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The document details how unit points combine into overall grades, modular completion, and how different qualification sizes and new entrants vary over time. It also describes how grade boundaries for external assessments use qualitative and quantitative evidence, with differences in overall performance considered during 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assessments in summer 2023 and autumn 2022) the aim this academic year has been to return to normal, pre-pandemic standards. Our aim has been to return to pre-pandemic standards, and we have checks and balancesin place to allow us to be sensitive to the disruption learners have faced (just as for A levels and GCSEs) .  \nIn the lead up to results, here are some key reminders about the main features and changes in the RQF Level 3 BTEC Nationals. These are considered during standards setting and are also a useful context as results are received.  \nPlease also refer to the Ofqual’s post on Vocational and Technical qualifications grading  for 2023. It explains that the move to the reformed qualifications means that even though the approach to grading in 2023 may be similar to 2019, the pattern of grades achieved may look different from 2019 and that this will be taken into account by universities and employers.‘As for all qualifications, the return to formal assessments means that outcomes are expected to be lower than outcomes in 2022. Universities and employers are aware of this and have taken this into consideration when making offers to students.’  \n1. Changes in learner make-up  \nThe number of learners and types of schools, colleges and providers offering these qualifications has changed significantly over the last few years with the transition from the legacy QCF  \nLevel 3 BTEC Nationals suite to the RQF Level 3 BTEC Nationals suite. This means that direct comparisons with results distributions with previous years will not be comparable due to both the context in which grading took place over the last few years (pandemic and transition towards normal) and the changes in cohort make-up.  \nThe majority of the RQF Level 3 BTEC Nationals suite have exams included and were intended tobe more challenging qualifications comparatively. Due to the different assessment methodology, we have historically seen lower average grades for the RQF Level 3 BTEC Nationals suite compared to the legacy QCF Level 3 BTEC Nationals suite.  \nPercentage of completing learners on L3 RQF and L3 QCF  \n2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 Expected 22-23  \n L3 RQF  L3 QCF  \nExpected 22-23  \n2021-22  \n2020-21  \n2019-20  \n2018-19  \n2017-18  \nThe change in centre types taking L3 RQF over time  \n0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%  \n FE  Schools  Other  \n2. The qualification grade and units  \nThe points from individual units are added together to give the overall qualification grade.  \nA learner has achieved a qualification if:  \ny they have sat a valid combination of units for their qualification (including achieving a minimum of a near pass for all of the external assessments in the qualification);  \ny they have achieved the appropriate number of points to be awarded a Pass or above; y a claim for the qualification has been made.  \nRQF Level 3 BTEC Nationals are modular qualifications, giving learners the flexibility to complete their units and certificate at a pace that is right for them. This means that for many learners their qualification grade this year will be from units that they have taken this academic year and last academic year when the approach to unit level standards was taking into account the impact of Covid-19 on teaching and learning.  \nFurther details on how we will set grade boundaries for external assessments in summer 2023 can be found in our centre support guide here.  \n3. Different sizes and new qualifications  \nThe RQF Level 3 BTEC Nationals suite has different qualification sizes which can be delivered over one, two or more years. Just as with the change in learner make-up, the patterns of learners taking different sizes has changed significantly over the last few years.  \nThe transition from the legacy QCF Level 3 BTEC Nationals suite to the RQF Level 3 BTEC Nationals suite has happened at different points for different qualifi","cbCainyD541yyQ1b","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCainyD541yyQ1b","pdf",789594,"English","# Key reminders about RQF Level 3 BTEC Nationals\n## Changes in learner make-up\n## The qualification grade and units\n## Different sizes and new qualifications\n## Standards setting and awarding considerations","[{\"question\":\"Why may RQF Level 3 BTEC Nationals outcomes look different from 2019?\",\"answer\":\"Because grading took place in different contexts, including pandemic disruption and the transition from legacy QCF Level 3 BTEC Nationals to the RQF suite, making direct year-to-year comparisons not comparable.\"},{\"question\":\"How is an overall RQF Level 3 BTEC Nationals qualification grade determined?\",\"answer\":\"Points from individual units are added to give the overall qualification grade, and learners must complete a valid unit combination, achieve required points for Pass or above, and have a qualification claim made.\"},{\"question\":\"How do centres and experts set grade boundaries for external assessments?\",\"answer\":\"For external assessments in summer 2023, subject matter and technical experts use a range of qualitative and quantitative evidence, similar in approach to A levels and GCSEs, to support final recommendations, with observed differences in overall performance considered.\"}]","Understanding the RQF Level 3 BTEC Nationals Outcomes This Academic Year - Key Reminders and Grade Factors | PDF",1792473677]