Workforce News Updates
The Workforce Development Update keeps you up-to-date with all the latest news relating to teaching and coaching. Read the latest edition here!
8 November 2012
ASA Workforce Development (inc. ASA Awarding Body)
Training Schedule
The training timetable for the winter period can be found Here. There are a variety of sessions on offer including effective feedback, recognition of prior learning, how to avoid an EV block and effective internal verification. These sessions are aimed at Tutors/Assessors, Internal Verifiers and Approved Centres, however we welcome bookings from all involved with ASA qualifications.
Tutor update
Congratulations to Jacqui Gwillim from Swim Wales, who has become the first ASA Tutor to complete the new Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Sector (PTLLS) qualification. She undertook a day long induction, a series of assessment tasks and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) with guidance from her Assessor, resulting in her being successfully internally verified.
Exemptions
Further to the July update, the exemption process has now been fully reviewed and published on the website under FAQs. To view Click Here. The revamped process consists of mapping formal qualification to qualification in order to exempt duplicated learning. The process of exemption does not provide the learner with a certificate or a license to practice, but it does allow the learner to access the next step to achieve an ASA qualification. Learners who wish to use their experience as evidence for exemption will be directed to their Approved Centres to complete the Recognition of Prior Learning process.
Qualification Guides
Qualification Guides have now replaced the existing Learner Assessment Portfolios for all levels and disciplines. Approved centres and tutors are able to view these on H20 Zone.
Institute of Swimming
Sampling Plan Update
The IoS sampling plan is now fully operational, which means that all courses will now be internally verified on specific units. The aim of this is to ensure the safety of assessment decisions across all units of qualifications. All tutors will receive confirmation of which unit will be sampled by email prior to the course start date.
Apprenticeship Promotions
An apprenticeship advert has appeared in the 'What Apprenticeship' 
guide for 2012/13, which is distributed to every school in England. It also appears on the National Apprenticeship Service website and the guide can also be downloaded from the Apple Bookstore for use on Iphones, Ipads, Ipod Touch.
An advert and article promoting our apprenticeship offer appears in the latest edition of the careers in sport magazine. Click Here to view the Careers in Sport website where we also have some great information on the teaching swimming pathway.
Discounts for ASA clubs on IOS training
The IoS are offering ASA members working in affiliated clubs the opportunity to bulk purchase a number of places on a course at a discount. Additionally, there is a special offer for affiliated clubs where the IoS are able to modify the cost of the course to the learner. If a club can cover the costs of the venue, pool time and/or tutor for running a course they will receive specified discounts. Click Here for full details.
IoS Prospectus available online
A complete listing of all the available technical certificates, qualifications and apprenticeships is now available online in the form of a new IoS Prospectus, making it simple for learners to choose their next step to further their career and develop their skills. Click Here to find out more.
Staff update
We would like to welcome to IoS Training Hannah Smith (South), Alex Hains (Midlands) and Lisa Berry (North) who have been appointed as Employment Engagement Officers and Helen Preedy who is joining us as Short Course Coordinator for the Midlands. Also welcome to Marie Gouldby (South) & Katie Fensome (North) who have been appointed as a Short Course Coordinators. Leah Brown (Midlands) & Anna Wilson (South) are Marie and Katie's replacements as Customer Service Advisors.
The IoS have recently recruited three further regional mentors to support the tutor workforce. Jenny Pollard (North East), Mike Gallagher (East Midlands) & Mel Hargreaves (London) will be starting in November, joining the existing regional mentor team of Shelley Whitehead (North West), Mark Beasley (East), Jill Belcher (West Midlands), Maggie Crowe (South East) & Wendy Dalton (South West). The aim of the regional mentor role is to support the tutor workforce with any issues they have regarding courses, Internal Verification, Teaching & Learning Observations to mention but a few.
