Meets the JCQ requirements for access arrangements assessor training and is equivalent to Level 7. Successful completion of the course will enable participants to carry out assessments for access arrangements in those qualifications listed in the JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments document.
The September 2023 AAA programme will be delivered as an online course.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The course aims to develop the theoretical and practical knowledge underpinning the assessment of learners for examination access arrangements, in line with the JCQ and Awarding Body regulations. It provides understanding of the key principles involved in conducting effective access arrangements assessments for individuals with learning needs. A key feature of the course is a professional development and centre audit, which encourages you to reflect on and apply your learning within the context of your working situation.
The course is delivered in two units, each a term in length. Each unit contains four live online sessions, featuring group discussion, activities and interactive Q&A. You will also be required to undertake group work, assignments and independent study using a dedicated online learning platform.
You will be responsible for ensuring that you have suitable Wi-Fi, hardware and software to enable you to attend the webinars and access the online learning platform.
Unit 1 examines the challenges experienced by learners with cognition and learning needs, their underlying causes, and their impact on learners undertaking GCSE, GCE and other relevant examinations. Through the live webinar sessions, activities, assignments, and independent study, you will develop your understanding of Exam Access Arrangements, the rationale which underpins them, and the regulations and processes involved in the application process.
Unit 2 explores basic psychometrics, commonly used assessment tools, and the principles underlying the assessment process. A key aspect of this unit is an extended Case Study which involves undertaking a recorded observed assessment and completing a Form 8. Please note that you will be required to demonstrate your ability to use appropriate assessment tools and so it is essential that, prior to the beginning of this unit, you arrange to have access to an appropriate learner and a range of standardised tests.
Assessment
A series of formative tasks build towards the assessed tasks, which combine theoretical assignments, critical reflection and practical tasks, including a recorded observed assessment for access arrangements. Unit 1 must be passed before delegates can progress to Unit 2, and all assessed parts of the course must be passed to achieve the final qualification.
Study Time
The course involves 200 hours of study. 30 hours are delivered as live, online interactive sessions, each 3.5 hours in length, and short recorded presentations, delivered through the online platform. The remaining time is set aside for group work, preparation of assignments, and independent study.
Key dates for the September 2023 programme
Unit 1
- Session 1: Wednesday 6th September 2023
- Session 2: Wednesday 13th September 2023
- Session 3: Wednesday 11th October 2023
- Session 4: Wednesday 18th October 2023
- Assessment deadline: Monday 4th December 2023
Unit 2
- Session 5: Wednesday 10th January 2024
- Session 6: Wednesday 17th January 2024
- Session 7: Wednesday 7th February 2024
- Session 8: Wednesday 28th February 2024
- Assessment deadlines: Professional Practice Observed Assessment: Monday 25th March 2024; Professional Practice Reflection: 13th May 2024
Please be aware that attendance is compulsory for all sessions.
Course Outcome
Successful completion of the course enables participants to carry out assessments for access arrangements in general qualifications (Form 8 Part 2)
Participants will be able to take out either Associate or Supporting Membership of Patoss (depending on existing qualifications), join the Patoss Professional Practice Community Forum and be listed on the AAA Certificate Holders listing on the Patoss website.
Eligibility & Pre-Requisites
JCQ requires that all access arrangements assessors ‘either hold an appropriate qualification to teach and make recommendations for secondary aged or adult learners who have learning difficulties or be a HCPC registered psychologist.’ (JCQ, 2022, p.83)
We, therefore, require that applicants to the AAA course hold the following qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree (Level 6)
- Teaching qualification, e.g. QTS, QTLS, PGCE, HLTA, DTLLS, and/ or Specialist teaching qualification (e.g. Level 5 diploma in the teaching of learners with specific learning difficulties/ dyslexia)
Please note that you will be required to upload scanned copies of your qualification certificates along with the online application form.
In addition to the above qualifications, candidates will need to have:
- Access to students (Y9-Y13 or FE) for assessment tasks
- Access to standardised tests
Pathway to APC – Patoss Diagnosing Dyslexia: Assessment Practice and Reporting (DDAPR)
Holders of the Patoss AAA and
- an undergraduate degree (minimum second-class honours) in an education related field; and
- a specialist teacher qualification approved at Accredited Teacher Status (ATS) or Accredited Practitioner Status (APS) (specialist Teacher qualifications listed on the Patoss website that are eligible for Associate Membership are also accepted);
will be eligible to apply for the Patoss course ‘Diagnosing Dyslexia: Assessment Practice and Reporting’ (DDAPR) leading to an SpLD Assessment Practising Certificate.
What some of our current delegates are saying:
‘Many thanks for a course that has clearly been very carefully put together. The resources, clarity of information and content have been excellent. The team is friendly and approachable. I have really enjoyed training via Zoom - I have found doing this training at home to be some of the most effective training that I have ever had.’
‘I found the sessions very well structured. The breakout sessions helped to break up the mornings into helpful chunks, helping to maintain concentration’.
‘[The recordings of the sessions] are absolutely crucial! They are great to go back and give clarity on areas which I need support on.’
‘We're only halfway through the course but already I feel like I have learned so much. I had no ALN training previous to embarking upon this course but I feel my confidence growing in the teaching of my pupils with ALN and with the Access Arrangement Application process.’
Terms & Conditions
Please note, this training must be paid in full before access is given to the webinar. By submitting a booking, you are agreeing to pay Patoss Ltd within 30 days. You are also agreeing to accept our Cancellation/Transfer Policy and Terms and Conditions which are shown at the bottom of the website page
Delegates will be responsible for ensuring that they have suitable Wi-Fi, hardware and software to enable them to view the webinar.