email address is incorrect please ask the exams team to contact CAVA. You can find out more about electronic certification at CAVA here.

UCAS results

On 23 July CAVA will communicate your final grades to UCAS to facilitate your transition into higher education. UCAS will require a few business days to process this information before making it available on your account for university access.

Your feedback is invaluable to us!

We invite you to participate in our student survey. Your insights are crucial in enhancing our collaborative efforts with providers to enrich the student journey. If you include your contact information, you will be entered into our prize draw, with a chance to win £50. Click here for the survey.

Grade Appeals Process

Should you have concerns regarding your grades upon receipt, and believe there might be just cause for an appeal, please consult your course leader. They will assist you in determining the validity of your appeal, collate necessary documentation, and facilitate the submission of an appeal form to CAVA on your behalf.

An appeals panel at CAVA will review your case, with your college informing you of the decision. It’s important to note that appeals can only be based on the following criteria:
– Proof of an administrative oversight during the assessment process
– Extenuating circumstances that were not disclosed before the awards board for valid reasons

CAVA will convene four grade appeals boards on the following dates:

– Friday 19 July
– Thursday 8 August
– Wednesday 21 August
– Monday 2 September

Make sure you communicate with your college ahead of these dates if you’re considering an appeal.

UCAS Tariff Points

For students interested in understanding how their Access to HE Diploma grades translate into UCAS points, a tariff calculator is available on the UCAS website.

The table below illustrates various grade combinations within the Access to HE Diploma and their corresponding UCAS points:

A full table detailing all possible qualifications and their UCAS points can be found on the UCAS website.

Keep Connected

Join the CAVA alumni groups on LinkedIn and Facebook to stay in touch with peers and network with fellow Access to HE Diploma graduates. These platforms are excellent for sharing your higher education journey and career goals.

We’re eager to feature your success stories and experiences in case studies to inspire future students. If you’re interested in sharing your journey, please contact g.green@cava.ac.uk.

FAQs

What should I do if I haven’t got my results?

You will receive your results directly from your college. If by 1 August you haven’t received them, contact your college directly for further information.

What should I do if I didn’t get the grades I wanted?

If you didn’t achieve the grades you were hoping for, contact your chosen university directly. From 5 July- 24 October universities and colleges use the clearing system. If courses have available places, they will offer them to students who didn’t meet the requirements.

Find out more on the UCAS clearing page.

How can I explain what an Access to HE Diploma is to a university?

The Access to HE Diploma is a full level 3 qualification, equivalent to A Levels, which prepares students for studying at university. It is designed for people who would like to study in higher education but who left school without sufficient qualifications.

If your university would like more information, please direct them to our website.