Click on the links below to view archive news updates:
Edition 56: 2 July 2012
ASA Workforce Development (inc. ASA Awarding Body)
Training Schedule
The summer training schedule for approved centres has been released with plenty of new sessions to assist with the delivery and assessment of ASA qualifications. New hour long sessions include 'How to Avoid an EV Block', 'Effective Internal Verification' 'Teaching and Learning Observations' and 'Effective Feedback'. There is also a new combined training session focusing on delivery and assessment methods, a 'how to' with ICT and the inclusion of technical competency in swimming.
Internal verification changes
Most tutors, assessors and internal verifiers have completed the Awarding Body standardisation test which has allowed the AB to change the internal verification (IV) requirements for approved centres. All centres must internally verify all tutors and assessors appropriately to ensure the accuracy and security of assessment and subsequent certification. IV is now not required on all courses. The centre should produce an IV sampling plan which will be scrutinised and subsequent IV documents at the annual centre review or through external verification. An example sampling plan can be found within the ' Awarding Bodys Internal Verification Guide 2012'. This change has been agreed with SCUK and the ASA meets the appropriate commitments to its UKCC endorsement. Also centres still need to state who the IV is on the course registration form. Any queries can be addressed to qualityassurance@swimming.org
Exemption Process
The exemption process is being reviewed - recent changes include that we are no longer able to provide exemption based on experience, we can solely award exemption based on formal learning which has already taken place. Also any requests for exemption based on experience must be directed to the Approved Centres to go through the RPL process. This process has been in place since March 2012 and after monitoring the procedure, we will be making further changes from September.
Institute of Swimming
New qualification for baby swimming instructors
Baby and toddler swimming instructors from are to benefit from a brand new qualification developed by the ASA and delivered by the IoS.
The ASA Level 2 Extended Diploma in Coaching Learn to Swim (prefundamentals) (QCF) is the first of its kind to provide high quality, specialist training to instructors within the Water Babies national franchise network which will enable them to advance their skills, knowledge and qualities to a world class level. Any queries can be directed to Kelly Gaffney, National Programmes and Partnership Manager for IoS Training.
Help to encourage deaf children to swim
A new resource is available for swimming teachers, coaches and parents to help teach deaf children to swim. Deaf friendly swimming has been launched by The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) in partnership with the ASA. The guide shows swimming coaches, teachers and parents how, through making simple steps, deaf children can be taught to swim.
New e-learning guide
There's also a new handy guide which gives full listings of the e-learning topics available via the Institute of Swimming's online education and resources website www.theiosonline.com. Learners can use these seminars as a step towards a larger qualification, enabling them to focus on poolside activities, enhance knowledge or perhaps re-visit a subject.
AASE athletes head offshore
Divers on the current AASE programme will attend an offshore diving camp in Croatia in early July training alongside the national Croatian and Poland teams. This will support their development and progression with their diving careers and provide some fantastic experiences as they train with like minded athletes from other nations and learn valuable life skills.
The water polo students travel to Hungary to train with national club championship team Eger where they will enjoy using a spring water open air pool which sits alongside an impressive 5000 seater water polo auditorium. They will be joined by some of the GB Junior Women's squad in preparation for the European juniors in Siberia. This is an exciting chance for them to have a taste of European competition in an open air environment.
Apprentices graduate as new athletes invited
A total of 125 athletes from all five disciplines celebrated their successes while on the AASE apprenticeship programme at the Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony 2012 in Sheffield. Read more here.
The selection details for this years AASE programme are also now available on the website.
Becoming disability aware
To support the inclusion of disabled people in swimming, the IoS provide a free online seminar 'An Introduction to Disability Swimming'. This is ideal for promoting to our networks including pool operators, teachers, coaches, anyone involved in teaching the disabled. Why not educate yourself too, it takes just one hour to complete. Visit www.theiosonline.com. Learners will first need to register on the site and then enter the voucher code CSO152GYJ5 at the checkout to register for free.
First 4 Sport status achieved
IoS training have successfully achieved 'direct claim status' from First 4 Sport for the Employee Rights Level 2 qualification. This means the IoS are able to certificate learners without regular verification of the work.
