Equality and diversity in the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)

Having fair access to attend the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement

Equality and diversity are about learners having fair access to attend our Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) regardless of age, ability and circumstances. We need to ensure that our course does not have barriers to participation. Then when it comes to assessing the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) we need to ensure that learners have access to a fair assessment. So, for example, I am a parent, I drop my kids off at nursery at 8 then I can crack on with my day. If my tutor tells me my assessment is at 8.30 then this is going to disadvantage me because I cannot get there on time.  

Learning difficulties in the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement

Equally, I have learners that are dyslexic, and they may need their assessment methods changed otherwise they’ll be disadvantaged. In this case we may apply for reasonable adjustment with the awarding body to change written assessments to verbal assessments.  

Alternatively, when dyslexic learners have an exam, they apply to have more time. Equality is not about everyone having equal assessments its about everyone having fair access to complete the course depending on their personal circumstances.   

Bilingualism in the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement

Bilingualism is where individuals can speak two languages equally therefore, we need to be able to have assessments that can cover different languages. The CITB CSCS tests are the best examples as learners get to choose which language, they have their test in, so they have fair access to assessment and not being disadvantaged.  

The security qualifications are the most interesting as you have learners from many different cultures, but bilingualism is not allowed by assessment due to it being a requirement from the SIA that learners must be competent in English literacy and language therefore the only way to demonstrate it is to have assessments in English. However, you can adapt these assessments for learning difficulties.  

If you live in Wales and North Wales in particular, you are equally going to want your assessments in the Welsh language, so the same principle applies.  

Promoting equality and diversity in the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement

We can promote equality and diversity in the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) by having a dealing with discrimination and ensuring we don’t discriminate in our assessments. We need to understand our policies and procedures regarding equality and diversity and ensure we follow these processes. We need to treat any complaints seriously regardless of someone’s race, gender, religion, etc. Mix our learners so everyone has the same opportunity to work with other people, ensure our assessments cover a range of different cultures, religions, and disabilities and plan assessments around special dates, religious holidays such as Ramadan, Chinese New Year. We can ensure our assessments are differentiated so they don’t discriminate against certain individuals, but you’ll need to check with your awarding body first. You can usually hide behind an awarding bodies decision as they are the ones that make the final call. Lastly you need to be fair with your assessment decisions ensuring that you do not discriminate individuals.