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Download the handbook (pdf) updated 4th January web version here

Main difference between this and previous version is that IPU is now the only mandatory unit in Certificates and Diplomas.

Unit summaries for each level

Link to Entry Level Units (Bronze)

Link to Level 1 Units (Silver)

Link to Level 2 Units (Gold)

1. Qualifications in Open Systems and Enterprise

Summary of aims

To ensure that there is a balanced approach to learning that reflects contemporary society by

• Motivating learners through formal recognition of their achievements
• Bridging the academic/vocational divide
• Providing practical support for inclusion
• Improving support for progression routes from 5-16
• Improving the balance in emphasis on skills, knowledge and process
• Reducing the cost of accredited qualifications
• Integrating staff development in the assessment process

2. How?

These qualifications are a combination of the the e-skills ITQ units for IT Users which provide structure for the National Occupational Standards in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and contexts and assessment of the statutory curriculum for schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  The learning outcomes and assessment criteria have been matched to appropriate subsets of the National Occupational Standards,  the National Curriculum Statements of Attainment at corresponding levels and the statutory programmes of study. There is unit progression so that learning is cohesive and grading each unit allows the qualifications to reward the full range of ability in the Foundation Learning Tier and on into Level 2 irrespective of age.  There is a particular emphasis on Open Systems and internet technologies to reflect the increasing importance of interoperability of information technologies in global industry and for consumers. While units are not specifically dependent on each other, the rules of combination ensure logical progression, coverage of the statutory curriculum and economic assessment methods matching complexity to level.

The structure of the units enables a simple step into formal qualifications for those with little or no experience. This includes young children, the elderly and those with moderate learning difficulties promoting inclusion, the personalised learning agenda and life-long learning. There are appropriate progression pathways for applied learning through participation irrespective of age, gender or disability. We ensure that learners can make informed choices about which technologies they use both at home and at work and are not limited by the economic cost of buying software or digital content licenses.  Preparing learners for technological change when most information is freely available from the internet, is key to 21st Century learning.

3. Assessment requirements

The assessment requirements are provided here.  In general, the emphasis is on matching capability to criteria keeping evidence of that capability.

4. Qualifications summary

The qualifications available are listed in the National Register of Accredited Qualifications. They are summarised below.

• TLM Entry Level Award in ICT Open Systems and Enterprise (ITQ) (Entry 1) (QCF) (501/0271/0)
• TLM Entry Level Award in ICT Open Systems and Enterprise (ITQ) (Entry 2) (QCF) (501/0270/9)
• TLM Entry Level Award in ICT Open Systems and Enterprise (ITQ) (Entry 3) (QCF) (501/0257/6)
• TLM Level 1 Award in IT User Skills in Open Systems and Enterprise (ITQ) (QCF) (501/1428/1)
• TLM Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills in Open Systems and Enterprise (ITQ) (QCF) (500/8080/5)
• TLM Level 2 Award in IT User Skills in Open Systems and Enterprise (ITQ) (QCF) (500/9888/3)
• TLM Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills in Open Systems and Enterprise (ITQ) (QCF) (500/8073/8)
• TLM Level 2 Extended Certificate in IT User Skills in Open Systems and Enterprise (ITQ) (QCF) (501/0435/4)
• TLM Level 2 Diploma in ICT Open Systems and Enterprise (ITQ) (QCF) (501/0033/6)