Quality team update
The team are conducting teaching and learning observations of courses which are an important part of the extensive quality assurance systems in place. With an aim by 2013 for all observations to be graded 2 or higher, they aim to enhance the quality of service that learners receive and maximise their individual achievements. They will look at the standard of teaching and learning, celebrate best practice and identify areas for development. Regional mentors have been appointed to carry out these observations and also offer support to new tutors.
Learner feedback forms have been updated to add to important measurements of venue, course content and delivery. Soon to be available online, the forms will serve to help the IoS strive to provide an excellent experience for all stakeholders.
Edition 55: 28 March 2012
ASA Workforce Development (inc. ASA Awarding Body)
New Level 3 Qualifications
The team can confirm that the ASA Awarding Body has successfully received formal accreditation from Ofqual to award the ASA Level 3 Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (QCF) and the ASA Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (QCF). Both qualifications are under development and further details will be released as they are available. Any queries at this stage can be addressed to Qualifications and Compliance Manager Rebecca Ward.
Awarding body has happy customers
Great results from the second Awarding Body customer and stakeholder survey which show 4.5 out of a possible score of 5 (Outstanding) so well done to the team who continue to deserve their Staff Award for customer service.
Qualification guide resources
The brand new Qualification Guides for Levels 1 & 2 in Coaching Water Polo, Synchronised Swimming and Diving will be launched on 2nd April 2012. Following feedback from approved centres, the Qualification Guides for Teaching Aquatics and Coaching Swimming will be delayed until 1st October.
Change to Exemptions and Comparisons process
A review of our exemption and overseas comparison processes has taken place according to guidelines set by the regulatory body Ofqual. Recent changes in industry standards mean that we can no longer be sure that other qualifications meet our own high standards. Therefore the exemption process is now solely designed to allow successful applicants to access the next ASA course appropriate for them and will only recognise qualifications where formal recognition of learning has already taken place. It should be made clear that this process is not a form of certification, nor a licence to practice - learners wishing to receive full certification of their existing qualifications and/or experience should apply to their nearest Approved Centre for Recognition of Prior Learning. This assessment process recognises formal learning and experience and can lead to the award of an appropriate qualification.
Institute of Swimming
Big Splash Mile for Sport Relief teachers and coaches challenge
We are encouraging teachers and coaches across the country to get involved with swimming the Big Splash Mile for Sport Relief, taking place in 650 pools from 27 to 29 April. We want them to inspire and encourage their swimmers to swim the mile as a team and challenge them to the fastest time. Leaflets are available for download to help them promote the challenge. Clubs with the most swimmers taking part are in with a chance to win a training session with Duncan Goodhew.
AASE athletes in the Olympics
An interesting fact that demonstrates how apprenticeship programmes help with the building blocks of future Olympians - of the swimmers who have qualified for the London Olympics, 9 took part in the AASE apprenticeship programme:
- Robert Bale (2006-2008)
- Rebecca Adlington (2006-2008)
- Jemma Lowe (2006-2008)
- Daniel Sliwinski (2006-2008)
- Stacey Tadd (2006-2008)
- Andrew Willis (2007-2009)
- Eleanor Faulkner (2009-2011)
- Aimee Willmott (2009-2011)
- Jessica Lloyd (2011 due to finish in 2013)
IoS feature in leisure publication
Colin Huffen discusses the case for apprenticeships and multi-skilling of staff as an effective method to counter high levels of staff turnover in the leisure industry in a recently published feature article in The Leisure Review. Click to view the full article.
You may also be interested to read previous feature articles from David Sparkes,about the past, the future and life in the water, and Spencer Moore with an insight into swimming from a governing body perspective and the impact of a co-ordinated management approach for pool providers.
New British Swimming Master Coach Programme
British Swimming are working in partnership with the University of Stirling to deliver a new UKCC Level 4 master coach development programme. This exciting initiative will provide an advanced programme of professional education for high performance swimming coaches. Full information available here.
