Examination and Standards in ISL Teaching

Historic

The Sign Language Association of Ireland traditionally set the curriculum and assessment for sign language classes in Ireland since the early 1970’s.  They are a voluntary organisation whose members facilitate the work on a voluntary and part-time basis.  Students learning sign language as a hobby might like to take an ‘oral’ exam for this certificate.

Developing

Since the establishment of professional training in Ireland at Trinity College Dublin for ISL teachers leading to a Higher Diploma in ISL Teaching, the ISL Academy was established in 2006 to formalise professional standards for the teaching and assessment of ISL.  The Centre for Sign Language Studies is a member of the ISL Academy and when their curricula and assessments methods are developed and available the CSL Studies will prepare students for these assessments.

Current

We prepare students for assessment and examination for a range of qualifications offered by Signature. These qualifications are nationally recognised and accredited by Ofqual (The Office of the British Qualifications and Examinations Regulator).   These qualifications are on the National Qualifications Framework, some are also on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).   People learning sign language with a view to using it as a career enhancement should prepare for these awards.

We regulate at all levels, from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) of the National Curriculum up to higher-level vocational qualifications equivalent to a PhD. These assessments and qualifications are collected into separate systems (or frameworks): the National Curriculum and the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)/National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Higher education qualifications, such as degrees, are the responsibility of the Quality Assurance Agency.

http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/qualification-and-assessment-framework#

http://www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/documents/recognitionleaflet.pdf

How qualifications fit into the framework

A qualification is intended to show employers, teachers and learners what someone has learnt and can do as a result of that achievement. Find out more about the key characteristics of recognised qualifications by clicking on the diagram below:

(Click the diagram above to find out more about the key characteristics of recognised qualifications).

National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage assessments

The National Curriculum sets out the learning objectives for everyone educated at a state school, up to age 16. The EYFS provides learning and development objectives for children from birth to five years old.

We have specific duties to keep under review all aspects of National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage Assessments in England. We refer to these assessments as National Assessment arrangements.

Read more about National Assessment arrangements.

Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

The QCF is a structure that clearly shows how the different types of qualifications interrelate and allows credit from assessments to be transferred flexibly between qualifications.

We work with the government, the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) and awarding organisations to agree this framework. We’re responsible for regulating QCF qualifications and assessments to maintain standards.

We’re also responsible for maintaining and publishing a list of all Ofqual-accredited qualifications and the bodies that award them.

Find out more information about the 'Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)'.

National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

In England qualifications have traditionally been defined by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which included all general and vocational qualifications accredited from 1997. The NQF consists of Entry level to level 8, describing the difficulty of qualifications at each level. Many qualifications are being transferred to the Qualifications & Credit Framework (QCF), which uses a credit based system to recognise qualification size and gives a more flexible approach to learners' needs.

Find out more about the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is an overarching qualifications framework that links the qualifications of different countries together. It acts as a translation device to make qualifications easier to understand across different countries and systems in Europe.

Ofqual in partnership with CCEA is the National Coordination Point for the EQF. The NCP provides guidance and understanding on how national qualifications frameworks relate to the EQF.

Read more about the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

Vocational Qualifications (VQs)

We regulate vocational qualifications (VQs) in England and Northern Ireland. Vocational qualifications which are designed to allow learners to learn in a way that suits them, and give learners the skills that employers are looking for.

Read more about vocational qualifications.

Comparing equivalent qualifications

We regulate at all levels, from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) of the National Curriculum up to higher-level vocational qualifications equivalent to a PhD. These assessments and qualifications are collected into separate systems (or frameworks): the National Curriculum and the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)/National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Higher education qualifications, such as degrees, are the responsibility of the Quality Assurance Agency.

How qualifications fit into the framework

A qualification is intended to show employers, teachers and learners what someone has learnt and can do as a result of that achievement. Find out more about the key characteristics of recognised qualifications by clicking on the diagram below:

(Click the diagram above to find out more about the key characteristics of recognised qualifications).

National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage assessments

The National Curriculum sets out the learning objectives for everyone educated at a state school, up to age 16. The EYFS provides learning and development objectives for children from birth to five years old.

We have specific duties to keep under review all aspects of National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage Assessments in England. We refer to these assessments as National Assessment arrangements.

Read more about National Assessment arrangements.

Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

The QCF is a structure that clearly shows how the different types of qualifications interrelate and allows credit from assessments to be transferred flexibly between qualifications.

We work with the government, the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) and awarding organisations to agree this framework. We’re responsible for regulating QCF qualifications and assessments to maintain standards.

We’re also responsible for maintaining and publishing a list of all Ofqual-accredited qualifications and the bodies that award them.

Find out more information about the 'Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)'.

National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

In England qualifications have traditionally been defined by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which included all general and vocational qualifications accredited from 1997. The NQF consists of Entry level to level 8, describing the difficulty of qualifications at each level. Many qualifications are being transferred to the Qualifications & Credit Framework (QCF), which uses a credit based system to recognise qualification size and gives a more flexible approach to learners' needs.

Find out more about the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

European Qualifications Framework (EQF)

The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is an overarching qualifications framework that links the qualifications of different countries together. It acts as a translation device to make qualifications easier to understand across different countries and systems in Europe.

Ofqual in partnership with CCEA is the National Coordination Point for the EQF. The NCP provides guidance and understanding on how national qualifications frameworks relate to the EQF.

Read more about the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

Vocational Qualifications (VQs)

We regulate vocational qualifications (VQs) in England and Northern Ireland. Vocational qualifications which are designed to allow learners to learn in a way that suits them, and give learners the skills that employers are looking for.

Read more about vocational qualifications.

Comparing equivalent qualifications

Comparing equivalent qualifications

We monitor and regulate the relationships between qualifications and ensure there is a consistent system allowing learners and others to compare different types of qualification as well as qualifications over time.

Comparing different qualifications

The QCF makes it clear which qualifications and award titles are equivalent, both in terms of difficulty level and the effort required.

Comparing qualifications over time

We maintain standards for accredited qualifications to help ensure their difficulty and value will remain consistent over time. We also carry out research to determine our success on this front.

International

Although we are only responsible for regulating national qualifications, we are aware of the European Qualification Framework (EQF). Ofqual in partnership with CCEA is the National Coordination Point for the EQF. The NCP provides guidance and understanding on how national qualifications frameworks relate to the EQF.

For qualifications from countries outside Europe: UK NARIC gives information and advice on vocational and academic qualifications from over 180 countries. They provide a chargeable service comparing specific international and UK qualifications.

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Comparing equivalent qualifications

We monitor and regulate the relationships between qualifications and ensure there is a consistent system allowing learners and others to compare different types of qualification as well as qualifications over time.

Comparing different qualifications

The QCF makes it clear which qualifications and award titles are equivalent, both in terms of difficulty level and the effort required.

Comparing qualifications over time

We maintain standards for accredited qualifications to help ensure their difficulty and value will remain consistent over time. We also carry out research to determine our success on this front.

International

Although we are only responsible for regulating national qualifications, we are aware of the European Qualification Framework (EQF). Ofqual in partnership with CCEA is the National Coordination Point for the EQF. The NCP provides guidance and understanding on how national qualifications frameworks relate to the EQF.

For qualifications from countries outside Europe: UK NARIC gives information and advice on vocational and academic qualifications from over 180 countries. They provide a chargeable service comparing specific international and UK qualifications.

Back to Top