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Courses and Applications Accreditation of Prior Learning
Courses and Applications Accreditation of Prior Learning
Accreditation of Prior Learning |
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Many people in Britain have no formal qualifications or have qualifications unsuited to their current occupation. This may hinder opportunities for promotion. Are you in this situation? If so, this leaflet on Accreditation of Prior Learning might be of interest to you. 1 What is Accreditation of Prior Learning? 2 Who is it for? 3 What can be accredited? 4 What counts for the qualification? 5 What is involved? 6 What is a portfolio? 7 Why do I need a portfolio? 8 Who will assess my learning? 9 What will I receive? 10 When can I start this process? 11 How much will it cost? 12 What could this lead to? 13 How do I arrange an interview for APEL? What is Accreditation of Prior Learning?Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is a new service which can give you credit, in the form of recognised qualifications, for achievements, skills and knowledge you may have gained at work, leisure or community activities. The emphasis is on what you’ve learned rather than where or when you’ve learned it.back to top Who is it for?The Service is open to anyone who may, over a period of time, have acquired skills or knowledge in one or several areas without necessarily receiving formal training or qualifications.You may be employed but would like to further your career or, you may be unemployed and seeking a new direction. In either case, APL may have something to offer you. back to top What can be accredited?Your past learning and practical achievements can be given credit as long as you can provide sufficient evidence to show that you meet the standards of the qualifications you would be gaining.back to top What counts for the qualification?Any evidence that shows you have reliably demonstrated the skills and/or knowledge to the required standard. For example, you may have produced a computer program or taken colour photographs of a buffet you have prepared. Or, if you cannot provide evidence it may be possible to arrange for you to give a small demonstration of your skill either in College, or if you prefer at home or work.back to top What's involved?You will need to come to college to meet with an APL tutor. This will be an individual interview (probably one-hour) to discuss your particular requirements and how you can go forward to be credited with National qualifications.At the initial interview you can expect to explore your strengths with the help of an APL tutor, decide what you are going to do and then start to prepare for the assessment of your learning to date. Most of the work for this would be done at home. It may be that you require one or two further interviews before you finally agree what you intend to do for your portfolio. back to top What is a portfolio?The term “PORTFOLIO” is used to describe the presentation or file in which you will present all of the details and evidence necessary for your learning to be assessed.back to top Why do I need a portfolio?You need a portfolio to assist you in organising your learning into a form that will help experts assess your level of skill. This material could prove very valuable to you in any further job application so give due care and careful consideration to its production.back to top Who will assess my learning?Your accomplishments will be assessed by a subject expert. (There may be more than one if you are seeking accreditation in several areas.) You will meet with a subject specialist from the College to discuss your evidence. Before presenting any evidence, bear in mind that you can expect to be asked in-depth questions to prove that it is valid. For example, if you produce a tape or a printout of a computer program, you will be asked probing questions to prove that you actually produced the items yourself.Likewise, if you present a photograph of a cold buffet, claiming to have prepared some or all of it, you would be questioned accordingly. When evidence is produced for the purpose of proving a practical skill you can expect to be asked to undergo a testing of some, or all of that skill area either at your workplace, or at College. Some other areas of knowledge may require a written test. The same evidence may be acceptable as proof of learning in more than one area. back to top What will I receive?Your experience can be matched against SQA or other appropriate qualifications.back to top When can I start this process?You can start this process at any time.back to top How much will it cost?You will be required to pay a fee for each unit for which you wish to gain certification, plus the appropriate awarding body qualification fee. The initial interview costs £80, with further interviews costing £40 per half hour.back to top What could this lead to?It may be possible for you to build on what you gain from APL certification to learn new skills or knowledge or develop your existing ones to a higher level. The SQA qualification, which you attain, can be used as a starting point. This could be at college, as part of a day or evening class, or it could be on a distance learning basis.back to top How do I arrange an interview for APELIf APL sounds like something that could help you, for further information please contact College Admissions. There is no charge for the Admissions advice.back to top AdmissionsEmail: admissions@slc.ac.uk Tel: 01355 270750 Fax: 01355 807781 |