Currently at pilot stage the first cohort is via invitation only but for further information on the programme email level4coaching@swimming.org
Edition 54: 27 February 2012
ASA Workforce Development (inc. ASA Awarding Body)
Centre Information section on website
All policies and information relevant to approved centres are being updated on the Centre Information section of the website. For example, when adding new delivery sites or tutors/assessors to an approved centre's registered details, there are new and updated forms available online to complete. Visit the dedicated section here.
Shining stars recognised in Staff Awards
Congratulations to the Awarding Body and IoS teams who were rewarded for their contribution towards the organisation at the recent Staff Awards ceremony at Silverstone race track.
Customer service is clearly given the highest priority in the workforce development teams with the IoS Customer Service Team receiving the Gold Award for Excellence in Customer Service and the Awarding Body the Silver Award in this category. IoS Commercial Delivery Manager Jenny Norvill received the individual Silver Award also in customer service excellence and IoS Assistant Head Colin Huffen was awarded the Gold Award for Excellence in Leadership.
Apprenticeship scheme provides excellent technical coaching
Further congratulations must also go to the IoS team involved in a recent OFSTED inspection visit. The overall effectiveness of the provision has been rated as 'Good' (Grade 2).
Highlights of the report confirm that the technical coaching provided to apprentices is excellent, delivered by some of the most highly qualified and experienced coaches in England, at excellently resourced facilities.
The report also summarises the views of leisure employers as being particularly impressed with the growing range of programmes being developed, the capacity of these programmes to meet their business needs and the improvement in the skill levels acquired by their employees. The team will be using the report and subsequent action plans to continually improve the quality of workforce provision and work towards achieving a Grade 1.
Facts and figures
The IoS ran 58 Level 1 and 2 courses over the last month and over 20 CPD courses. Since the start of the year, a further 21 learners have enrolled for Recognition of Prior Learning.
Focus on aquatic careers
The brand new Careers in Aquatics web pages have now been launched. The pages are designed to help individuals discover a new career path and learn about the training and qualifications required to reach their goal.
With searchable details of jobs around the country and links to the qualifications that may be needed, it is also a great tool for leisure employers to focus their search for staff and get through to the right people.
Course promotions
The first round of marketing feedback has been conducted with a group of learners, who were shown four current course posters and asked to provide their views. They liked that we are using recognisable swimming personalities and providing them with an aspirational focus in some of the versions.
All feedback will be incorporated into a review of the promotions used but a reminder that if you would like to give your views, simply contact simon.stevens@swimming.org. View examples of the existing posters here.
Edition 53: 25 January 2012
ASA Workforce Development (inc. ASA Awarding Body)
A standardisation test has been introduced for all licensed tutors, internal verifiers and assessors with the aim of improving course quality and reducing the requirement for external verification. Successful individuals will not normally be subject to external verification for up to 2 years. The Awarding Body are providing supporting training and the opportunity to sit practice test papers, for more information email qualityassurance@swimming.org.
New fast track option
New fast track fees have been introduced for those learners wishing to process exemptions, overseas comparisons and replacement certificate requests within 7 days, details of additional fees accessed here.
New introductory teaching qualification
You may have heard mention of a new qualification called PTLLS which refers to the ASA Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector. It prepares learners for teaching in a wide range of contexts and does not require trainees to be actually teaching. It is designed for learners who:
- would like or require an introduction to teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector
- are seeking career progression within their area of work
- are seeking to progress towards attaining Associate Teacher (ATLS) or Qualified Teacher (QTLS) status
- teach / tutor courses that aren't publicly funded or
- are trainers in industry.
Selected workforce are currently receiving training and more information about this qualification and its delivery and assessment mechanisms will be circulated nearer the time everything becomes finalised.
Spring Training Programme
The new training programme has been annnounced with three new sessions: 'Roles and Responsibilities of the Tutor', 'Diverse Methods of Assessment' and 'The Use of ICT in Effective Delivery and Assessment' which are all linked to the new Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector qualification. The full training programme and booking form are available here.
OFSTED inspection
The IoS have recently been subject to an OFSTED inspection, with the feedback being very positive. The final grading is still to be confirmed but all signs are pointing towards a significant improvement from the last visit. More news will be announced once the final grading can be confirmed.
Careers advice and guidance
Teachers and coaches will shortly be receiving the next 'Shaping your Career' newsletter which contains useful tips on starting or developing a career in aquatics as well as notifications on job vacancies. The introductory issue was distributed to over 8,000 individuals and proved extremely popular. Anyone interested in receiving future issues can sign up here.
Give your views on course promotions
At the recent IoS open afternoon the team received some great feedback about a range of posters which promote IoS courses. If you didn't get chance to go along on the day, now's your chance to add your views. The posters are being re-developed and we would love to have as much feedback as possible. View examples of the existing posters here.
Simply email simon.stevens@swimming.org and let him know which poster you are referring to. We will also be obtaining learner feedback next month so watch this space for announcements on the new versions.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Last year the IoS began to offer Recognition of Prior Learning to learners, which is an alternative route to achieving a qualification through recognition of learning gained through experience or informal environments. Forty learners have now gained the latest QCF qualifications through this method. This will be a focus in coming months but in the meantime more information is available here.
Edition 52: 21 December 2011
ASA Workforce Development (inc. ASA Awarding Body)
Members of the team attended a Federation of Awarding Bodies conference in Kenilworth recently. The two day event included numerous seminars and networking opportunities and proved to be an engaging and productive conference which has provided insight into future developments.
The Awarding Body has gained accreditation to award The ASA Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (QCF). More information on this new qualification to follow in the New Year.
Preparation of new Qualification Guides
The team are working with marketing and design to create a brand new set of Qualification Guides to replace the current Learner Assessment Portfolios.
Designed with the learner in mind they will provide details of the qualification structure, content, assessment and opportunities for progression. They will help learners in their understanding and achievement of the qualification and are not assessment tools.
With a scheduled launch date for April, the new guides will cover the full range of QCF qualifications.
Institute of Swimming
Courses Update
Following the news last month of the new Level 2 Fitness Instructing Water Based Exercise (Aqua) course, there has been much interest with learners already starting to work through the Aqua core units ready to train to become an aqua instructor.
New units have been booked for Level 3 Certificate for Coaching Swimming in London, Loughborough and Coventry for dates in 2012. Please visit www.theiosonline.com for details.
Exhibiting Training and Apprenticeships
The IoS exhibited at the Careers in Sport and Leisure event in Telford on Wednesday 30th November and Thursday 1st December. The IoS stand offered information on gaining aquatic training (level 1 and 2 courses) and apprenticeships. We also presented a session called Apprenticeship through a National Governing Body.
The event was successful and generated interest from new customers and teachers looking to progress.
Special guide for course organisers
To help course organisers understand the processes involved and the requirements of their site, the IoS have produced a comprehensive guide. Download the guide here for details of :
- Range of qualifications
- Development seminars
- How to become an IoS site
- Responsibilities of a course organiser
- How to book a qualification
- Course resources
- Who's who and FAQs
IoS opens the doors for learning
The IoS team recently welcomed both internal and external contacts to meet the team and learn more about the department.
It was a great opportunity to interact and gain feedback and the visitors were free to get involved and find out more about various areas of the business. It was a successful afternoon which the IoS team thoroughly enjoyed and hopefully everyone went away having learnt something interesting, such as one or two of these fascinating facts from the past year:
- 17,000 individuals and 8,000 organisations registered on IoS online website
- 295 Level 1 qualifications delivered qualifying 3,949 learners
- 201 Level 2 qualifications delivered qualifying 2,147 learners
- 137 learners registered on Level 3
- 351 CPD seminars delivered
- 123 young people on employer apprenticeships and 256 on Advanced Apprenticeship for Sporting Excellence
If you weren't able to attend, you might find this document usefulwhich puts faces to names of the complete IoS team located on floor 3 at SportPark.
Edition 51: 23 November 2011
ASA Workforce Development (inc. ASA Awarding Body)
The team report a high volume of courses processed during October and November and are working hard to ensure results are issued within the specified timescales of two weeks for Level 1 and four weeks for Level 2.
The winter training programme is now nearing completion and evaluations are being gathered, using a new online system which has greatly improved response rates. Also bookings have increased by around 26% since the summer and further developments and improvements are planned.
ASA Approved Centres will be receiving unannounced review visits from January onwards. These will be completed by a centre reviewer who will drop into a scheduled course without notice and observe whether actions discussed in previous review visits are actually being implemented during the course.
Careers focus for new e-newsletter
The first edition of the 'Shaping your Career' e-newsletter has been distributed this month. Giving advice, best practice and job vacancy information for those wanting to start or advance their career in the sport and active leisure industry, interested parties can sign up to receive future editions on the website here. Email if you would like the November issue sent to you.
Promoting teaching and coaching as a lifelong career is a focus for workforce marketing activities for the coming months so watch this space for further details of a specialised website section focusing on this area in the near future with some great new features.
Volunteers who make a difference
We have also recently sent out an e-newsletter specifically focused on the great work our volunteer network carry out on a day to day basis. 'Making a difference' is also available for sign up on the website, and again please just email if you would like the November edition.
New Aquatic Fitness qualification for all learners
Anyone over 18 can now study to become an Aquatic Fitness instructor through the IoS with the launch of a new entry level qualification. Level 2 Fitness Instructing Water Based Exercise (Aqua) is now available through a series of e-learning, exams, task books and a 2-3 day theory and practical based course.
It's a great opportunity for existing teachers to extend their knowledge and skills but also can provide a good starting point for novices with no previous experience in aquatics or teaching.
As well as being qualified to teach aqua fitness courses from the poolside, once learners have completed the qualification they will be eligible to enter the register of exercise professionals (REPs) as a level 2 aqua instructor - which is recommended by most employers (for some it is mandatory). Read more here
World class teaching tips and more...
We are continually developing new resources and features to promote the benefits of becoming a swimming teacher or coach and provide support to those already in the industry. A recent article in Swimming Times (November edition) gave advice and tips on how to be a world class swimming teacher - for a precis visit the website here.
The IoS also recently produced a mini video available for download on starting out as a swimming teacher.
Industry Apprenticeships
Further new marketing materials are available giving details of an embedded three year apprenticeship pathway with Parkwood Leisure to support career development opportunities. The pathway maximises available funding and supports the progression of their apprentices.
Click to view the content of a specially created folder with Parkwood branding together with two insert pages detailing the Teaching Aquatics apprenticeship and providing progression routes for years 2 & 3.
Quality
An annual audit on over 100 apprenticeship programme learner files produced very positive findings and recognition of the apprenticeship team who maintain the files.
A 'Best Practice in Assessment' conference recently provided the team with valuable knowledge on assessment planning, performance based learning vs. knowledge based learning and observations and asssessment methods.
Special offer for e-learning seminars
Learners can help the IoS celebrate the 1st birthday of theiosonline.com by receiving four e-learning seminars completely free of charge with every Level 1 Teaching Aquatics or Coaching Swimming course. It's a great way for those starting out in their coaching or teaching career to enhance their learning from the word go and get used to completing their studies online.
Read the details here.
Teaching babies and toddlers to swim
Level 2 trained swimming teachers can extend their skills to teach adult and child aquatic sessions with a new range of continuing professional development sessions launched last month by the IoS. Three knowledge based CPD modules cover the core topics needed to deliver safe and effective adult and child aquatic sessions over two days, with a mix of both classroom based work and practical classes.
Edition 50: 19 October 2011
ASA Workforce Development (inc. ASA Awarding Body)
The ASA Awarding Body have issued some details of activities over the last month:
- 317 learners have qualified at Level 1
- 280 learners have qualified at Level 2
- 546 people have taken part in a CPD seminar
- 35 teachers and coaches have become licensed
- 18 tutors have become licensed
Excellent results in Customer Satisfaction Survey: Congratulations to the ASA Awarding Body who have achieved an excellent rating in a recent customer satisfaction survey.The survey collected information about the Awarding Body and its service provision from five types of audience:
- Learners
- Approved centres
- Quality assurance workforce (external verifiers and centre reviewers)
- Qualifications workforce (tutors, assessors and internal verifiers)
- People and organisations who made general enquiries
On a five point scale, the results of the survey showed the Awarding Body to have an excellent customer satisfaction index of 4.4. As a baseline, this figure is particularly high and sets the standard for the ASA Awarding Body to continue maintaining these standards and offering the same high level of service provision.
ASA Club Active Volunteer Survey: A reminder that a survey has been launched to discover how many active volunteers we have within our clubs and what added support clubs need to support their volunteer workforce. Closing date is the end of this month, for more information visit the website here.
Young athlete ambassadors help launch 2012 School Games: Mark Foster, Liam Tancock and Hannah Miley were joined by 12 young swimmers from the 2011 Sainsbury's UK School Games England East and England South teams at the launch of the 2012 School Games earlier this month.
It was a good experience for the young athlete ambassadors to get the feel of the Aquatics Centre at the Olympic Park before they compete there in May next year. For more information on the School Games click here.
Institute of Swimming
AASE Apprenticeships: There are 255 athletes currently on the AASE programme, and the team would like to offer their congratulations to the 101 athletes who have now completed it, with many progressing onto university or taken the option of having a gap year to train full time.
131 new athletes joined the programme in this month and attended an induction at SportPark.
AASE swimmers attended a successful offshore camp in Spain recently, giving them the opportunity to complete warm weather training and work with a range experienced coaching staff, including Beacon Head Coach Ron Philpot and Camden Swiss Cottage Head Coach Dave Hobbs.
Industry Apprenticeships: New marketing materials are available to promote apprenticeships, including an Essential Facts for Employers booklet which is being issued to employers and staff to provide full details of apprenticeship programmes, their benefits and opportunities. Click here to view a pdf.
Next month we will also be able to provide details of materials promoting an embedded three year apprenticeship pathway with Parkwood Leisure to support career development opportunities. The pathway maximises available funding and supports the progression of their apprentices.
To view the latest apprenticeship vacancies within our employer partners please follow the link here.
The IoS have drawn up a Skills Funding Agency (SFA) sub-contract for partners who wish to engage with the IoS to access SFA funding. Also Sporting Futures have signed a 12 month sub-contract with the IoS for the delivery of Level 2 apprenticeships in Activity Leadership and Support Teaching in Schools.
Quality: The quality team have begun the next round of 'Observations of teaching and learning'. A number of observers have taken part in specialist training at SportPark and several observation sessions have now already taken place.
The Internal Verifier policy is being reviewed to bring it in line with the Awarding Body policy. It will be finalised and released in the next few weeks. The team are pleased to advise that the number of IV reports released with full approval in September was 90%. A marked improvement on previous months which basically means that the Internal Verifiers report matched the assessment decisions of the assessor.
Demand for the Recognition of Prior Learning unit 4 work book is on the rise, with more learners expressing an interest in the alternative assessment method. So if you know a learner who has completed all but the unit 4 exam on qualifications pre 2011, then this is the route for them. More information available here.
All aspects of delivery are currently being reviewed as part of the formal annual Self Assessment Report of the IoS Quality team. Any areas for improvement will be identified and actioned in order to meet and surpass the industry standards.
IoS Online: The IoS are celebrating the 1st birthday of www.theiosonline.com . In the first year since the launch 12,800 members have registered in total, including 1,300 employer organisations and the remainder individual learners. Over 1,800 courses have been registered for them to choose from. Keep an eye out for the announcement of some special offers for new learners to mark the occasion, more details will follow.
Qualifications: The IoS ran 22 Level 1 courses in September and 8 Level 2 courses, October has secured even more courses with 41 Level 1's and 35 Level 2's. In addition, the IoS delivered a further 5 Aquatic Fitness courses in September and have certificated a further 13 learners.
There are also plans on the horizon to offer the Aquatic Fitness qualification at a new entry level, by providing registration onto the core units 1-4. Any interest in this should be directed to aquaticfitness@swimming.org.
Edition 49: 21 September 2011
ASA Workforce Development (inc. ASA Awarding Body)
Ofqual General Conditions of Regulation: Government agency regulators Ofqual have brought in new legally binding conditions of recognition which focus on the suitability of an awarding organisation to award qualifications. The Awarding Body team are working through an action plan to further develop relevant policies and related processes over the next six months. It is important to highlight that the changes we will encounter will not impact upon the delivery or assessment of our qualifications, but may have implications on approved centre application/renewal and quality assurance processes.
Awarding Body Training Programme: The team are pleased to announce the release of the Winter training programme, which includes an additional two new sessions developed from the results of the recent workforce audit. Approved Centres are being strongly advised to attend refresher updates to find out about changes to the external verification and centre review processes which will be implemented on 1st Jan. Interested parties should email qualityassurance@swimming.org. 
Research and Insight: The Research and Insight Team have completed their initial 5 weekly Market Segment reports, highlighting key aspects in each segment for products, resources and interventions to be marketed and promoted more directly. The team are now re-assessing the data gathered and developing a new more streamlined factsheet form of reporting for ease of use and interpretation of the data.
Updates to Course Paperwork
- Learner Registration Form - We have removed what was previously section C requesting club information from learners attending Level 2 qualifications. The updated form can be found here
- Qualification Registration Form - Amendment to when a cancellation fee will be charged. A fee will be incurred for courses cancelled less than 14 days prior to the start date if resources have been sent. This has been changed from 21 days and the updated form can be found here.
- Awarding Body Fees 2011/12 - Amendment to cancellation fee as above as well the addition of new fees for Recognised Prior Learning.
-
Level 1/Level 2 (QCF) Qualification Learner Registration Form- we no longer require this form to be submitted.
Helpers Certificate: Young people and volunteers who wish to assist on poolside can now undertake a new ASA qualification, appropriate for any aquatic environment. The ASA helpers certificate is now more suitable and accessible for volunteers in clubs and will provide an introduction to teaching and coaching as well as how to help a more senior coach or teacher and to be safe on poolside. Volunteers and young people should contact Francesca Kelly at Francesca.kelly@swimming.org and for more details about the qualification content and development, contact Colin Huffen at colin.huffen@swimming.org.
Institute of Swimming
Apprenticeships: There are currently 390 apprentices in learning across various apprenticeship programmes. The 4th cohort of AASE apprentices will be completing their studies over the next couple of months and a further 120 will attend an induction in early October to begin theirs. 25 Parkwood apprentices have now successfully completed their apprenticeships with recruitment for the second group of 50 now starting.
IoS Online: There are now around 11,500 individuals registered on the system, an amazing achievement given that it is barely a year into implementation. They are kept regularly updated on developments and further opportunities relevant to their stage of learning.
One particular area of focus is the varied choice of e-learning seminarswhich can be studied online. For example, teachers and coaches can get help with stroke analysis and improving strokes, club personnel can benefit from guidance on managing and motivating volunteers and AASE athletes are able to complete part of their studies via the website - all great examples of a blended learning approach.
The next phase of updates to the system being worked on include new and improved multiple booking choices, more comprehensive reporting including regional tabs to allow the regions more flexibility and recognition of international users.
Quality: The team are running 'Art of Feedback' seminars next month, which have been specifically designed for accredited tutors and IV's to offer support and effective feedback on UKCC courses. Run on 14th & 15th October here at SportPark, the seminars cost £10 so if you know of any tutors or IV's that haven't taken up this opportunity, please ask them to contact Adam Freundlich on 01509 640465.
Qualifications: The IoS have just awarded their first learner for the Level 2 Fitness Instructing (Aqua) from Active IQ awarding body. We have a number of learners now working through this programme as well as Aqua Circuits and Aqua Jogging REPS accredited CPDs. More REPS accredited CPDs will be coming soon following our attendance at a REPS Accredited training course.
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